What should I do if there's a crackling sound when cleaning my ears?

Oct 11, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

The crackling sound when cleaning ears may be caused by excessive earwax, contact with the eardrum, or external otitis. This can be treated with medications and improved through lifestyle adjustments. It is recommended to minimize ear cleaning to avoid damaging the ear canal mucosa. Warm saline irrigation can be used instead. Additionally, consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits is beneficial, while spicy and irritating foods should be avoided.

The sensation of a crackling or squeaking sound when cleaning the ears may be caused by factors such as excessive earwax, contact with the eardrum, or external otitis. This can be relieved through medication or physical treatments.

I. Physical Treatments

1. Excessive Earwax

This is mainly due to dust and debris entering the external auditory canal, overproduction of secretions, or malformations of the ear canal, leading to the accumulation and hardening of earwax in the ear canal. When cleaning the ears, touching this compacted wax may stimulate the eardrum, producing a crackling sound. It is recommended to minimize ear cleaning to avoid damaging the ear canal's mucous membrane. Warm saline irrigation may be used instead.

2. Contact with the Eardrum

The eardrum lies deep within the external ear canal and is a very thin membrane, only 0.1–0.2 mm thick, highly sensitive so that even slight touch can be felt. During ear cleaning, it is easy to accidentally touch the eardrum, resulting in a crackling sound. It is advised not to clean the ears frequently to prevent eardrum injury.

II. Medication Treatment

If the condition results from bacterial infection, poor immunity, or ear picking, main symptoms include congestion and swelling of the external auditory canal, accompanied by itching and pain. Blockage of the ear canal by secretions may also lead to a crackling sound when cleaning the ears. Under medical guidance, medications such as levofloxacin ear drops or lomefloxacin ear drops can be used for treatment.

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