Are you also feeling annoying crackling sounds in your ear without pain? Or did you come here searching for how to stop crackling in your ears? Well, you are in the right place, then.

Our ears are very delicate organs, and we should be very careful with them. Even minor problems could lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss. 

Here, we will briefly explain the crackling in ear no pain situation, its potential causes, and treatment options. Let’s start with a quick overview of ear crackling;  

What Is Ear Crackling?

Ear crackling is a sound that feels like popping, clicking, snapping or rustling leaves. It often occurs when moving the jaw, yawning, or during pressure changes, such as when traveling by plane.

It can be annoying, but it is usually harmless and doesn’t hurt. Problems with the Eustachian tube can also cause it. Its symptoms include:

  • Crackling in ear no pain​ 
  • Feeling of fullness
  • Hearing changes
  • Mild discomfort
  • Occasional pain

Causes Of Crackling In Ear No Pain

Crackling noise in the ear can happen due to issues like Eustachian tube dysfunction, trapped moisture, or earwax buildup. These problems affect how air or sound moves through the ear and cause the crackling noise. Let's check out these causes in detail. 

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)

The Eustachian tube balances pressure between your ear and the environment and drains fluid from your middle ear. It also protects against infections and loud noises. The Eustachian tube stays closed most of the time but opens briefly when you yawn, chew, or "pop" your ears during pressure changes (like on a plane).  It can happen due to issues like colds, sinus infections, allergies, or even air pollution. Other reasons include changes in pressure (like diving), acid reflux, or structural problems (like a cleft palate).

Eustachian tube dysfunction cause:

  • Crackling or popping sounds.
  • A feeling of fullness, pain, or pressure in the ear.
  • Hearing problems like muffled sounds or ringing.
  • Dizziness 

Earwax Buildup

Earwax helps protect and moisturize your ear canal. It’s made by glands in the outer part of your ear. Normally, earwax moves out of your ear on its own. Sometimes, earwax can get stuck and block your ear. This might happen if you push it deeper with cotton swabs. People who use hearing aids or earbuds often face this issue. Use quality hearing aids from Chosgo to avoid this situation. The symptoms of ear wax buildup include:

  • Crackling in ear no pain​
  • Pain or discomfort
  • A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
  • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Discharge, odor, or itching
  • Partial hearing loss
  • In some cases, even a cough or an ear infection

Middle Ear Myoclonus

The middle ear helps control sound vibrations entering the inner ear and vibrations from the eardrums. It may be related to conditions like congenital issues, acoustic injury, and other spasms, such as hemifacial spasms. It could also be the reason why your ear makes a crackling noise.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

A Temporomandibular joint is a joint that connects your jawbone to your skull. Each person has TMJ just in front of his ears on both sides. TMD happens when the joint gets damaged or injured or the cartilage breaks down. It could also cause a crackling sound in the ear when swallowing​ or moving the jaw. 

Fluid in the Ear

Fluid in the ear can happen when moisture gets trapped after activities like swimming or showering. This trapped water may lead to a crackling sound in the ear as it moves around.

Crackling In Ear No Pain Treatments 

The treatment of crackling in the ear depends upon its cause. If the issue is not serious, you can try the home remedies first. If the condition doesn’t resolve with home care, your doctor may recommend the following medical treatments.

  • Decongestants or antihistamines for allergies or sinus issues.
  • Earwax removal using professional techniques.
  • Physical therapy if TMJ is the cause.
  • Surgery in rare cases, such as for chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction.

These are some of the most effective treatments to stop crackling in the ear.

When Should I See a Doctor for Crackling in Ear No Pain?

Crackling in the ear is not a painful situation, and it is not something to worry about unless you are experiencing other symptoms. Contact a doctor if you notice any of the following situations;

  • The symptoms persist for more than a week.
  • There are additional issues, such as severe hearing loss, dizziness, or discharge.
  • The crackling worsens or interferes with daily activities.

Lastly, you don't need to worry because these sounds generally don't affect your hearing ability. However, it may cause hearing loss in very rare cases. If you notice any hearing loss symptoms, you can get the best OTC hearing aids from Chosgo. It has a wide range of options for all kinds of hearing loss at an affordable price. Contact our expert audiologists to see which hearing aids will benefit you the most.