Crackling in the ears can be annoying. Sometimes it is alarming, but it is usually harmless. If the frequency is alarming, people with frequent or severe symptoms should speak to their doctor.
Common Causes of Crackling in the Ear
Earwax
Earwax is a natural substance found in your ears that serves as a lubricant and protective layer from external dirt. However, too much earwax can cause problems.
It could make crackling noises when a person is chewing or moving their jaw. Using cotton swabs to clean earwax may also trigger crackling in the ear.
Clogged Eustachian Tubes or Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
You have tiny tubes in your ears that connect your ears and your sinuses. These tubes help keep the pressure and fluid in your inner and middle ear at the right level.
If you have allergies, a cold, sinus infections, or polyps or tumors in your nose, these tubes may not be able to open or close properly. This can cause ear popping or what we commonly refer to as crackling in the ears.
Middle ear infections
Children are more likely to have middle ear infections than adults. This is because the eustachian tubes, which drain fluid, can get blocked. When this happens, the fluid can build up and become infected. This will cause crackling in the ears.
Middle ear myoclonus
MEM is a type of tinnitus that is different from most types. It is caused by a spasm in the tiny muscles in your ear. One of two tiny muscles will shake and make your eardrum vibrate. This will cause you to hear a crackling, buzzing, or clicking noise.
Temporomandibular joint problems
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the connection between your jaw and the rest of your head. This joint is located literally next to your ears.
A problem with the TMJ can cause hearing strange noises, such as crackling in the ears. You may have a TMJ disorder if you have crackling in your ears along with pain in your jaw.
Is crackling in The ears a serious condition?
Crackling in the ear may mean many different things. Infections, tumors near the eardrums, and lack of moisture can all cause this problem.
People often hear strange sounds coming from their ears because of too much wax. When our ears have too much wax, it blocks the sound waves from entering the canal, which causes weird popping or crackling noises.
If you experience pain, pressure, headaches, or fever in combination with the crackling sound, you should reach out for medical advice.
These are all signs of a more serious problem, like an ear infection. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to permanent hearing loss.
If you think there might be a problem with your hearing, but you’re not sure what it is, go see an audiologist as soon as possible. An audiologist can help figure out what’s going on with your hearing and give you an accurate diagnosis.
How do I stop crackling in the ears?
The ear is a complex organ that can be damaged by loud noises or infections. If your ears start to hurt, ring, or pop, it is time to see a doctor.
Audiologists and hearing healthcare professionals can prescribe treatments that will suit your needs and provide relief from your symptoms.
Will crackling in the ears go away?
Some people can’t bear the sound of crackling in the ears. While it’s usually temporary and harmless, this sound is really annoying for some individuals.
If it’s bothering you a lot, you should take it seriously to avoid making your condition worse.
In some cases, crackling in the ears may go away on its own. However, if the crackling sounds are progressing in volume and frequency, it is best to see a doctor to determine any underlying condition and get the necessary treatment right away.
Diagnosing Crackling in the Ear
If you’re experiencing crackling in your ears, it’s best to speak with a doctor about the issue. If this happens frequently or severely then they might be able to diagnose what is causing them through a series of tests.
There are many other potential causes of crackling in the ears including impacted wax buildup due, Eustachian tube dysfunction, and more.
If you’re experiencing crackling in your ears, it is important to get medical consultation in order to diagnose the cause.
Audiologists will often conduct an exam and take a history of medical conditions like hearing loss or infection before moving on to more advanced testing like CT scans as necessary for an accurate diagnosis.
Getting a correct diagnosis is essential in getting the correct treatment of crackling in the ear.
Best Audiologists in Sugar Land, TX
Even if you’ve been hearing your ears pop and crack for a long time, that doesn’t mean you’re too old to have a problem with them. Our ears deteriorate as we age, which is why you should get regular hearing tests as you get older.
Fort Bend Hearing offers world-class hearing care in Sugar Land, TX to ensure that your hearing health is always at its prime, no matter your age or hearing concerns.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
