Popping and crackling sounds in the ear usually resemble the noise made by puffed rice cereal. Although bothersome, the sound can be painless and can be caused by non-serious factors.
However, some more serious conditions can result in clicking or cracking sounds in the ear, which may need to be examined by a professional. If you or a loved one is experiencing these sounds, this guide looks at the different factors that could be causing them and what you can do about them.
Causes of Crackling or Clicking Sounds in Your Ear
Clicking or crackling sounds could be an indication of something going on inside the ear. Some of the common causes of these sounds include the following:
Ear Barotrauma
This is a minor issue usually caused by changes in air pressure. You may experience ear barotrauma during activities like flying in an airplane or scuba diving. In such cases, the condition often resolves itself without any additional issues.
Buildup of Earwax
Earwax buildup can also cause a crackling and clicking sound in the ear. Although earwax is often considered dirty, it plays a crucial role in keeping the ear lubricated and protected from infections. It also helps to trap dust and debris. While the ears are capable of removing the earwax naturally, sometimes it can become lodged in the ear canal leading to blockage.
In other cases, the ear may produce too much earwax, leading to a buildup. Also, using incorrect cleaning methods, such as cotton swabs, can push the earwax deeper into the ear, causing you to feel the cracking sounds, usually when moving your jaw.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the upper throat and the back of the nose. It usually remains closed but opens during actions such as yawning, swallowing, or chewing.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction occurs when the eustachian tube fails to open or close correctly. This can be caused by allergies, sinus infections, growths in the nasal passage, or structural issues. The dysfunction can subsequently result in crackling or clicking sounds in the ear.
Middle Ear Infection
Middle ear infections of otitis media occur when the eustachian tube becomes obstructed and prevents fluid from draining. This accumulation of fluid can result in an infection and cause popping, crackling, or clicking sounds. Individuals with middle ear infections may also experience symptoms such as fever, ear pain, inflammation, hearing loss, and even swelling. Children are more prone to middle ear infections than adults.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus can take many forms, including Middle Ear Myoclonus (MEM), a rare condition caused by spasms in the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles. There are various causes of tinnitus, including inner ear damage or neurological disorders.
Spasms of the Stapedius muscles can result in a crackling or buzzing noise, while spasms of the tensor tympani muscles can lead to a popping sound. These sounds can occur in one or both ears and may vary in intensity and pitch among individuals. Symptoms may also include irregular or rhythmic patterns.
The causes of MEM are not clearly known. However, it has been commonly associated with congenital factors such as acoustic trauma or other tremors like hemifacial spasms.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorder
The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. It is found on both sides of the head and is close to the ear.
Damage to this joint or erosion of the cartilage can contribute to a TMJ disorder. This can manifest as popping, clicking, or crackling sounds near the ear when opening the mouth or during chewing. In some cases, this may also be accompanied by pain.
Other common symptoms of TMJ disorders include muscle stiffness in the jaw, reduced jaw movement, and jaw locking.
How Are the Crackling and Clicking Sounds Diagnosed
If you have crackling and clicking sounds in your ear, it is important to see an audiologist to determine the underlying condition.
During the diagnosis, the doctor will inquire about your medical history and conduct a thorough physical assessment, which will also involve inspecting your ears, jaw, and throat. The audiologist may also suggest imaging tests such as CT and MRI scans or a hearing test to assess any hearing loss associated with middle ear infections or other conditions.
Complementary tests, such as tympanometry, which assesses the movement of the eardrum and is offered at the London Hearing Clinic, may also be conducted to diagnose the cause of the clicking and crackling sounds.
Treatment for Popping, Crackling, or Clicking Sounds in Your Ear
The treatment of the crackling sound in your ears will depend on the diagnosis and the underlying condition determined. Some common options include:
Earwax removal
We can offer services such as micro suction ear wax removal to help remove earwax and clear any blockages that could be interfering with the normal functioning of the ear. This method of earwax removal is effective and painless and also allows us to assess the integrity of other structures in the ear when cleaning.
Antibiotics
If the crackling sounds are caused by an infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics to help fight the infection and ultimately restore normal ear function.
Allergy Medication
For cases caused by allergens, allergy medications such as decongestants can help alleviate any ear congestion and popping sounds while allowing your body to heal from the allergic reaction. The medication can also reduce inflammation and other effects that could contribute to the cracking sounds.
Placement of Ear Tubes
In severe cases, ear tubes may be placed to alleviate pressure and drain fluid from your ear. The ear tubes are placed in the inner ear into your ear drums. These tubes also help to open up the Eustachian tubes using a small balloon catheter to address Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Understanding the cause of crackling sounds in your ear is important in determining whether the condition is serious. While some cases are not serious and resolve with time, others require medical attention and, if not attended to, could result in hearing loss.