Have you ever had a cold before? You may have experienced muffled or blocked hearing. Have you ever heard a crackling sound in your ear before? This is a common symptom that I hear from many of my patients. Patients often describe crackling as “Rice Krispies-like” noises in their ears. Continue reading to learn about the common causes and how to treat crackling in your ear at home.
What causes crackling in the ear
Crackling in the ears can be caused by many different things. Let’s start with the most common cause of ear crackling: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. A tube connects The middle ear to the sinuses and upper throat. This tube opens and shuts to equalize the pressure, drain fluid and prevent infection.
When the Eustachian tubes do not open and close properly, they can cause a feeling of a blockage in the ear, as well as a clicking, popping, or crackling sound. Patients may also experience ear discomfort, muffled or diminished hearing, and dizziness.
What causes Eustachian tube dysfunction
Eustachian tube dysfunction can be caused by:
Allergies
Cold or an ear infection
Air pollution and cigarette smoke are irritants
These conditions can cause inflammation or obstruction in the middle ear. Children are also more susceptible to ear infections due to their Eustachian tubes being more horizontal. This changes in adulthood, allowing better drainage of the middle ear cavity and sinus cavities.
Other causes include:
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder
Middle ear muscle spasms
Earwax buildup
An ENT will clean your ears if you have wax buildup or evaluate the health of the middle ear. The jaw muscles are near the ear. Any tension or injury in the joint or cartilage could affect the ear. A crackling noise can result. TMJ is characterized by pain and stiffness of the jaw.
Tinnitus with Ear Crackling
Tinnitus occurs when noises are present in your ear without any external stimuli. Tinnitus is different for each person. My patients have described it as buzzing, whooshing, clicking, or electrical powerline noises. You can have both tinnitus AND Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), with ETD causing an increase in your tinnitus volume. You should seek treatment for any condition worsening or causing your tinnitus.
If you have a middle ear or underlying infection, you should seek treatment before considering tinnitus control techniques. You’ll undergo a test hearing as part of the evaluation to determine if any medical conditions may contribute to your symptoms.
Home remedies for crackling in the ear
Several home remedies may alleviate the symptoms if you occasionally experience crackling in your ears.
Valsalva Maneuver
Follow these steps to perform the Valsalva maneuver.
Start by pinching the nose and closing your mouth. Then, forcefully exhale against your closed airway. This only takes a few moments and increases pressure in the chest and sinuses. This is only a temporary solution and should be used sparingly. Avoid this technique if you feel dizzy.
Over-the-counter decongestants or medications
Antihistamines and decongestants are available over-the-counter to help reduce congestion if you suffer from allergies. Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can provide relief for those who suffer from pain or pressure. If you find that over-the-counter products do not work or are used regularly, consult your doctor.
Nasal Spray
The nasal spray saline can be used to help clear sinuses. This can temporarily relieve those who suffer from allergies or mild congestion.
Manage Ear Wax
Mineral oil can help soften earwax if you tend to build up. In the shower, gently flush the ears with water. Anyone with an active eardrum, PE tubes, or Swimmer’s ears (otitis external) should consult a doctor regarding any concerns.
TMJ Exercises
Specific exercises can alleviate TMJ discomfort and pain and improve the crackling sound. Try gently massaging your jaw, stretching, or relaxing it. Click here to read more about exercises you can try.
What to Expect from a Doctor
Here are some of the most common causes of crackling. In some cases, however, the crackling may be due to something more serious, such as an infection, or tumor, that requires medical treatment. You should seek medical attention if your symptoms persist for more than two weeks despite using home remedies. In this case, it is essential to consult an ENT specialist who can diagnose the underlying condition and offer appropriate treatment options. The treatment may include antibiotics to treat an infection, steroids to treat allergies, or surgery to remove tumors or growths of the middle ear.
The conclusion of the article is
Crackling in the ear is familiar with many causes, depending on severity and duration. Milder cases are usually treated at home with hydration or relaxation techniques. However, more severe cases require a physician to determine if an infection or illness needs treatment. If your symptoms persist after two weeks of trying at-home remedies, you should consult a doctor to diagnose and treat the underlying cause.
