The simplest reason for crackling noises in your ears is earwax. Too much earwax buildup in your ear canal may make “crackling” noises as you move your jaw. This may happen naturally. It can also be caused by using cotton swabs to clean your ear.
When the pressure inside of your ears changes, whether from altitude, going underwater, or just yawning, you might hear crackling or popping sounds. The eustachian tube, which is a tiny tube in your ear, is the cause of these noises.
Crackling in the ears is not usually harmful if it only happens occasionally. However, people with frequent or severe symptoms should speak to a doctor for a diagnosis. Possible underlying causes include impacted earwax, Eustachian tube dysfunction, myoclonus, and TMJ disorders.
Tinnitus is the medical term for "hearing" noises in your ears. It occurs when there is no outside source of the sounds. Tinnitus is often called "ringing in the ears." It may also sound like blowing, roaring, buzzing, hissing, humming, whistling, or sizzling. The noises heard can be soft or loud.
To do this, just gently massage the outside of the ear using circular movements. That way, the impaction will soften, which can help the earwax drain more easily. Once you've finished making these circular movements, pull your ear slightly backwards, from the lobe to the top of the auricle.
Eustachian tube massage
Using firm, steady pressure, slide your finger down until you feel a groove between your ear lobe and jaw. Trace that groove all the way down your neck to your collarbone using the same firm pressure. Repeat this process three times on each side, three times a day.
If your ears are popping, it could be a sign of severe infection. You should make an appointment with us as soon as possible if you have any other symptoms, like ear pain, sudden loss of hearing, or fever. Sometimes, after an infection, as your head clears of mucus, your ears will pop.
If your ears are crackling because of a cold or allergies, the sound should go away on its own once you feel better or take decongestants. However, severe cases of crackling ears may require further treatment solutions like surgery.
The eustachian tube, which is a tiny tube in your ear, is the cause of these sounds. The crackling occurs when these mucus-lined passageways open, letting fluid circulate and equalize the pressure in your ears.
The symptoms of tinnitus can vary significantly from person to person. You may hear phantom sounds in one ear, in both ears, and in your head. The phantom sound may ring, buzz, roar, whistle, hum, click, hiss, or squeal. The sound may be soft or loud and may be low or high pitched.
What do you do if your ear won't stop popping? A constant popping in your ears is most likely a sign of a blocked Eustachian tube. This will often clear up by itself, but if symptoms persist and cause you pain, it's best to talk with your GP about possible medical treatment options.
But stress can also cause air pressure changes in the middle ear,[1][2] which then requires adjusting to the air pressure outside. As the body's overall level of stress increases, so can the ear popping and pressure symptoms.
Allergies, head colds, pregnancy, and air pressure are some common reasons it may feel like your ears are full. Typically, plugged ears settle after a few days. Decongestants and nasal sprays are the best treatment for plugged ears that allergies and head colds cause.
Blocked eustachian tubes often get better on their own. You may be able to open the blocked tubes with a simple exercise. Close your mouth, hold your nose, and gently blow as if you are blowing your nose. Yawning and chewing gum also may help.
Popping your ears can help open the eustachian tube, allowing fluid to drain. The simplest way to pop your ears is to yawn, chew, or swallow. You may also want to try popping your ears using something called the Valsalva maneuver: Take a deep breath and hold it.
Elevation (aka sleeping upright)
Sleeping sitting up can allow fluid in your ear to drain easier, as well as easing pressure and pain in your middle ear – the likely source of the infection itself. Try propping yourself up on a stack of pillows, or better yet sleep in a reclining sofa or armchair.
Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral oil. You also can try hydrogen peroxide mixed with an equal amount of room temperature water. Place 2 drops of the fluid, warmed to body temperature, in the ear two times a day for up to 5 days.