Are you hearing crackling in your ear? Buzzing, crackling, “static” or whooshing noises in your ear can all be indications of a disorder known as tinnitus. Here is some important information.
Do you ever hear crackling, buzzing, or thumping noises that seem to come out of nowhere? When it comes to someone who has hearing aids, it may mean they need to be adjusted and fitted. But if you don’t use hearing aids it might be tinnitus.
Although we typically think of our ears with regards to what we see on the outside, there’s more than meets the eye – or in this case, the ear. Here’s what it may mean when some of these more prevalent sounds are playing in your ears.
What’s Causing The Snap, Crackle, And Pop in My Ear?
It’s not Rice Krispies that’s for sure. When the pressure in your ears changes – whether from an altitude change, going underwater, or simply yawning – you might hear crackling or popping sounds. These noises are caused by a tiny part of your ear called the eustachian tube. When these mucus lined passages open up to neutralize the air pressure, fluid, and air circulate causing these sounds to occur.
Occasionally, like when you’re dealing with allergies, a cold, or an ear infection, an overabundance of mucus in your system can clog up the eustachian tubes and interfere with what is usually an automatic process (keep in mind, your ears, nose, and throat or all connected). In severe cases where decongestant sprays, chicken soup, or antibiotics don’t provide relief, a blockage may call for medical intervention like surgery.
I’m Hearing Vibration in my Ears – What Does That Mean?
Vibrations in the ear are often a telling sign of tinnitus. Technically, tinnitus is the scientific term for when somebody hears abnormal sounds, like vibrations, in their ears that don’t come from any external sources. It’s commonly described as a ringing in the ears and can, in some instances, be mild, and in others, debilitating.
Is There Anything That Can be Done?
Once again, if you use hearing aids, you should check those first. You might hear these kinds of sounds for several reasons: the hearing aids aren’t sitting correctly within your ears, the volume is too high, your hair is rubbing against them, or your batteries are running low. If you don’t use hearing aids, excessive earwax might be the issue.
Dull hearing, itchy ears, and ear infections can frequently be caused by excessive earwax but how could it be responsible for tinnitus sounds? If it’s touching your eardrum, it can actually hinder the eardrum’s ability to function, which is what causes the buzzing or ringing. Fortunately, dealing with earwax is usually pretty simple.
Reach out to us if you have unusual sounds in your ears. If your hearing aids are not working properly we can help with that.
