Hearing a rhythmic, internal clicking sound synchronized with walking is a peculiar symptom many people experience. This phenomenon involves the complex anatomy of the head, particularly the ear structures and neighboring joints. While often benign, a sound synchronized with movement suggests a mechanical or muscular issue. This sensation is typically a form of tinnitus, the perception of sound without an external source, but specifically triggered by physical activity. Understanding the origins of this clicking noise requires examining the internal auditory system and surrounding musculoskeletal structures.
Auditory and Middle Ear Causes
The source of the clicking may originate from the small components of the middle ear. One possible cause is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), which occurs when the passage connecting the middle ear to the throat does not open and close correctly. The Eustachian tube’s function is to equalize air pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear space. When walking, subtle changes in pressure or movement around this tube can cause it to snap open or closed, producing a distinct clicking or popping sound.
Another potential trigger is Middle Ear Myoclonus (MEM), which involves involuntary spasms of the tiny muscles inside the middle ear. These muscles, including the tensor tympani and the stapedius, normally help dampen loud sounds. When these muscles contract uncontrollably, they create a sharp, repetitive clicking, fluttering, or thumping noise perceived as internal. Although the spasms are involuntary, walking can sometimes intensify muscle tension, making the sound more noticeable during movement.
Sound Transmitted from the Jaw and Neck
The rhythmic clicking sound, especially when tied to the cyclical motion of walking, often points toward mechanical issues in adjacent joints. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which connects the jawbone to the skull directly in front of the ear, is a common culprit. Walking creates subtle movement throughout the body, and existing misalignment or inflammation in the TMJ can be stressed by this gait.
The TMJ contains a cushioning disc that can shift out of alignment, and this movement, known as disc displacement, generates a clicking or popping sound. Because the TMJ is positioned close to the ear canal, the sound produced by this joint crepitus is easily transmitted through the surrounding bone structure. The mechanical stress from walking translates into an audible, rhythmic manifestation of the jaw joint issue.
Similarly, the cervical spine, or neck, is another source of movement-related clicking transmitted to the ear. The neck joints constantly shift to stabilize the head during walking, which can cause cervical crepitus. This crepitus often results from the release of nitrogen gas bubbles within the joint fluid (cavitation), or from worn cartilage allowing bones to rub slightly.
When the neck moves during walking, these joint sounds are conducted directly through the skull bone to the hearing apparatus. The repetitive walking motion ensures the joint is repeatedly stressed, producing a consistent pattern of clicking or cracking synchronized with each step.
Consulting a Specialist and Next Steps
If an internal clicking sound persists or worsens, seeking a professional evaluation is recommended. The initial consultation should typically be with an Otolaryngologist (ENT doctor), who specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat. If the cause is suspected to be neurological or related to muscle spasms, a referral to a Neurologist may be appropriate.
Certain accompanying symptoms prompt a more urgent medical review, including sudden hearing loss, severe pain, vertigo or balance problems, or new symptoms like facial numbness or weakness. The diagnostic process usually begins with a thorough physical examination and a detailed medical history to pinpoint the sound’s exact nature and timing. Further testing may be recommended, such as audiology tests to assess hearing function or imaging studies like a CT scan or MRI to visualize the bone and soft tissue structures.