Ear clicking, often described as popping, crackling, or thumping, is a common auditory sensation that many people experience at some point. While frequently benign and temporary, it can sometimes indicate an underlying condition. Understanding the various causes of these sounds can help determine when medical attention might be needed.
Ear Clicking from Pressure and Tube Function
The Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, plays a role in equalizing air pressure. This tube normally remains closed, opening during actions like yawning or swallowing to allow air to enter or exit, which can produce a “popping” sound.
When the Eustachian tube does not function properly, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) can occur. This dysfunction can result from blockages or inflammation, often caused by colds, allergies, or sinus infections, leading to sensations of fullness, muffled hearing, and clicking or popping sounds. Fluid can also accumulate in the middle ear, a condition called serous otitis media or otitis media with effusion, which is more common in children and can cause popping or crackling sounds, especially after a cold. Rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, such as those experienced during air travel or diving, can also temporarily impair Eustachian tube function, leading to ear clicking.
Ear Clicking from Muscles and Joints
Ear clicking can also originate from involuntary muscle spasms or issues within the jaw joint. Middle ear myoclonus (MEM) involves spasms of the tiny muscles within the middle ear. These spasms can produce rapid clicking, thumping, or crackling sounds.
Disorders of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jaw to the skull, can cause sounds perceived in or near the ear. The close proximity of the TMJ to the ear means that misalignment or dysfunction in this joint can result in clicking or popping during jaw movements like chewing, talking, or yawning. These sounds may or may not be accompanied by pain around the jaw, ear, or temple.
Other Physical Causes of Ear Clicking
Other physical factors can contribute to ear clicking. An accumulation of excessive earwax can sometimes cause clicking or rustling sounds. This occurs as the wax shifts within the ear canal or presses against the eardrum.
Foreign objects lodged in the ear canal can also lead to clicking. Additionally, a condition known as Patulous Eustachian Tube (PET) can cause ear sounds. Unlike ETD where the tube is blocked, in PET, the Eustachian tube remains abnormally open, allowing internal sounds such as one’s own breathing or voice to be heard, which some individuals describe as clicking or popping.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While ear clicking is often harmless, certain symptoms accompanying it warrant medical evaluation. Persistent clicking should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Other concerning signs include pain, a sudden or significant change in hearing, or a feeling of dizziness or imbalance.
Additional red flag symptoms include tinnitus (ringing in the ears), discharge from the ear, or facial weakness. If ear clicking occurs after a head injury or is bothersome enough to interfere with daily activities or sleep, seeking a diagnosis is important to rule out underlying conditions.
Strategies for Addressing Ear Clicking
Addressing ear clicking depends on its underlying cause. For pressure-related clicking, self-care techniques can be effective. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure. A gentle Valsalva maneuver, performed by pinching the nose, closing the mouth, and gently blowing, can also help “pop” the ears.
When medical intervention is necessary, treatment varies by diagnosis. Earwax removal can resolve clicking. Decongestants or antihistamines may be prescribed for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction to reduce inflammation and clear blockages. For TMJ disorders, physical therapy or dental devices might be recommended. In rare cases of middle ear myoclonus, medications or surgical procedures to address muscle spasms may be considered.