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What Causes Crackling Sound In Ear?

Posted on Mon, 2 Nov 2015

Question: I have a crackling sound in my ear when I swallow and sometimes when I open my mouth. It seems to feel the best after working out and right after waking up. I have had it for several weeks, and so far no pain (thankfully)

I've tried nasal sprays and some OTC allergy meds. I have even tried plugging my nose and blowing...nothing helps!

Any ideas of what this could be? Again, not painful just annoying

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
You need to consult ENT and get TMJ joint

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Welcome to health care magic.

Based on history you have shared, since it is not settling with antihistamines and decongestants, it can be temporomandibular joint inflammation or middle ear bones inflammation. Xray TMJ and otoscopy by some ENT specialist may help.

If both comes out to be normal, and no signs of upper respiratory tract infection exist then CT scan skull alongwith paranasal sinuses and middle ear may be needed.

But rest assured that if it is not causing pain or temperature or difficulty swallowing, it can be observed for few weeks without intervention.

Hoping you a speedy recovery. If you dont have any more questions, please close the discussion. Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (4 hours later)

OK so do you think it would be a virus or something? sometimes when I wake up, it feels that my ears are a little moist, if that makes any sense. I do grind my teeth sometimes.

if you are speaking of tmj...what is that

Answered by Dr. Saddiq Ulabidin (18 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It can be middle ear infection, you need an ENT examination.

Detailed Answer:
Hi! Thanks for sharing the details. Yes, in case of moisty discharge it can be related to infectious causes, more confined to ear rather then being related to upper respiratory tract. The other possibility if temporomandibular joint inflammation was based on the facts that you dint experience any improvement woth decongestants and anti allergic as well as the tickling sounds on moving jaw favored it. In any case, a thorough ENT exam along with radiographs and otoscopy can come up with some final verdict.

Since you asked, what is TMJ? It is the joint on both sides of your face, below ears where jaw bones meet the skull base.

Hope this has answered your query , if you don't have any more questions, please close the discussion. Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad