A clicking sound in the ear is common and can range from a minor annoyance to a symptom of an underlying issue. These sounds, often described as popping, crackling, or snapping, arise from various mechanisms within the ear or surrounding structures. While often benign, persistent or accompanied clicking sounds may warrant further investigation. This article explores common and less common causes of ear clicking, outlines when medical consultation is advisable, and provides self-care strategies for relief.
Common Causes of Ear Clicking
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
One frequent reason for ear clicking is Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). The Eustachian tubes are narrow passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, equalizing air pressure and draining fluid. Normally, these tubes remain closed, opening briefly during actions like swallowing or yawning to maintain balanced pressure across the eardrum.
When these tubes become blocked or do not open and close properly, due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections, air pressure imbalances occur. This dysfunction can lead to a feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, and characteristic clicking or popping sounds as the tubes attempt to equalize pressure. ETD is common, affecting about 4% of adults globally.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the jawbone to the skull, located near the ear. Problems with this joint or surrounding muscles can cause clicking sounds in the ear, especially during jaw movements like chewing, talking, or yawning. Pain and stiffness in the jaw, headaches, and limited jaw mobility often accompany TMJ dysfunction. Its close proximity to the ear means tension or injury here can directly affect auditory sensations.
Earwax Buildup
Earwax, or cerumen, naturally protects the ear canal from debris and bacteria, gradually moving out of the ear through natural jaw movements. However, excessive accumulation or impaction can press against the eardrum, leading to crackling or popping sounds. This can also result from foreign objects like cotton swabs pushing wax deeper into the ear canal. Along with clicking, impacted earwax can cause ear pain, itching, a feeling of fullness, or muffled hearing.
Middle Ear Muscle Spasms
The middle ear contains tiny muscles, the tensor tympani and stapedius, which help dampen loud sounds and control the movement of the ossicles, small bones that transmit sound. Involuntary contractions or spasms of these muscles, a condition known as middle ear myoclonus (MEM), can produce clicking, thumping, or crackling sounds. These spasms are often irregular and can be compared to muscle twitches elsewhere in the body.
Less Common Medical Conditions
Fluid Behind the Eardrum
Fluid accumulation behind the eardrum, often a consequence of a cold or allergies, can lead to ear clicking. This condition, also known as otitis media with effusion, occurs when the Eustachian tube remains blocked, preventing proper fluid drainage. Symptoms include a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, along with crackling, popping, or ringing sounds.
Perforated Eardrum
A perforated or ruptured eardrum is a hole or tear in the thin tissue separating the outer and middle ear. This can result from severe ear infections, sudden changes in air pressure, loud noises, or direct injury from foreign objects. A perforated eardrum can cause a sudden popping sensation, followed by fluid drainage, ear pain, hearing loss, or ringing sounds. Air escaping through the perforation can also contribute to clicking noises.
Foreign Objects in the Ear Canal
A foreign object in the ear canal can also cause clicking or crackling sounds. This is common in children who insert small items into their ears, but adults can also experience it, for example, by pushing a cotton swab too far. The object’s movement or its interaction with the ear canal’s delicate structures can create these sounds. Attempting to remove such objects oneself can cause further damage.
Certain types of Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of sound in the ears without an external source, commonly described as ringing. While often a continuous tone, tinnitus can also be clicking, buzzing, humming, or roaring sounds. Specifically, objective tinnitus, a rare form, can include clicking or crackling that is sometimes audible to others, often stemming from muscle spasms or blood vessel abnormalities near the ear. This differs from the more common subjective tinnitus, which only the affected individual perceives.
When to Consult a Doctor
A healthcare professional should be consulted if ear clicking is accompanied by pain, dizziness, or a noticeable change in hearing. These additional symptoms can indicate a more serious underlying condition.
Medical advice is also recommended if the clicking sound is persistent, worsening over time, or significantly impacts daily life or sleep. If ear clicking develops after a head injury or ear trauma, or if there are signs of infection such as fever or discharge from the ear, seek immediate medical evaluation. Any clicking accompanied by facial weakness or numbness also warrants a doctor’s visit.
Self-Care Tips
For common, benign causes of ear clicking, several self-care measures can provide relief. Yawning widely or swallowing repeatedly can help open the Eustachian tubes, facilitating pressure equalization. Sucking on hard candy or chewing gum can also stimulate swallowing, which aids this process.
Gentle jaw exercises can alleviate clicking related to temporomandibular joint tension. Massaging the jaw muscles or performing slow, controlled jaw movements can help relax the area. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help manage any associated discomfort.
Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal, as this can push earwax deeper and worsen blockages. For earwax buildup, over-the-counter ear drops containing mineral oil, baby oil, glycerin, or hydrogen peroxide can help soften the wax for natural drainage. A warm compress applied to the jaw area can also help reduce muscle tension if TMJ is a factor. If symptoms persist or worsen despite these self-care efforts, consulting a doctor is recommended.