Ear infections can be painful at times. One may experience cracking and popping in your ear at times. This sound is similar to the sound produced when hot milk is poured over rice puffs.
This sound is usually heard when you are troubled by middle ear infections. There may be other reasons behind this infection as well.
Since it is a serious health condition, it has to be treated properly. Let’s understand the causes and the ways to treat this sound.
Causes Of Crackling
There are multiple reasons why one experiences crackling in the ear.
Let us explore them one by one:
⚜ Earwax Buildup
The glands in the outer ear normally secrete earwax. It is an important lubricant to protect the ear and the eardrum from infections.
Earwax gets collected in the middle ear and naturally moves out of the ear. But occasionally, it becomes lodged in the ear canal. It results in blocking.
Earwax can be stuck in the ear due to many reasons. People often push the ear wax deeper inside the ear with a cotton swab.
Sometimes, the secretions may increase, and your ears make more earwax than it normally does. This earwax gets collected in the middle ear.
At times, it can get stuck to the eardrums as well. This ends up producing a crackling sound.
One may also experience pain, fullness, and itching in the ear due to this buildup. In extreme cases, it may also result in partial hearing loss.
That is why it is necessary to get oneself examined by the doctor immediately whenever such symptoms are reported to prevent any complications in the future.
⚜ Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian Tube is small in the ear. It connects the middle ear to the upper throat and the back of the nose. This tube plays an important role in protecting the ears.
It drains the excess fluid from the middle ear, preventing infection risk. It acts as a shield to minimize the effects of loud sound, dust, and dirt.
Eustachian tube dysfunction can happen when they do not open properly. This can happen when these tubes narrow or are blocked with ear fluids.
People with sinusitis, respiratory tract infection, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease often experience this dysfunction.
This dysfunction can cause dizziness and tinnitus in the ears. Congestion and fullness are the common symptoms of this problem. Visit a doctor immediately when you experience this problem.
⚜ Acute Otitis Media
It is a common infection in children. It happens when the Eustachian tubes are blocked. As a result, the fluids accumulate in the middle ear, causing ear infections.
Because of this infection, people tend to feel fullness and irritation in the ear. They often experience a ringing sound in their ears as well.
However, its side effects are not limited to these symptoms.
Children with acute otitis media face swelling near the ears. This can result in frequent fever, headache, and a loss of appetite.
Due to the inflammation and swelling of the ear, it also becomes difficult to sleep.
⚜ Middle Ear Myoclonus
The middle ear is a very sensitive part of the brain. It is made up of muscles that transmit vibrations received from the outer ear to the eardrums.
Many times, these muscles may swell. Swelling and inflammation can occur to an acoustic injury or any spasms. The muscles in the middle ear produce a ringing sound.
It may seriously impact the hearing ability of the ear. People with middle ear myoclonus hear irregular rhythms. It extends for a longer period. It even amends the pitch’s intensity, which causes hearing problems.
In some cases, it also leads to total hearing impairment. It is a serious problem. It is advisable to take every possible precaution in this regard.
Conclusion
After understanding the common reasons one experiences crackling or ringing sounds in the ear, it is essential to take proper care of your ear.
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This crackling sound is often accompanied by the discharge of pus or blood from the ear at times.
So, you must see a doctor if you feel severe pain and discomfort in the ear. Avoid exposure to sharp objects and loud noises, as this may aggravate the crackling sound.