The sensation of a clicking, popping, or crackling sound originating from within the ear is a common experience, often described as a form of tinnitus. This internal noise is not an external sound source and can range from a minor annoyance to a persistent disturbance. Understanding why this sound occurs requires looking at the anatomy of the ear and its surrounding structures. The distinct nature of the clicking often points toward underlying causes involving pressure regulation, muscle movement, or jaw mechanics.
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The most common reason for a popping or clicking sensation relates to the Eustachian tubes, narrow passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. These tubes primarily equalize air pressure between the middle ear cavity and the outside environment, and also drain fluid. The tubes normally remain closed, opening briefly only during actions like swallowing, yawning, or chewing.
When the Eustachian tube cannot open or close properly, Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) results. This dysfunction causes a pressure imbalance, leading to symptoms like fullness, muffled hearing, or ear pain. The characteristic clicking or popping noise is the sound of the tube struggling to open or close to equalize pressure.
Common triggers for ETD involve inflammation and congestion that cause the tube walls to swell shut. This often happens during seasonal allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection. Rapid changes in altitude, such as during air travel or mountain driving, can also induce temporary ETD by creating a quick pressure differential that the tube cannot adjust to quickly.
When the tube becomes obstructed, air pressure inside the middle ear drops, creating a vacuum effect. This negative pressure can pull the eardrum inward, increasing the sensation of fullness and sometimes drawing fluid into the middle ear space. The “pop” or “click” is the sound of the tube briefly opening to restore the balance of air pressure.
Clicking Sounds Caused by Muscles and Jaw Movement
Not all internal ear sounds are related to air pressure; some originate from the mechanical movement of nearby muscles and joints. A distinct cause is Middle Ear Myoclonus (MEM), which involves the involuntary, rhythmic spasms of the two tiny muscles within the middle ear: the tensor tympani and the stapedius. These muscles attach to the small bones (ossicles) that transmit sound.
When the tensor tympani or stapedius muscle spasms, their involuntary contraction causes movement of the middle ear structures, generating an internal sound. The sound produced by MEM is described as a rapid, repetitive, and irregular clicking or fluttering, often likened to a ticking clock. This sound is different from the single, pressure-releasing pop associated with ETD.
Another cause of sound perceived to be in the ear is a disorder of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). The TMJ is the hinge that connects the lower jawbone to the skull, located immediately in front of the ear canal. Because of this close proximity, a mechanical problem in the joint can create sound that appears to originate inside the ear.
TMJ clicking is triggered by jaw movement, such as chewing, talking, or opening the mouth wide. The clicking sound is caused by the displacement of the small cartilage disc that cushions the joint bones. As the jaw moves, the disc may slip out of its normal position and rapidly snap back into place, creating the distinctive clicking or popping noise.
When to See a Doctor and What You Can Do At Home
While most ear clicking is temporary and harmless, certain accompanying symptoms warrant a medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the clicking is accompanied by severe pain, fluid drainage, or a sudden loss of hearing. Symptoms that persist for longer than two weeks, or those that include dizziness or vertigo, also indicate a need for professional assessment.
For temporary clicking related to pressure changes, simple physical maneuvers can provide relief. Swallowing, yawning widely, or chewing gum can help manually open the Eustachian tubes and equalize middle ear pressure. The Valsalva maneuver, which involves pinching the nose and gently blowing out with a closed mouth, is another technique used to force the tubes open.
If congestion from a cold or allergies is the likely cause, over-the-counter nasal decongestants or antihistamines may help reduce the inflammation blocking the tube. Using a humidifier or inhaling steam can also help thin mucus and soothe irritated tissues. For clicking related to the jaw joint, gentle jaw exercises, such as controlled opening and closing motions, can ease tension and manage TMJ symptoms.