Though it might be slightly disorienting, it’s not uncommon to have the occasional clicking or ringing in your ears, among other noises. Let’s take a look at the causes of some of the more common ear noises, as well as when it’s time to seek treatment from your medical provider.
Ringing in The Ears Means Tinnitus
If you have a ringing in your ears, it’s likely due to tinnitus. However, some people with the condition experience sounds like clicking, hissing, buzzing or whooshing instead.
According to the National Library of Medicine, “Tinnitus is defined as a sound a person hears that is generated by the body, rather than by an outside source. Most tinnitus is subjective. This means the examiner cannot hear it, and there are no tools to measure or hear that sound.”
Less commonly, some people have objective tinnitus, which can be heard by a medical provider upon examination. This is usually caused by a problem or disorder of the blood vessels.
Some people with tinnitus have minor symptoms that come and go or resolve on their own and don’t cause much of a problem in their daily lives. However, other people have chronic tinnitus symptoms that can last years and be very disruptive. In those cases, treatment options like tinnitus retraining therapy, acoustic therapy and hearing aids may be considered to help manage symptoms.
Crackling in the Ear Can Be a Sign of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
A strange crackling in one or both ears, while you’re at work or out grabbing an iced coffee with friends at Bellissimo Coffeeworks, can mean that you have Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). ETD is caused by blocked Eustachian tubes, which can happen because of a cold or another virus.
If you have ETD, you might also experience ear pain or pressure, fullness in the ear and even temporary hearing loss. These symptoms, along with the crackling, should clear up as you recover from the virus. If they last more than a week, call your medical provider or make an appointment with an ENT specialist to be evaluated.
Popping Sounds Indicate a Clogged Ear
Most of us have experienced a popping sound in the ear, especially on the takeoff or landing during a flight. It is usually a sign that one or both of your ears is clogged. The popping noise comes from your Eustachian tube opening up to help equalize the pressure.
In addition to altitude changes, other causes of popping in the ear include:
- Sinus infections
- Earwax buildup
- Ear infection
- Allergies
In most cases, popping in the ears should resolve on its own. However, if it persists or is accompanied by pain or hearing loss, schedule an appointment with a medical expert to see what’s causing the problem.
To learn more or to have your ear symptoms evaluated, call the experts at Nelson Hearing Clinics today.