Quick summary: Crackling, popping or crinkling sounds in the ear are common and usually caused by one of a few things: built-up ear wax pressing on the eardrum, fluid or pressure changes in the middle ear (often linked to a cold, allergies or altitude changes), or small movements in the jaw joint (TMJ) or the tiny muscles of the middle ear. Most cases aren’t serious, but if the noise is persistent, one-sided, or paired with pain, hearing loss or dizziness, it’s worth getting your ears checked by a health professional. If wax build-up is the cause, microsuction is a gentle, precise way to have it removed.
There are a few common culprits, and they’re not mutually exclusive – you can have more than one at once.
Ear wax (cerumen) is produced naturally to protect and clean the ear canal, and sometimes makes its way out on its own. But it can sometimes build up and press against the eardrum. When you swallow, yawn or move your jaw, that trapped wax can shift slightly and create a crackling, popping or “crinkly paper” sound. Wax build-up can also cause a feeling of fullness, mild hearing loss, or itchiness.
The Eustachian tube is a small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, and it helps equalise pressure on either side of the eardrum. Colds, sinus congestion, hay fever, or changes in altitude (flying, diving, driving through mountains) can cause this tube to become blocked or not open properly. When it finally does open (or when you yawn or swallow), you may hear a pop or click as pressure equalises.
Two very small muscles inside the middle ear (the tensor tympani and stapedius) can sometimes twitch or spasm, producing a clicking or crackling sound that only the person themselves can hear. Similarly, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ – your jaw joint) sits close to the ear canal, so jaw clenching, teeth grinding or TMJ dysfunction can sometimes be felt or heard as clicking near the ear.
It’s a good idea to get your ears checked by our ear nurses if the crackling:
A proper look inside the ear canal is the only reliable way to know whether wax, fluid, infection or something else is behind the noise. Self-diagnosing – or trying to fix it yourself with cotton buds or ear candles – can push wax further in or risk injuring the eardrum or ear canal.
If wax build-up is contributing to the crackling, there are a few ways it can be managed. It’s worth understanding the general differences:
Microsuction (recommended): We use a fine medical vacuum under a surgical microscope, so our nurses can see the ear canal and eardrum clearly throughout the procedure. Because it’s a dry technique (no water involved), it’s often more comfortable for people with a history of ear infections, perforations, or previous grommets, and it allows the nurse to check the health of the eardrum and ear canal at the same time.
Ear syringing (not recommended): This uses water pressure to flush wax out. It has been used for a long time, but because it doesn’t allow the clinician to see directly into the canal throughout the process, there’s a recognised risk of pain, dizziness or eardrum injury, particularly if the eardrum has a perforation or the person has had ear surgery. It is banned in many countries due to the risk of injury.
Ear candling (not recommended): This involves inserting a lit hollow candle into the ear canal. There is no good scientific evidence that it removes wax, and it carries a risk of burns or wax/candle residue being deposited in the ear. It isn’t something our nurses recommend.
Every ear is different, and what’s appropriate for one person may not suit another – this is a general comparison, not personal advice, and any decision about treatment should be made with a qualified clinician after they’ve examined your ears.
Microsuction is a technique where a small suction device gently removes wax and debris from the ear canal, while the nurse views the canal and eardrum through a surgical microscope or magnifying loupe with a bright light. At Ear Cleaning Clinic, this is carried out by AHPRA-registered nurses trained in the procedure.
Because our nurses can see what they’re doing throughout, microsuction tends to be a controlled and precise way to clear wax, and appointments are generally quick. Many people find it more comfortable than syringing, particularly if their ears are sensitive or they’ve had ear problems in the past – though as with any procedure, individual experience varies, and our nurses will talk you through what to expect and any risks specific to your ears at your appointment.
Not everyone needs their ears cleaned, and not everyone needs it often – how frequently is something our nurses can advise on based on your own ear health. However, we generally recommend a yearly clean to help keep the ears healthy.
An ear crackling or popping sound is usually caused by pressure changes in your Eustachian tube, trapped earwax rubbing against your eardrum, or jaw movement from a TMJ disorder. Colds, allergies, and sinus congestion often trigger these sounds.
Occasional ear popping during flights, high altitudes, or swallowing is normal. You should see a doctor if the popping causes sharp pain, muffled hearing, dizziness, ringing, or fluid discharge, or if a feeling of pressure does not go away after a few weeks.
Ear crackling can be a sign of an ear or sinus infection, but it is most often caused by harmless issues like trapped air, pressure changes, or wax movement. When an infection is present, it usually causes swelling that traps fluid and blocks the tiny tubes inside your head.
If crackling, popping or a blocked feeling is bothering you, our AHPRA-registered ear nurses can take a proper look and let you know what’s going on – no referral required.
Call 1800 327 253 or book online to arrange a time that suits you.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, or prevent any condition, and is not a substitute for professional medical care. If you experience ear pain, hearing changes, discharge, dizziness, or suspect a blocked or damaged eardrum, consult a doctor or qualified healthcare provider before attempting any home treatment. Always speak with a physician before using any ear cleaning method, product, or home remedy, especially if you have a history of ear surgery, perforated eardrums, or chronic ear conditions.
