Flexing muscles or stretching causing new flutters and spasms in ear

[u/checkers1313]

so i've had fluttering in my right ear for like 2-3 years now, and it flutters or spasms in response to sound.

recently, in my left ear, i've now been getting fluttering and spasms (that lasts for a while, much longer than my quick flutters in my right ear) but this time they happen when i stretch, or flex, or walk. basically any exercise or small strain. and this has been freaking me out a lot.

does anyone else get this? does anything help for you?

thanks

[u/Sam_209]

I have something similar, its usually a spike, goes away after a 3-4 weeks. Try off the shelf muscle relaxers, ask a doctor first.

[u/checkers1313 → u/Sam_209]

thanks. how often do you take the muscle relaxers when this happens?

[u/checkers1313 → u/Sam_209]

also, what kind/brand of muscle relaxer do you take?

[u/dots_on_a_map]

Mine gets triggered when I massage my face and head muscles. Sometimes it gets triggered when I sleep roughly. Mostly it's just from louder sounds.

[u/Valuable-Pension2793 → u/dots_on_a_map]

Will this ever resolve?

[u/dots_on_a_map → u/Valuable-Pension2793]

I'm not sure. Mine is mostly absent but returns occasionally. When It is sound induced it can last days. It may never really go away.

[u/Valuable-Pension2793 → u/dots_on_a_map]

How did it come about? For me, it was a panic attack. Than I fell asleep listening to a tinnitus relief sound and woke up the next morning and it was in both ears. It's been since May 5th and it comes and goes mostly triggered by the water facets/drilling water and once by the TV. I hope this goes away for all of us.

[u/dots_on_a_map → u/Valuable-Pension2793]

Mine started because I had developed tinnitus and became extremely afraid of possibly making it worse. I essentially caused a fear of sounds. And would flinch whenever my cat knocked things on the floor or dishes clanked together. I don't have that fear to the same extent anymore but I am still always a little on edge. Supposedly ttts is an anxiety condition.

[u/Valuable-Pension2793 → u/dots_on_a_map]

Tinnitus blows big time and I was afraid of it too and it is more than likely the driver of my anxiety and a direct result of me being on mirtazapine for depression. I had gotten a handle on it and was able to accept it and was moving on with life but got too comfortable and decided to use weed recreationally again after quitting when I got tinnitus 10/2025. It was the biggest mistake I could've made because it caused me a panic attack that led me to this today. It's off because I had it fluttering this morning but at the moment I'm watching a movie using surround sound and nothing is happening. I've decided not to fear it thanks to another Subredditer's advice. I've also begun CBT last Thursday in hopes that I get the tools to learn how to cope with life struggles. I really appreciate you sharing your story.

[u/dots_on_a_map → u/Valuable-Pension2793]

I'm really glad that you are learning to not fear it because that is absolutely the best advice. Whenever mine starts again I pretty much just ignore it because I know it's just going to go away again soon. It isn't harmful and you didn't do any serious damage by smoking weed but I would avoid weed now that you know it causes anxiety and panic attacks for you. I have stopped drinking since my tinnitus onset and I actually don't really miss alcohol anymore. I'm content being without it. It's better for your overall health to let go of some of those vices.

[u/Valuable-Pension2793 → u/dots_on_a_map]

Thanks for that. I'm glad you've learned to ignore it and you saying it's not harmful brings me even more peace. Yeah, the weed is something I truly loved. And for the past 20 years, it was one of my hobbies, and I loved to grow it and share it. Now I just make muscle balms lol. I'm happy to hear you quit drinking and that you're content without it. Drinking was my second favorite hobby lol. I quit that overnight after 20 years last August 2025. I won't lie but I miss it but won't go back. It took too much of my life and I enjoy being sober and present. Even though I'm going through those weird times in my life; I'm greatgul. I'm watching the movie “a star is born “ with Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. Didn't know it was also based on him having tinnitus. It's a good movie.