The sound of a crackling or popping in your ears can take you by surprise. Knowing what’s causing the noise is one way to ease any concerns that arise when you hear it. Let’s look at a few possible causes and how to manage them.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Your ears have thin canals called Eustachian tubes that drain fluid and equalize pressure between your ears and the environment. When the tubes get clogged due to inflammation or fluid buildup, or when air pressure changes quickly, you might hear a popping or crackling sound in the affected ear.
Eustachian tube dysfunction is often called airplane ear—because it’s a common symptom when taking off or landing on a flight. The sudden pressure change happens too fast for the tubes to keep up.
You can take the following steps to clear Eustachian tube dysfunction while flying:
- Hold your nostrils and your mouth closed; blow air into your closed nostrils.
- Chew gum
- Swallow a few times
Conditions that inflame the sinuses are likely to cause Eustachian tube dysfunction, and you will need to treat that underlying condition to clear the symptoms. Some common causes include allergies, colds and flu.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
TMJ disorders affect the joints on either side of your jaw. Because that joint sits near the ear, the clicking, popping or grinding sounds your jaw makes may sound like they’re coming from your ear.
Your dentist can help you manage TMJ disorders, often with a mouth guard or jaw exercises.
Earwax Buildup
Earwax usually moves out of your ears on its own, but sometimes it can become impacted. People who wear headphones or hearing aids, attempt to remove earwax with cotton swabs, have narrow ear canals or have dry or hard earwax are at greater risk of an earwax blockage.
You may hear popping or crackling from the wax when you move your jaw or tug on your ear.
If you suspect earwax is the culprit, we can examine your ear and remove the wax safely.
Schedule an Ear Exam
If you have a persistent crackling noise in your ear, schedule an appointment with Alpine Ear Nose & Throat PC. Our specialists can help you identify the underlying cause and find the best treatment path forward.