How to Get rid of the Crackling Sound in my Ears?

Ears crackling is troublesome for everyone. Now and again, we've all felt or heard strange sounds in our ears. Examples include hearing that is muted, buzzing, hissing, or even rings. A crackling or popping sound in the ear is another strange noise. It is caused due to factors like unequal pressure in the eustachian tubes of your ear, the buildup of earwax, and underlying conditions such as Temporomandibular joint disorders(TMJ). Please read this article to learn more about the condition, its causes, and how to get rid of the crackling sound in my ears?

What is the crackle in the ear?  

A crackle is an annoying sound in your ear. It's common to equate ear crackling to the sound a bowl of Rice Krispies produces after adding milk. It can feel like static in your ear and is a common harmless condition. An imbalance of pressure in your ears usually causes crackling. Naturally, the solution works on bringing the ear back to normal pressure. 

Also Read: Can In-ear Headphones Cause Infection? Learn Tips for Safe Usage

What are the potential causes of crackling sound in ears?

There are several potential causes of crackling in the ear, so the best way to get rid of it will depend on the underlying cause. Some possible causes of crackling in the ear include:

1. Earwax buildup

Earwax can accumulate in the ear canal and cause a crackling sound. This can often be resolved by using over-the-counter ear drops to soften the wax and then using ear irrigation to flush it out.

2. Eustachian tube dysfunction

The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and can become blocked, causing a crackling sound in the ears. This can often be treated by performing the Valsalva maneuver, which involves closing your mouth, pinching your nose shut, and blowing gently to open the tubes.

Also Read: How I Cured My Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

3. Middle ear infections

An infection in the middle ear can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, which can cause crackling sounds in the ear. This will usually require antibiotics.

4. Tinnitus

Tinnitus is a ringing or noise in the ears that various things, including exposure to loud noise, age-related hearing loss, or certain medications, can cause. If you are unsure about the cause of your crackling in the ear, it is best to see a healthcare professional. They can perform an examination and possibly conduct some tests to determine the cause of the problem. Also, Read Can an ear infection cause a sore throat?

How to get rid of the crackling sound in my ears?

Now that you know what is crackling in the ear, let's talk about how to get rid of it. You can try either simple home remedies or consult a doctor, depending on the severity of your condition. Following is a list of home remedies to help you get rid of crackles in the ear.  Try these home remedies if the crackling in your ear isn't too bad and isn't accompanied by other symptoms. It's wise to follow up with your doctor if the crackling doesn't go away or worsens.

1. Swallowing or yawning

Many people ask, "how to get rid of crackling sound in ear when swallowing?"Swallowing and yawning can help your eustachian tubes to open, equalizing the pressure in your ears. The muscles in your jaw move, which also causes the eustachian tube to move along, helping equalize the pressure.  Have you noticed how you are often suggested to chew gum on airplanes if you usually experience problems in your ear during a flight? It also works on the same logic; chewing gum makes your jaw muscles move, which can help with the pressure in eustachian tubes. 

2. Popping your ears

You can occasionally unclog your ears or ease the sound of crackle in ear and assist in equalizing the pressure in your middle ear by simply swallowing, yawning, or chewing.

3. Nasal spraying

This saltwater rinse sometimes referred to as a sinus flush, can help clear out excess mucus from your nose and sinuses that may be causing eustachian tube dysfunction.

4. Eliminating earwax

Use mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or over-the-counter ear drops to soften and eliminate earwax. You must also regularly clean your ears to prevent the crackling from happening again. According to NIH, hydrogen peroxide severely affects cochlear and vestibular function.

Also Read: How to clean ears with hydrogen peroxide?

5. Avoid exposure to loud noise

Exposure to loud noise can damage the delicate hair cells in the inner ear, which can cause tinnitus and other symptoms. Wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to protect your ears when in loud environments.

6. OTC (over-the-counter) meds

You can try drugs like NSAIDs for pain relief and inflammation control, as well as decongestants or antihistamines for congestion relief.

7. TMJ workouts

By performing particular exercises, massaging the affected area, or using an ice pack, you can reduce the pain and discomfort associated with TMJ issues. If these home remedies don't work for you, or if the pain you experience is very severe, you should consult your doctor, and the treatment options might include: 

• If earwax is causing a blockage, have it removed by a professional or take ear drops to help soften the earwax and assist with its removal. 
• The doctor might insert ear tubes into your eardrums to aid in fluid drainage and to assist in equalizing pressure in your middle ear to help you get rid of the crackling. 
• Sometimes the doctor might use a tiny balloon catheter to help open the eustachian tubes, known as balloon dilatation of eustachian tubes.
• Prescription drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants or muscle relaxants are also helpful in treating the pain brought on by the crackling. 

Also, Read How to use Essential oils for an ear infection?

Final takeaway

Your ears may occasionally start popping or cracking. This sound is frequently compared to "Rice Krispie" in descriptions. Numerous disorders, including acute otitis media, eustachian tube dysfunction, and earwax buildup, can result in ear crackling. You can attempt several easy home remedies like swallowing, chewing, popping ears, and removing earwax to help stop the noise in your ears if it isn't too bad. However, schedule a visit with your doctor if self-care strategies fail, or your symptoms are severe or persistent.