Why do I hear crackling in my ear?
Last updated September 3, 2026.
Crackling is usually the eustachian tube opening and closing against congestion or pressure. The tube between your middle ear and throat equalizes pressure and drains fluid; when a cold or allergies gum it up, you hear pops and crackles and the ear can feel full or underwater. NHS guidance on eustachian tube dysfunction lists popping or crackling sounds as a common symptom and says the problem is often temporary, fading as the congestion clears. Earwax moving against the eardrum and jaw joint clicks are the other usual suspects. Pain, discharge, dizziness, one-sided hearing loss, or crackling that persists beyond a couple of weeks deserves a GP visit.
What to do
- Work the tube: swallow, yawn, chew gum, or equalize gently with a soft Valsalva.
- Treat the congestion: saline spray and your usual allergy or cold care help the tube reopen.
- Do not poke cotton buds in; they pack wax tighter against the drum.
- See a GP for pain, discharge, dizziness, one-sided hearing loss, or crackling lasting over two weeks.
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