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. 🙂