Are you hearing crackling in your ear? Crackling, Buzzing, “static” or whooshing sounds in your ear can all be indications of a disorder called tinnitus. Here is some important facts.
Where is that crackling, buzzing, or ringing sound coming from? If you use hearing aids, it can mean that they require adjustment or aren’t properly fitted. For everyone else, tinnitus might be the answer.
Even though we mostly think of our ears in terms of what we see on the outside, there’s more than meets the eye – or in this instance, the ear. Here’s what it could mean when some of these more prevalent sounds are playing in your ears.
What’s The Cause of The Snap, Crackle, And Pop in My Ear?
We can tell you this – it’s not Rice Krispies. When the pressure in your ears changes – whether from a change in altitude, going underwater, or just yawning – you might hear crackling or popping sounds. A tiny part of your ear called the eustachian tube is the source of these noises. When these mucus lined passages open up to neutralize the air pressure, fluid, and air circulate causing these noises to manifest.
Occasionally, like when you have allergies, a cold, or an ear infection, an overabundance of mucus in your system can gum up the eustachian tubes and interfere with what is normally an automatic process (don’t forget, that there’s a connection between your ears, throat, and nose). In extreme cases where decongestant sprays, chicken soup, or antibiotics don’t provide relief, a blockage might call for medical treatment like surgery.
What Does it Mean When I Hear Vibrations in My Ear?
Vibrations in the ear are sometimes a telling indication of tinnitus. Technically, tinnitus is the medical term for when someone hears abnormal sounds, like vibrations, in their ears that do not come from any outside sources. It’s typically described as a ringing in the ears and can, in some instances, be minimal, and in others, debilitating.
What Should I do About Noises in my Ear
If you have hearing aids, again, checking those is the first task. You might hear these types of sounds for numerous reasons: your batteries need to be recharged, the hearing aids aren’t properly positioned in your ears, the volume is too loud, or your hair is rubbing up against it. If you don’t use hearing aids, excessive earwax may be the issue.
Dull hearing, itchy ears, and ear infections can often be caused by too much earwax but how could it be responsible for tinnitus sounds? If it is touching your eardrum, it can actually hinder the eardrum’s ability to function, which is what causes the buzzing or ringing. The good news is, earwax problems are easily fixed.
If you’re hearing odd noises, contact us. If your hearing aids aren’t functioning correctly we can help with that.