Many people occasionally experience their own chewing sounds with unusual loudness. This often benign phenomenon can be distracting. This article clarifies why some individuals perceive internal sounds distinctly, explaining the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors.
Understanding the Sound Within
Autophony is the medical term for perceiving one’s own bodily sounds, like chewing or voice, as unusually loud. Sound reaches the inner ear via two pathways: air and bone conduction.
Air conduction involves sound waves entering the ear canal and vibrating the eardrum. These vibrations transmit through middle ear bones to the inner ear, converting to electrical signals for the brain. This is our primary way of hearing external sounds.
Bone conduction involves vibrations passing directly through skull bones to the inner ear, bypassing outer and middle ear structures. Chewing vibrations from the jaw and teeth travel directly to the cochlea. Our own voice sounds different because we hear it through both air and bone conduction.
Amplified chewing sounds occur when normal bone-conducted vibrations are perceived more loudly. This happens if the ear’s natural dampening mechanisms, which regulate internal sound loudness, are disrupted or less effective.
Why You Hear Yourself Chewing
Several factors can contribute to amplified chewing sounds. A common cause is Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), affecting the tube connecting the middle ear to the throat. This tube normally equalizes pressure and drains fluid. If blocked or abnormally open (patulous Eustachian tube), internal body sounds can become amplified.
Excessive earwax buildup can block the ear canal, creating an “occlusion effect.” This traps sound vibrations, reflecting them back towards the eardrum, amplifying internal sounds like chewing and one’s own voice.
Fluid accumulation in the middle ear, often from allergies, colds, or infections, can alter sound conduction. This fluid changes how vibrations transmit, muffling external sounds while amplifying internal ones. It can also interfere with the eardrum and small bones that transmit sound.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues, affecting the jaw joint near the ear, can influence ear function. TMJ problems can cause inflammation or misalignment, potentially leading to referred sensations or affecting adjacent ear structures. The jaw joint’s proximity means chewing movements can directly transmit vibrations to the auditory system.
Sinus congestion and allergies can indirectly affect ear pressure, amplifying internal sounds. Swelling and inflammation in nasal passages and sinuses can impede Eustachian tube function, leading to middle ear pressure imbalances. These changes make internal sounds more prominent. Less common causes include sudden weight loss, which can lead to a patulous Eustachian tube due to decreased surrounding tissue.
When to Consult a Doctor
While hearing your own chewing can be temporary and harmless, persistent or worsening amplified chewing sensations warrant medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if this occurs, as it may indicate an underlying issue.
Seek medical advice if you experience additional symptoms alongside loud chewing sounds: ear pain, dizziness, vertigo, balance issues, or decreased hearing. These may indicate more significant ear conditions or other health concerns.
Any ear discharge, bleeding, or symptoms significantly interfering with daily life or sleep patterns warrant a medical consultation. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause and recommend treatment. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and provide effective relief.
Finding Relief
Managing amplified chewing sounds often involves addressing underlying factors, though general strategies provide comfort. Staying well-hydrated can support ear health. For allergies, avoiding known allergens may reduce ear congestion. Stress management can also be beneficial, as stress can exacerbate physical symptoms.
For common causes, home-based approaches might offer temporary relief. If earwax buildup is suspected, over-the-counter softening drops can help, but avoid inserting objects into the ear canal. Nasal saline rinses can alleviate congestion from colds or allergies, potentially improving Eustachian tube function. For TMJ issues, gentle jaw exercises or avoiding excessive chewing on hard foods might reduce symptoms.
Medical interventions for amplified chewing sounds vary depending on the diagnosed cause. Treatment might include medications like decongestants or antihistamines to reduce inflammation and improve Eustachian tube function. For significant earwax impaction, a healthcare professional can safely remove the excess wax. For complex or persistent issues, other procedures or, in rare instances, surgery might be considered.