?

Can you flex this muscle in an isolated fashion?

  1. Yes, I can.

    6 vote(s)
    66.7%
  2. No, I can't.

    3 vote(s)
    33.3%
  1. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    Tensor Tympani muscle

    Discussion in 'The Lounge' started by Wreybies, Feb 20, 2017.

    You know the low, muted rumble inside your ear that happens when you yawn? This sound is created by the tensor tympani muscle. Some people (myself included) can flex this muscle voluntarily, by itself, without any kind of yawn or tensing or opening of the jaw at all. If I do it lightly, it just makes a clicking sound. If I flex it with more force, it makes that low, muted rumble.

    I didn't know it was something that not everyone can do.

    Can you?

    [​IMG]
     
  2. ChickenFreak

    ChickenFreak Contributor Contributor

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    Yes. Assuming I understand the question.

    Is this the same as "voluntary control of the soft palate"? The description is exactly the same, but that's what I was told it was called. I was told that most singers can do this--that it somehow helps with singing--but that the majority of other people can't. (No, I can't sing.)

    I was always confused by the advice to chew gum, or swallow, to "pop" your ears in a plane. I always wondered, "Uh, why not just pop them?" I didn't realize that it wasn't something that most people can just do voluntarily.
     
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  3. Wreybies

    Wreybies Thrice Retired Supporter Contributor

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    I don't know if it's one and the same with the soft palate deal - could well be if that's what the phenomenon is actually called - but your anecdote concerning popping one's ears via this internal control mechanism tells me that, yes, you and I are defo talking about the same thing. :)

    ETA: Like you, despite the ability to control this muscle, I cannot sing to save my life. :whistle: :-D
     
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  4. matwoolf

    matwoolf Banned Contributor

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    I think it's just a gym thing. You probably had quite nice little ears beforehand. Common enough with those athletes and their big flappy ears. Maybe back off with the training?
     
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  5. SethLoki

    SethLoki Retired Autodidact Contributor

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    Yeah, but with your 'ability'... while we put up with Capt. Caveman; you could have your wailing be as spellbinding as Carmen to you. Envious.
     
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  6. Homer Potvin

    Homer Potvin A tombstone hand and a graveyard mind Staff Supporter Contributor

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    (sitting here trying to flex my inner ears)

    Nope. I have no idea what that even is.

    (resuming attempt)
     
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  7. SimpleReason

    SimpleReason Member

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    I really thought it was just a normal thing that everyone can do.

    Woo

    Time to pat myself in the back :cool:
     
  8. NigeTheHat

    NigeTheHat Contributor Contributor

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    I cannot do this. I had no idea that anyone could.

    I swear, somewhere out there is a person thinking there must be a really good reason everyone walks rather than just flying, so they'd better walk too, just to be safe.
     
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  9. Bill Chester

    Bill Chester Active Member

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    Only in the right ear.

    When I was in college, I developed an involuntary twitch in my right outer ear. Hmm, maybe a thread on ridiculous twitches and mannerisms...
     
  10. Iain Aschendale

    Iain Aschendale Lying, dog-faced pony Marine Supporter Contributor

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    I can, didn't know people couldn't until today. Can't sing for shit though.
     
  11. Arcadeus

    Arcadeus Senior Member

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    Can only sing specific types of music. I can flex each individually or together. I had surgical tubes in my ears as a child though so I wouldn't be deaf.
     
  12. Quanta

    Quanta Senior Member

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    Yay! I have a talent!
    ETA: I wouldn't losing it it my tinitus also went away.
     
    Last edited: Mar 5, 2017

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