Hearing crackling or popping sounds in your ear can be annoying and sometimes worrying. These sounds can happen when you chew, yawn, or move your jaw, but if they happen often, it could point to a problem. There are several common reasons for crackling in the ear. Knowing what’s causing it can help you decide when it’s time to visit an audiologist for treatment.
Common Causes of Crackling in the Ear
Temporomandibular Joint and Muscle Disorder (TMJ)
The temporomandibular joint connects your jaw to your skull, and problems here can cause crackling sounds in your ear. TMJ disorder happens when the joint or muscles around it become inflamed, which can lead to pain, popping sounds, or difficulty moving your jaw. You might hear crackling when you open and close your mouth. An audiologist or a doctor can help diagnose and treat TMJ-related ear issues.
Impacted Ear Wax
Earwax comes out of the ear naturally, but at times it hardens and blocks part of the ear. The blockage may cause crackling and popping sounds. Impacted ear wax causes your hearing to go muffled, and it also causes discomfort or pain. An audiologist can safely remove the excess wax.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
The eustachian tube is a small passage that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat. It helps keep the pressure balanced in your ears. When this tube becomes blocked or doesn’t work well, it can cause a crackling sound. This often happens due to allergies, a cold, or sinus problems. ETD can make your ear feel full or clogged, and you might notice that the crackling sound gets worse when you swallow or yawn.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear condition where issues in the inner ear occur. It can cause feelings of pressure and ringing sensations in the ear or even crackling noises. It can cause dizziness and hearing loss.
Acute Otitis Media
The infection in the middle ear is known as acute otitis media. It causes fullness and pain, together with crackling sounds that begin inside the ears. If you suspect that you have had an ear infection, then it would be best to consult an audiologist for treatment.
Middle Ear Myoclonus (MEM)
Middle ear myoclonus is a rare condition where the muscles in the middle ear twitch or spasm. This twitching can cause crackling, clicking, or thumping sounds. The cause of MEM isn’t always clear, but it can be linked to stress or nerve issues. An audiologist can help diagnose this condition and suggest treatment options.
Crackling in Ear: When Is Ear Wax a Problem?
Sometimes, crackling sounds in your ear can be caused by a buildup of ear wax. Ear wax protects your ear from dirt and infections, but too much can cause problems. If the crackling sound is due to earwax, it’s important to know when to get help. If you feel like your hearing is blocked or you’re in pain, it’s best to see an audiologist.
What Causes Excess Ear Wax Buildup?
Several things can cause too much ear wax to build up in your ear. Some people naturally make more earwax than others. Using cotton swabs to clean your ears can push the wax deeper, making it harder to come out on its own. Wearing hearing aids or earbuds for long periods can also lead to ear wax buildup.
How Is Ear Wax Buildup Treated?
Doctors and audiologists have special tools to safely remove ear wax. They might use suction or small instruments to take out the wax. In some cases, ear drops are recommended to help soften the wax so it can be easily removed. While at-home treatments can work, it’s safer to have a doctor or audiologist do it, especially if you have a lot of ear wax.
How Can I Remove Ear Wax at Home?
If you want to try removing ear wax at home, there are a few options. Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften the wax, making it easier to come out. You can also try using a warm washcloth to wipe the outer ear. However, it’s important to never stick anything inside your ear canal, as this can push the wax in deeper or cause damage. If your symptoms don’t improve, it’s important to see a doctor.
Treating Crackling in Ear
Treating crackling in your ear depends on the cause. For earwax buildup, a doctor or audiologist can safely remove it. If the crackling is due to TMJ or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, you may need specific treatments like physical therapy or medications. In some cases, using hearing aids or wearing a mouthguard for TMJ can help reduce the sounds. For more serious conditions like Meniere’s disease or Middle Ear Myoclonus, treatment may involve seeing a specialist and getting medications or other therapies to control the symptoms.
Audiologists in Washington
Crackling sounds in your ear can be caused by a variety of issues, from ear wax buildup to more serious conditions like TMJ or ear infections. If the crackling persists or causes discomfort, it’s important to see an audiologist.
Audiologists at Link Audiology can help find the cause and suggest the best treatment options for crackling in the ears.
Schedule an appointment with the best audiologists in Silverdale and Vashon, WA, today!
