Hearing unusual sounds like creaking or popping in the ear is common. While these internal noises can cause concern, they often result from non-serious issues. Understanding the causes can help, as many instances of ear creaking are temporary and resolve naturally. This article explores common reasons for these sounds and offers management guidance.
How Your Ear Works
The ear has three main sections: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and channeled to the eardrum, which vibrates in response. These vibrations then transfer to three tiny bones in the middle ear—the malleus, incus, and stapes.
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. This tube maintains equal air pressure between the middle ear and the external environment, allowing the eardrum to vibrate freely. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or jaw joint, is also near the ear, and its movements can affect ear sensations.
Common Reasons for Ear Creaking
Several conditions can cause creaking or popping sounds in the ear. A frequent cause is Eustachian tube dysfunction, where the tubes do not open and close properly. This can result from inflammation or blockages due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections, leading to pressure imbalances. Blocked Eustachian tubes can also cause fluid to accumulate in the middle ear, producing crackling or popping noises as it moves. This fluid can become infected, leading to a middle ear infection, which often causes crackling sounds.
Earwax buildup is another common cause of internal ear noises. While earwax protects the ear canal, too much can block it or interfere with eardrum movement, causing crackling sounds, especially during jaw movements. Sometimes, tiny middle ear muscles, like the tensor tympani and stapedius, can spasm. This involuntary contraction, called middle ear myoclonus, can cause clicking, fluttering, thumping, or crackling as the eardrum vibrates.
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues can also cause ear sounds. The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull near the ear, so joint problems like stiffness or pain can result in perceived ear noises. Rapid changes in atmospheric pressure, such as during air travel, can also cause Eustachian tubes to open and close, leading to temporary popping or creaking sounds.
What You Can Do At Home
For minor ear creaking, especially from pressure changes or mild Eustachian tube issues, several home strategies can provide relief. Yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize middle ear pressure. These actions often resolve the crackling sensation.
Gently performing the Valsalva maneuver—closing your mouth, pinching your nostrils, and exhaling gently—can help pop your ears and relieve pressure. Inhaling steam can clear nasal passages, aiding in opening clogged Eustachian tubes and draining trapped fluid. Over-the-counter nasal flushes or decongestants may also reduce mucus and inflammation contributing to Eustachian tube dysfunction.
When to See a Doctor
While ear creaking is often harmless, certain symptoms warrant medical evaluation. Seek attention if creaking is persistent, worsens, or significantly impacts your life. Accompanying symptoms like ear pain, pressure, or fever could indicate an ear infection or other conditions.
A doctor’s visit is also recommended if you experience dizziness, vertigo, or hearing changes, including muffled hearing or hearing loss, with the creaking. Consult a healthcare provider if fluid drains from the ear, or if creaking began after an injury or infection. If home remedies don’t provide relief or symptoms recur frequently, a medical professional can diagnose the cause and recommend treatment.