But did you know that some people can actually flex this muscle voluntarily?
People were intrigued when Twitter userMassimoposted this fun fact.
When contracted, the tensor tympani causes a rumbling sound in the ear.
Photo:Stock Photosfrom Voyagerix/Shutterstock
If you’re feeling left out, don’t worry.
Many people experience the rumble when yawning or when their jaw or neck is tensed.
Many people who experience the rumbling were also delighted for the explanation.
What side of the storm do you fall on?
A part of the human population can voluntarily control the tensor tympani, a muscle within the ear.
Contracting this muscle produces vibration and sound.
Been able to do that forever and wiggle my ears independently.
Regrettably It doesnt attract women and I cant make money from it.
I learned how to control my ear rumbling when I was 4 or 5.
I play music with it.
It plays bass-lines wonderfully.
Sounds full and true.
I was a jazz-performance major in music school.
This ability has only improved and become more precise over time.
A Mark of a Different Color (@Dharmish56_II)March 1, 2020
I can do this!
Didn’t realise not everyone could.
Slightly crap super power, but I’ll take it!
Robert Downie-Blackwell (@DownieSeb)February 19, 2020
h/t: [IFL Science!]
