Get the Facts on a Common Health Problem
Have you ever experienced a popping or crackling sound in your ear? Often it’s an innocuous, normal part of body functioning, an event that can self-resolve, or an issue that can be addressed with specific movements of the throat or jaw.
Sometimes, however, the popping can be painful or point to a more serious condition requiring professional attention. Read on to learn what the popping or crackling sounds may mean and how you can gain needed relief.
What Exactly Is That Crackling or Popping Sound?
The popping or crackling sound is normally the eustachian tube — a narrow duct that runs between the middle ear and the upper part of the throat — opening to equalize air pressure between the middle air and the external atmosphere. Balancing the air pressure helps support appropriate functioning of the eardrum, which plays a critical role in hearing.
In some instances, the popping or crackling sound may be more prominent, delivering an intense sensation, discomfort, or even pain. This can happen when the pressure levels between the middle ear and atmosphere significantly differ, when there’s eustachian tube dysfunction, or when an underlying condition may be triggering a painful response.
What Can Trigger Painful Ear Crackling or Popping?
Let’s take a closer look at a few of the potential causes.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Proper functioning of the eustachian tube requires an ability to open and close properly. This allows the tube to maintain air pressure in the middle ear at a level equal to that outside the ear, as mentioned earlier. Failure to open or close properly indicates eustachian tube dysfunction, which can lead to painful ear popping and other symptoms.
Typically the dysfunction may result from inflammation due to irritants — allergens and pollutants, for example — or infection. The tube, which also functions to keep fluid from accumulating behind the eardrum, could also become blocked.
Symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction may include:
- Painful ear popping
- Muffled hearing
- Trouble with balance
- Dizziness
- Fullness in the ear
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Eustachian tube dysfunction may clear up on its own. Depending on the underlying issue, however, medication to treat the source of infection or inflammation — sinus or allergy problems, for example — may be in order. Conversely, the solution may involve addressing excess earwax buildup. In other cases, surgical treatments such as ear tubes to aid in drainage may resolve the matter.
Rapid Changes in Altitude or Air Pressure
When on a flight, you may have experienced a fast change in air pressure as the airplane climbed into the skies or descended for a landing. This change may be too fast for the eustachian tube to process. If it’s unable to equalize pressure between the middle ear and outer atmosphere quickly enough, the eardrum can become strained, leading to painful popping and crackling.
Yawning, swallowing, sucking on candy, or chewing gum before plane takeoff and descent can help the eustachian tube equalize middle-ear pressure. Taking an over-the-counter decongestant or nasal spray as needed about an hour before descent (first check with your doctor) may also help reduce ear-popping.
Another approach to curbing painful popping from rapid pressure changes involves the Valsalva maneuver, which helps open the eustachian tube. It involves drawing a deep breath, pinching the nose, and, with a closed mouth, trying to gently exhale through the nose. Avoid this method if there’s a history of perforated eardrums, and be sure not to blow too hard, which can damage the eardrum.
Chronic Otitis Media (Inflammation of the Middle Ear)
In addition to equalizing pressure, the eustachian tube also works to drain fluid from the middle ear. If the tube doesn’t open sufficiently for drainage or becomes blocked, fluid buildup behind the eardrum can occur. Inflammation of the ear from buildup lasting three or more months — chronic otitis media — can lead to popping sounds when swallowing.
Chronic otitis media itself is an inflammation — not an infection — and in some instances may self-resolve. In other cases, treatment may include addressing an underlying condition, such as ear injury or infection (acute otitis media); allergy; eustachian tube blockage; or cholesteatomas, which are abnormal growths of skin tissue within the middle ear.
Is Ear Popping the Same as Ringing in the Ears?
Ear popping and ringing in the ears — also known as tinnitus — are not the same. Though different, they do share some commonalities. Neither are diseases or disorders but rather are typically symptoms of an underlying issue, such as eustachian tube dysfunction or problems of the middle ear. Both can co-occur with the sensation of ear fullness and discomfort.
Like ear popping, tinnitus — which also can involve buzzing, clicking, whooshing, or other sounds in the ears or head — can in some instances self-resolve. It’s more likely to be chronic, however, and left untreated can interfere with daily activities. Tinnitus can be effectively managed for an improved quality of life.
When Should You Be Concerned About Ear Popping or Crackling?
As noted earlier, ear popping and cracking often may resolve on their own. If it persists, however, or is accompanied by lasting pain, an underlying infection, a suspected eardrum problem, changes in your ability to hear, or other serious issues, it’s important to seek professional care.
Our knowledgeable team can perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
- Taking a medical history
- Learning about your symptoms
- Listening to your concerns
- Performing appropriate tests
- Ruling out medical issues
- Referring to other specialists as needed
- Discussing all options for an effective solution
- Working with you on a personalized treatment plan
If you or a loved one is experiencing persistent ear popping or crackling, ear pain, muffled hearing, or ringing in the ears, don’t wait. Early intervention can help identify the underlying cause, prevent further complications, and help you gain needed relief. Book your evaluation with the expert team at Tinnitus Specialists of New Mexico by Worth Hearing Center today!