Experiencing a clicking sound in your ear when you chew is a common phenomenon. This sensation, often described as a pop, click, or crackle, can be unsettling. While frequently harmless, it can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Understanding the reasons behind this sound can provide clarity and help determine if further steps are needed.
Understanding the Mechanisms and Common Reasons
The ear clicking sound often originates from the Eustachian tubes or the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Eustachian tubes are narrow passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, equalizing air pressure and draining fluid. They open during actions like yawning, swallowing, or chewing, which can produce a clicking or popping noise as air enters the middle ear.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) occurs when these tubes do not open or close properly, leading to fullness, muffled hearing, or clicking sounds. Common triggers include allergies, colds, and sinus infections, which can cause inflammation or mucus buildup, blocking the tubes. Changes in altitude, such as during air travel, can also affect Eustachian tube function.
Another frequent source of ear clicking is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects your jawbone to your skull. This joint acts as a hinge, enabling movements essential for chewing, speaking, and yawning. Problems with the TMJ, known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD), can cause clicking, popping, or grinding sounds when the jaw moves. These sounds may result from issues like a displaced cartilage disc, arthritis, or muscle tension. Jaw clenching, teeth grinding (bruxism), or excessive gum chewing can contribute to TMD.
Other factors can also lead to ear clicking. Earwax accumulation can become lodged in the ear canal or cover the eardrum, producing crackling or popping sounds, especially when moving the jaw. This can happen if earwax is pushed deeper into the canal by objects like cotton swabs. Muscle spasms around the ear or jaw can also generate these sounds.
When to Consult a Professional
While occasional ear clicking is often harmless, certain accompanying symptoms indicate a need for professional evaluation. Seek medical attention if the clicking is accompanied by persistent pain in the jaw, ear, or head. Difficulty opening or closing the mouth, or a locked jaw, also warrant consultation with a doctor or dentist.
Other concerning symptoms include ringing in the ears (tinnitus) or changes in hearing. Dizziness or vertigo, along with ear clicking, warrants a visit to a healthcare provider. If the clicking becomes more frequent, worsens, or significantly impacts daily activities like eating or speaking, professional guidance is recommended. Any ear discharge accompanying the clicking should prompt immediate medical assessment.
Strategies for Relief and Management
Managing ear clicking often involves self-care techniques, particularly for Eustachian tube issues. Simple actions like yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can help equalize pressure in the middle ear by opening the Eustachian tubes. The Valsalva maneuver, which involves gently blowing air out while holding your nose and keeping your mouth closed, can also help clear blocked tubes. Saline nasal sprays can reduce congestion contributing to Eustachian tube dysfunction.
For temporomandibular joint issues, adopting a soft-food diet can reduce jaw muscle strain. Applying warm compresses to the jaw can help relax tense muscles. Stress reduction techniques are also beneficial, as stress can contribute to jaw clenching and grinding. Gentle jaw exercises, such as controlled opening and closing or side-to-side movements, can improve jaw mobility and reduce clicking.
When self-care methods do not provide sufficient relief, professional interventions may be considered. A doctor might prescribe nasal sprays containing decongestants or corticosteroids for Eustachian tube dysfunction. For TMJ disorders, a dentist or TMJ specialist may suggest mouthguards to prevent teeth grinding and clenching, or recommend physical therapy. Procedures like earwax removal, or surgical options for severe ETD or TMJ conditions, may also be recommended.