Crackling in the Ear

Hearing a consistent crackling sound in your ear can be a cause for concern. Many of us tend to ignore small afflictions like ear problems in the hope that they will just go away, or because they aren't debilitating enough to disrupt a daily routine. However, it's always better to treat a symptom rather than a condition, and arrest it before it gives rise to additional complications.

Causes

Earwax
This is one of the most common causes for hearing a crackling sound in your ear, and possibly the easiest to remedy. Use an ear wash from your local drugstore to remove the excess earwax and unclog ears. You could even use a Q-tip to remove any wax buildup in your ear. The best time to use a Q-tip is after a hot bath, when the heat and steam have had a softening effect on the earwax. Remember to be very careful when inserting a Q-tip into your ear, taking care not to push too deep as this could cause serious injury like a ruptured eardrum.

Congestion/Sinusitis
You might experience crackling sounds in your ears if you have inflamed sinuses or chest congestion. These symptoms often show up together and the fastest way to get relief is to use decongestants. Sometimes, you may hear a crackling sound in your ears when swallowing, which can be the result of fluid build up in your ears. Untreated, this may lead to ear infections. Steam inhalation can also provide some relief, and is recommended for people who have weak chests or a tendency to suffer from congestion. To correctly inhale steam, use hot, but not boiling water. Place the bowlful of water on a stable surface, cover your head with a towel and inhale through your nose. In case your nose is blocked, you may find it easier to inhale through your mouth. Once you get some relief from congestion, you may find that the crackling in your ears when chewing or swallowing has ceased.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
This is a condition where blockages develop in the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube is a thin tube which connects the middle ear to the throat. For clarity, take a look at a human ear diagram. Build up of fluid in the ear can lead to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, one of the symptoms of which is hearing a crackling in the ear with loud noises. ETD can also occur as an additional condition when you have a cold, and the symptoms of crackling sounds in your ear will continue till the cold has run its course. You may develop a blocked Eustachian tube as a result of fluid or mucus, which leads to a build up of pressure on one side of the ear. This pressure gets released when you stretch your jaw, yawn, chew or swallow. This is another reason you may hear a crackling sound or a popping sound in your ear when you perform these actions.

Remedies
Some simple ways to tackle crackling sounds in your ear are as follows.

• Yawning or stretching your jaw: Sometimes this simple action can cause a popping sound in your ear and put an end to the crackling sound you hear.
• Chewing gum/sucking on a lozenge: It's common for your ears to get blocked or to hear a crackling sound when you are in a high speed elevator or on a flight. Some people also experience ear pain when on a plane during take off and landing. This is because of pressure fluctuations that occur. Chewing on something can help alleviate this pain.
• The Valsalva Maneuver: This is to help release any pressure built up in your ear. The Vasalva Maneuver involves pinching your nostrils together when your mouth is shut and then attempting to exhale with force. Correctly performing this exercise will clear your ears and stop any crackling sounds. The Valsalva maneuver is very effective in situations where high altitude causes the sensation of blocked ears.

If you find that the suggestions above don't provide much relief, it's recommended that you visit an ENT specialist, who will be better equipped to diagnose your problem. Although crackling in ear can be a considerable irritation, many often ignore it or postpone seeking help. However, proper care may provide considerable relief and help in arresting it quickly.