The sensation of an audible pop, click, or crackle deep within the ear when you swallow, yawn, or chew is a common physiological event. This sound is generally a sign of normal function. For most people, this occasional clicking is temporary and indicates a necessary pressure adjustment has taken place inside the ear.
The Mechanism Behind the Click
The clicking sound originates from the opening of the Eustachian tube, a small passageway connecting the middle ear space to the back of the throat (nasopharynx). This tube is normally closed, acting as a protective barrier for the middle ear. Its primary function is to regulate air pressure within the middle ear, ensuring it matches the surrounding atmosphere.
The tube opens briefly to allow air exchange, which prevents pressure differences from building up across the eardrum. When you swallow or yawn, a small muscle in the soft palate, primarily the tensor veli palatini, contracts and pulls the tube open. The rapid movement of air entering or exiting the middle ear through the narrow tube creates the “click” or “pop” you hear. Hearing this sound indicates the pressure equalization system is working correctly.
Common Causes of Persistent Clicking
While an occasional click is normal, persistent clicking suggests the Eustachian tube is not opening and closing efficiently. The most frequent cause of this inefficient function is inflammation and congestion associated with upper respiratory issues. Colds, viral infections, or sinusitis can cause the mucous membranes lining the tube to swell and become blocked with fluid or mucus.
This inflammation leads to a condition known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), which makes the tube sticky or obstructed. When the muscles attempt to open the swollen tube, the effort required causes a louder, more noticeable clicking or popping as the walls separate. Seasonal allergies also contribute significantly to ETD by triggering inflammation and excessive mucus production in the nasal passages that extends to the tube’s opening.
Changes in barometric pressure, such as those experienced during air travel or diving, force the Eustachian tube to work harder to equalize pressure. If the tube is already slightly congested, the rapid pressure shifts can cause a more forceful, and therefore more noticeable, clicking sensation. In these instances, the tube struggles to maintain the pressure balance needed for optimal eardrum vibration.
Addressing the Issue and When to Seek Help
For mild and temporary clicking, especially that related to a cold or altitude change, simple maneuvers can help encourage the tube to open. The Valsalva maneuver involves pinching the nose shut and gently attempting to blow air out, which forces air through the tube and helps relieve pressure. Other effective actions activate the tensor veli palatini muscle:
- Chewing gum.
- Yawning widely.
- Swallowing repeatedly.
Over-the-counter treatments can address the underlying congestion that contributes to persistent clicking. Saline nasal rinses can help clear mucus from the nasal passages, while short-term use of oral decongestants or nasal steroid sprays can reduce inflammation in the area around the tube’s opening. These treatments aim to lessen the swelling that is preventing the tube from opening smoothly.
It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider if the clicking is accompanied by other symptoms or persists for an extended period. Symptoms requiring professional evaluation include:
- Severe ear pain.
- Noticeable hearing loss.
- Discharge from the ear.
- A feeling of spinning (vertigo).
If the clicking sensation does not resolve within one to two weeks after a cold or infection has cleared, a doctor can assess for chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction or other less common causes.