Eardrum vibrates | Eardrum

Eardrum vibrates

It is part of the regular function of the eardrum that it is set into vibration and oscillation by sound waves. Normally, these vibrations are not noticeable. However, in the context of certain diseases, symptoms such as noticeable vibration, humming and other disturbing noises in the ear can occur.

The causes can be anatomical malformations, inflammation of the eardrum and middle ear or tinnitus.Sometimes pressure fluctuations can also be a trigger, especially if you have a cold and the mucous membranes are swollen at the same time. Because of the swelling, such pressure differences can no longer be compensated for so well and the impression can arise that the eardrum vibrates with even the slightest movement. Except in the case of a cold, an ear, nose and throat doctor should be consulted as early as possible, since symptoms of this kind usually only increase over time. A cold, on the other hand, is usually cured after ten to fourteen days, which is accompanied by a decrease in vibration.

Medical Diagnostics

Otoscopes are a simple and quickly available means of diagnosing possible eardrum or middle ear diseases. They consist of a handle, an ear funnel and a light source which can be inserted into the ear. Another diagnostic tool is tympanometry, which can be used to check the function of the eardrum and middle ear.

Here, pressure fluctuations are generated just before the eardrum, i.e. alternating positive and negative pressures. These are ultimately reflected by the eardrum and registered by a probe. The measured values can then be used to calculate the stiffness or compliance of the eardrum. The result of this is the so-called tympanogram, which can, for example, show the pressure in the middle ear or the accumulation of fluid in it.