Noise in the ears can seriously affect those affected. It doesn't always have to be permanent tinnitus. What is behind the cracks, clicks and crackles in the ear?
At a glance:
What are the noises in the ears?
Noises in the ears that are not classified as tinnitus can arise, for example, from negative pressure in the ears. Tinnitus is usually described as beeping, ringing, chirping or whistling. Other noises in the ear can be perceived in various forms:
Often the noises in the ears are also associated with pressure on the ears or ear pain.
You can read information about tinnitus here.
Causes of ringing in the ears such as popping in the ear
So-called ventilation disorders are often responsible for a cracking or clicking sound in the ear. This can sometimes be seen from the fact that the pressure in the ear feels strange – for example, as if the ear closes, for example when there is a large difference in height. If there is a cracking or clicking sound in the ear when swallowing, this is an indication of ventilation problems.
Ventilation disorders that cause ringing in the ears often originate in the nose, as the paranasal sinuses are anatomically connected to the middle ear via the ear trumpet. If there is frequent crackling in the ear, it can help to hold your nose closed and blow hard with your mouth closed to build up and even out pressure.
Many people with hay fever suffer more often from the noises in the ears such as crackling in the ear during the pollen season, which can be attributed to precisely these ventilation disorders with swollen mucous membranes.
In addition to these harmless causes, tinnitus, an ear wax plug, cervical spine problems or other diseases can also be responsible for the noises in the ears.
When to seek medical advice when there is a cracking ear?
If the cracking cannot be resolved and persists for a long period of time, an ENT doctor should be consulted. Then it is examined whether the eardrum is intact or whether there is an inflammation. In addition, the hearing can then be examined, ventilation measurements of the middle ear can be carried out and other diseases can be excluded as the cause of the crackling in the ear.
What helps against crackling in the ear?
If no cause for the cracking or clicking in the ear is found, the ear trumpet may be underactive. The ear trumpet is opened by a muscle and is covered with mucous membrane on the inside. Regular pressure equalization can then help against the noises in the ears. If the mucous membranes of the nose are severely swollen, nasal spray can help.
Covering your nose and blowing with your mouth closed should be done about every 15 minutes for a few days. Often the clacking and clicking in the ear will then already disappear. In addition, nasal irrigation can help with saline nasal irrigation. This should be done twice a day so that the mucous membrane is cared for and can swell.
It can also be helpful to consciously yawn or chew gum regularly to compensate for the pressure.