Ear problem, crackling sound when chewing

[Agusts]

I had some ear problem swimming in different pools while on one month motorbike tour, last year infection was cleared by antibiotic pills from doctor, this year infection was cleared by antibiotic drops from pharmacy. I keep swimming in the sea and never have this issue..., only pools from my experience... (from now on I avoid pools or put plug). 

 

But after pain was gone I noticed crackling sound when chewing, I had this after some dental works years ago, but this is different as far as I can tell, and I had no dental work recently. This sounds like coming from eardrum, not jaw bone/joint. 

 

I have special camera to see inside of the ear, so I used that and saw I have wax, tried for many weeks unsuccessfully to get it out as I read that can cause this sound. It was stuck at the back to eardrum. 

 

Finally went to an ENT clinic last week, he had a microsuction tool and did a good job taking wax out, I don't like water irrigation, I tried at home and was useless, so I specially found this guy with microsuction. 

 

Crackling sound stopped for a few hours, but next day was back again. He also gave me some antifungal drop just in case. I went again this week and he said he took more wax out, although I didn't see any, and now can't see any wax inside with my camera anyway. But crackling sound still there....!

 

I tried to question him what is next but he kind of had no answer and in a Thai polite way tried to say, I don't know...!!!? 

 

I said could eardrum be damaged, or is that tube blocked, but he said no, I can blow in ear, and that tube de-pressurises as normal... 

 

He said kept going with antifungal drop, which I think is no help, I doubt any fungus there, and he may just suggest continuing for lubrication. And he said chew gum might help, but that's if there is a jaw joint issue... 

 

I wonder if I should go to hospital so they check the eardrum with microscope etc. , but knowing Thai doctors it's hard to get them do a thorough job. Anyone had similar ear problem...!? 

 

[scubascuba3]

Maybe a second opinion with another ENT.

 

Crackling isn't tinnitus?

[Agusts]

4 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said:

Maybe a second opinion with another ENT.

 

Crackling isn't tinnitus?

 

From my research it could be tinnitus if it's generated randomly, but mine is only happen when moving my mouth, so linked to movement... 

 

I did think if it was related to my motorbike riding, but I doubt it...! 

[scubascuba3]

1 hour ago, Agusts said:

 

From my research it could be tinnitus if it's generated randomly, but mine is only happen when moving my mouth, so linked to movement... 

 

I did think if it was related to my motorbike riding, but I doubt it...! 

Sounds like your ears are clean as a whistle so maybe give it time, may go by itself 

[Sheryl]

Give it a  week or so  then if persists see a doctor.

 

Start with an ENT.  If no success then a dentist speciaizing in jaw problems. As this sort of thing can be from either ear issue or jaw/TMJ issue.  Where are you located? 

 

Might also try chewing gum and intentional yawning as these can help reset pressure in the Eudtachian tubes. 

[Agusts]

This crackling sound has been going on for about 1.5 month, when the ENT in the clinic cleared some wax the first time last week I had no sound for a good few hours, I thought it was sorted..., but came back. 

 

I think my next stop is with an ENT in Bangkok Hospital, I'm in Phuket. I called them before, 2000b for just a visit, plus 2500b more if any wax cleaning needed etc. ! 

 

But I need a second opinion and as there is no wax now I want him to check other possibilities..., I give it another week or two then will go... 

 

 

[carlyai]

I've had a few ear operations and lots of ear trouble over my life. Trick is to find the best EN&T specialist.

For me most problems caused by swimming in cold water (swimming all year round) and small bones grow over the ear canal to protect it from the cold that water gets behind and causes infection.

Had these cut out twice, but last time I went to him (in his late 80s and still going) he said it was coming from the jaw hinge. Crack and pops and pain near the hinge and from the ear down, if you press hard.

If it is inflammation (arthritis) in the jaw hinge the muscles around the hinge tighten up (mine goes right up across the side of the head).

For me  acupuncture needles into the muscles make the muscles relax and noises pain goes.

If yours (pain when you press around the hinge and jaw) use your hand and press really hard and massage downwards. Takes a few days but eventually goes away.

Can also try Celebrex (antiinflamitory) could help.

This is just me, may not be you.

My specialist said if the ear looks clear and good, then probably the joint, evidently common and to see a physiotherapist who also does ear joint acupuncture. 

Forget the technical name. 🙂

[Sheryl]

9 hours ago, Agusts said:

This crackling sound has been going on for about 1.5 month, when the ENT in the clinic cleared some wax the first time last week I had no sound for a good few hours, I thought it was sorted..., but came back. 

 

I think my next stop is with an ENT in Bangkok Hospital, I'm in Phuket. I called them before, 2000b for just a visit, plus 2500b more if any wax cleaning needed etc. ! 

 

But I need a second opinion and as there is no wax now I want him to check other possibilities..., I give it another week or two then will go... 

 

 

Suggest  https://www.phukethospital.com/doctor/perapun-jareoncharsri/

 

If he can't sort it out then see one of the Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery specialists in the Dental center there  https://www.phukethospital.com/center/dental-center/#doctors  or at one of the dental clinics.

[actonion]

I suffer from severe hearing loss, so i am  a regular  visitor to ENT departments, i have'nt found better then Bangkok pattaya hospital,  i have had  crackling noises, they discovered it was  either eustachian tube dysfuction or a middle ear infection  which in turn can disturb your balance, medication was given for possible inner ear  infection, but still the crackling, so its now  been put down to  eustachian tube problem

[newbee2022]

22 hours ago, Agusts said:

I had some ear problem swimming in different pools while on one month motorbike tour, last year infection was cleared by antibiotic pills from doctor, this year infection was cleared by antibiotic drops from pharmacy. I keep swimming in the sea and never have this issue..., only pools from my experience... (from now on I avoid pools or put plug). 

 

But after pain was gone I noticed crackling sound when chewing, I had this after some dental works years ago, but this is different as far as I can tell, and I had no dental work recently. This sounds like coming from eardrum, not jaw bone/joint. 

 

I have special camera to see inside of the ear, so I used that and saw I have wax, tried for many weeks unsuccessfully to get it out as I read that can cause this sound. It was stuck at the back to eardrum. 

 

Finally went to an ENT clinic last week, he had a microsuction tool and did a good job taking wax out, I don't like water irrigation, I tried at home and was useless, so I specially found this guy with microsuction. 

 

Crackling sound stopped for a few hours, but next day was back again. He also gave me some antifungal drop just in case. I went again this week and he said he took more wax out, although I didn't see any, and now can't see any wax inside with my camera anyway. But crackling sound still there....!

 

I tried to question him what is next but he kind of had no answer and in a Thai polite way tried to say, I don't know...!!!? 

 

I said could eardrum be damaged, or is that tube blocked, but he said no, I can blow in ear, and that tube de-pressurises as normal... 

 

He said kept going with antifungal drop, which I think is no help, I doubt any fungus there, and he may just suggest continuing for lubrication. And he said chew gum might help, but that's if there is a jaw joint issue... 

 

I wonder if I should go to hospital so they check the eardrum with microscope etc. , but knowing Thai doctors it's hard to get them do a thorough job. Anyone had similar ear problem...!? 

 

See an ENT specialist

[peter zwart]

Crackling Sound in the Ear – What It Might Be

Thanks for the detailed explanation. Based on your history — previous infections after swimming in pools, current crackling sounds, wax removal, and no recent dental work — here are the most likely explanations:

1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
This is one of the most common causes of crackling sounds, especially when chewing, swallowing, or yawning. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and helps equalize pressure. If it becomes inflamed or sticky — often after infections, allergies, or exposure to irritants (like chlorine in pools) — it can cause a crackling or popping sensation.

Why it fits your case: You had ear infections and are regularly exposed to water and pressure changes. Inflammation might persist even after the infection clears.

Treatment:

Use a nasal steroid spray such as fluticasone (Flonase) or mometasone (Nasonex) for at least 2–3 weeks.

Try gentle Valsalva maneuvers (pinch nose, close mouth, and gently blow) a few times a day to help open the tubes.

Avoid pressure changes (e.g., swimming, diving, or flying) if possible during this time.

Decongestants may offer short-term relief but are not recommended long term.

2. Middle Ear Fluid (Otitis Media with Effusion)
Even after the infection is gone, fluid can remain trapped behind the eardrum. This can cause bubbling or crackling sounds. It may not be visible through a basic ear exam, especially if the ear looks otherwise healthy.

Treatment: This usually resolves on its own, but nasal steroids and time can help. If fluid persists for several months or affects hearing, an ENT might suggest a pressure-equalization test (tympanometry) or even small tubes to help drain it.

3. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
You mentioned this feels different from previous TMJ issues, but it’s still worth considering. The joint is right next to the ear canal, and inflammation or imbalance in the joint can cause clicking or crackling sounds.

Less likely in your case if there’s no jaw pain, stiffness, or obvious clicking when moving your jaw.

4. Fungal Infection (Otomycosis)
Frequent swimmers are prone to this. It can cause itchiness, a crackling sensation, mild discharge, or a feeling of fullness. Your ENT gave you antifungal drops, which is a good precaution.

If the crackling continues after completing the drops and there’s no itchiness or discharge, then a fungal infection is probably not the current issue.

5. Residual Wax or Eardrum Scarring
Even after professional wax removal, a very thin layer or dry residue may be left near the eardrum. In some cases, minor scarring or changes to the eardrum (from past infections or trauma) can alter its movement and cause odd sounds.

You mentioned using a camera to check yourself, but even high-quality home scopes can miss subtle membrane changes or deeper wax residue.

What You Can Try Next:

Start a nasal steroid spray like Flonase (fluticasone) once or twice daily and continue for 2–3 weeks.

Avoid swimming in pools for now, or switch to vented earplugs if you return to it.

Don’t use irrigation or camera tools in the ear frequently — overcleaning can cause irritation.

Monitor for any new symptoms (pain, hearing loss, dizziness, discharge).

When to See an ENT Again:

If the crackling persists beyond a few more weeks or if it gets worse, it’s a good idea to return to the ENT and specifically ask about:

Tympanometry (to measure pressure and fluid behind the eardrum)

Eustachian tube function

Signs of tympanic membrane scarring or retraction

[Will B Good]

Word of warning, though I think your case is different.

 

I had crackling sounds in my ear......turned out to be the tiny hairs in the cochlea dying as the result of a viral attack.

 

Went stone deaf over a period of ten days.......no post treatment.....also left me with horrendous tinnitus.

 

I was prescribed massive doses of steroids, but too late to save my hearing.