Hearing crackling, popping, or clicking sounds inside the ear, especially when swallowing, is a common experience. While often temporary and harmless, it can raise questions about its cause. This article explains the mechanisms behind these sounds and their common origins.
How the Ear Makes Sounds
The ear’s ability to produce sounds during actions like swallowing is due to the Eustachian tube. This narrow passage connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, specifically the nasopharynx. The tube’s role is to regulate air pressure within the middle ear, ensuring it matches external atmospheric pressure.
This pressure equalization is important for proper hearing and preventing discomfort. Normally, the Eustachian tube remains closed. However, actions such as swallowing, yawning, or chewing briefly open the tube. This allows air to move in or out of the middle ear, creating the crackling or popping sound as pressure adjusts.
Common Causes of Crackling
Several common situations can influence Eustachian tube function and lead to ear crackling when swallowing. Changes in ambient air pressure, such as during air travel, elevator rides, or scuba diving, make the Eustachian tube work harder to equalize pressure. This effort results in more noticeable crackling or popping sounds.
Temporary blockages or inflammation can also affect the tube. Conditions like the common cold, seasonal allergies, or sinus infections cause swelling and mucus buildup in the nasal passages and throat. This impedes the normal opening and closing of the Eustachian tube, leading to muffled hearing or a crackling sensation as air struggles to pass through. Earwax buildup, while not directly affecting the Eustachian tube, can also cause perceived ear sounds. Accumulated earwax may press against the eardrum or create a sensation interpreted as crackling, especially with jaw movements during swallowing.
When to See a Healthcare Professional
While ear crackling is benign, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare professional if the crackling is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by ear pain. These symptoms may indicate an underlying issue.
Seek medical advice for significant hearing loss alongside crackling. Ear discharge, whether clear, bloody, or pus-like, also warrants a prompt examination. If crackling is associated with dizziness (vertigo) or persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus), a medical diagnosis is important for proper identification and management.
Managing Ear Crackling
For crackling not indicative of a serious condition, several self-care techniques provide relief. Swallowing frequently, yawning widely, or chewing gum activates the muscles around the Eustachian tube, encouraging it to open and equalize pressure. These actions alleviate the crackling sound by promoting air movement.
A gentle Valsalva maneuver is also helpful: pinch nostrils shut, close the mouth, and gently attempt to exhale. This creates pressure that may open the Eustachian tubes. For crackling related to congestion, a doctor may recommend over-the-counter nasal sprays or decongestants to reduce swelling and improve Eustachian tube function. In cases where earwax buildup is the cause, professional earwax removal can resolve the issue.