The “weird noise in the ear when chewing” is a relatively common phenomenon that can manifest as clicks, pops, crackles, or muffled sounds. While often harmless, these sounds can be bothersome and may sometimes indicate an underlying issue. Understanding the connection between the structures involved in chewing and hearing can help clarify why these noises occur.
The Anatomy Behind the Sounds
The human ear and jaw are intricately linked, sharing a close anatomical relationship that can lead to various auditory sensations during jaw movement. A key structure involved is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the lower jawbone (mandible) to the skull, located just in front of the ear. This joint facilitates movements like chewing, speaking, and yawning, allowing the jaw to slide and hinge.
Adjacent to the TMJ are the Eustachian tubes, narrow passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat and nasal cavity. These tubes play a role in equalizing air pressure within the middle ear and draining fluid. Normally, the Eustachian tubes remain closed, opening briefly during actions such as swallowing, yawning, or chewing. The middle ear also contains tiny muscles, like the tensor tympani and stapedius, which attach to the small bones that transmit sound vibrations. These muscles can contract involuntarily, influencing the tension of the eardrum and the transmission of sound.
Common Causes of Ear Noises While Chewing
Several factors can contribute to the clicks, pops, and other noises heard in the ear during chewing, often stemming from issues with the interconnected structures of the jaw and ear.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is a frequent cause of these auditory sensations. If these tubes do not open or close properly due to inflammation, blockage from allergies, colds, or sinus infections, pressure changes can occur, leading to clicking, popping, or crackling sounds. When the tubes remain persistently open, a condition known as patulous Eustachian tube, individuals might hear their own breathing or chewing sounds more audibly.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can also produce ear noises. The TMJ is located very close to the ear canal, and problems with this joint, such as inflammation or damage to the cartilage disc, can result in audible clicks, pops, or grinding sounds that are perceived in the ear. These sounds may occur with or without accompanying pain and can be a common complaint for those with TMJ issues.
Excessive earwax buildup within the ear canal can also contribute to muffled sounds or noises when chewing. If earwax accumulates or becomes impacted, it can create a blockage that produces crackling or popping sounds as the jaw moves and shifts the wax. This can occur if earwax is inadvertently pushed deeper into the ear canal, for instance, by cotton swabs.
Rarely, involuntary spasms of the tiny muscles in the middle ear, known as middle ear myoclonus (MEM), can generate clicking or thumping sounds. The tensor tympani and stapedius muscles, which help dampen sound intensity, can contract spasmodically, leading to fluttering, buzzing, or clicking noises. This condition, while uncommon, can cause objective tinnitus, meaning the sound might be audible to others.
When to Consult a Doctor
While ear noises during chewing are often benign, certain accompanying symptoms or persistent issues warrant medical evaluation.
- It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if the ear noises are accompanied by pain, such as earaches or jaw pain.
- Persistent changes in hearing, including muffled hearing or noticeable hearing loss, should also prompt a doctor’s visit.
- Other concerning symptoms include dizziness or vertigo, which can indicate more significant ear or balance issues.
- The presence of constant or worsening tinnitus, a ringing or buzzing in the ears, also suggests the need for professional assessment.
- Facial swelling or tenderness, particularly around the jaw, along with the ear noises, can point to underlying conditions requiring diagnosis.
- If the noise is severe, constant, or significantly interferes with daily life, seeking medical advice is important.
Relief and Management Strategies
Managing ear noises associated with chewing often involves a combination of home remedies and, when necessary, professional medical treatments tailored to the underlying cause.
Home Remedies
Yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can help to open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure in the middle ear, potentially alleviating popping or crackling sounds. A gentle Valsalva maneuver, performed by taking a deep breath, pinching the nostrils closed, and blowing air out through the nose with a closed mouth, can also help clear plugged ears. Applying warm compresses to the jaw can relax muscles and reduce discomfort. Avoiding hard or chewy foods can lessen jaw strain and reduce ear noises.
Professional Interventions
For ETD, medical approaches include nasal decongestants or steroid nasal sprays to reduce inflammation and improve tube function. For chronic ETD, ear tubes might be placed to equalize pressure and drain fluid. For TMJ disorders, treatments range from physical therapy and mouthguards to manage jaw alignment and reduce teeth grinding, to pain management. Lifestyle adjustments, like stress reduction, can also help TMJ symptoms.
For earwax buildup, professional cleaning is often the safest and most effective method to remove excessive or impacted wax. Attempting to remove wax with cotton swabs can inadvertently push it deeper, worsening the issue. In rare cases of middle ear muscle spasms, specific medications or exercises might be considered, with more invasive treatments explored if conservative measures fail. The most suitable management strategy depends on an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause, which a doctor can determine after a thorough examination.