Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode explores the bizarre internet subculture of ear rumbling, a phenomenon where individuals can voluntarily contract their tensor tympani muscle to create a sound in their heads resembling a drumroll or underwater rushing. The host discovers a dedicated subreddit called Ear Rumblers Assemble, where thousands express relief at finding out they are not alone in possessing this hidden physical trait. Consulting medical professionals and otolaryngologists, the hosts uncover the mechanics behind the ear's smallest bones and muscles, examine how online communities help bring visibility to obscure physiological conditions, and even create custom audio simulations so non-rumblers can experience what the sound is like.
Hosts introduce the episode and acknowledge the podcast sponsor.
A brief promotion for Lululemon’s new fall collection.
Hosts learn about the subreddit and the ear rumbling phenomenon.
They meet a doctor who confirms ear rumbling is real and discuss clinical perspective.
Explanation of the tensor tympani muscle and how it produces rumbling sound.
Discussion on the prevalence, safety, and research opportunities for ear rumblers.
Hosts wrap up, share final thoughts, and thank the audience.
Discovering the Ear Rumblers Subredditstory
The host shares a surprising discovery about a Reddit community dedicated to people who can control a tiny muscle in their ears to produce a sound like a drumroll.
A Party Trick Kept Secretinsight
The hosts discuss how ear rumbling is a unique party trick that is entirely internal, meaning nobody else can hear it when you perform it.
Using Ear Rumbling as Protectionstory
An otolaryngologist explains how he first noticed the ability as a kid when trying to dampen the loud sound of an electric guitar amplifier.
Estimating Rumbler Population Numbersdata
An otolaryngologist estimates that between 10% and 40% of the world's population can ear rumble, though precise studies are difficult to conduct.
Medical Perspective on Rumblinginsight
A specialist notes that most people who can do it experience it as a unique and benign trait rather than a medical concern.
Subreddits Creating Medical Breakdownsinsight
The hosts point out that internet communities, such as a community formed around the inability to burp, have previously driven genuine medical research and diagnosis.
Simulating the Ear Rumbling Soundstrategy
The show's sound designer creates an audio simulation so that people who cannot ear rumble can understand what the sensation sounds like.
“I remember telling my boss, "It'll be good for the brand," when leads were slow.”
“The subreddit they were talking about is called Ear Rumblers Assemble. Let's go to the subreddit for a second.”
“People were coming to me saying, "I have this strange sound."”
Ben can make a roaring, rumbling sound with his ears that no one else can hear. He never thought much about it — whether only he could do this, or whether everyone could do this — until he discovered a subreddit called Ear Rumblers Assemble: a whole community devoted to the mysterious and understudied ability to voluntarily tense one of the miniscule muscles in our ears. We go into Ben's ear with Dr. Anand Devaiah, and raise questions about how everyone experiences the world differently and the enduring mysteries of the human body. Show notes: r/earrumblersassemble (Reddit https://www.reddit.com/r/earrumblersassemble/top/?screen_view_count=10&t=month) Thanks to Reddit, a New Diagnosis Is Bubbling Up Across the Nation (KFF Health News https://kffhealthnews.org/news/cannot-burp-belch-syndrome-botox-esophagus-injection/) This episode was produced by Grace Tatter and edited by Dave Shaw. It was co-hosted by Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson. Mix and sound design by Paul Vaitkus.
5,092 words · 8 speakers
Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.
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