Question:
I have a bubbling noise in my ears. It started several weeks ago and got worse. It started with a buzzing and now its in my other ear. It has gotten much worse. My head hurts and I feel all blocked up, but don’t have a cold. Thank you for your help!
Answer:
There are different problems that can cause these symptoms. We can have noises such as you describe from having something as simple as wax in the ear canal. Wax can cause symptoms by blocking the ability of sound to get through and making your own internal sounds louder. It can allow water to get into the ear canal and then not get out.
Another problem may be fluid behind the ear drum- or otitis media. We make fluid in the little space behind the ear drum, which then drains through the eustachian tube to the back of the nose- the tube should open every time we yawn or swallow. If that tube gets blocked, the middle ear cannot drain, and then the space typically fills with fluid. It makes us feel like we are hearing under water, and often creates a bubbling and crackling sound as the tube struggles to open.
Hearing losses from actual damage to the inner ear can cause us to hear noises and buzzing- and finally, a problem with the jaw joint may cause one to hear crackling noises opening the jaw and/or chewing. This can often affect both ears as cause head ache as well.
So, when someone just says “I have a bubbling noise in my ears”, fthere is no simple answer other than have a doctor take a look and tell you. It’s not hard to figure out which is causing your problem with a simple exam.
R Pincus MD
Frequently Asked Questions
A bubbling noise in the ears can be caused by various issues including earwax blockage, fluid buildup behind the ear drum (otitis media), damage to the inner ear, or problems with the jaw joint. Each condition can produce distinct sounds like buzzing, crackling, or bubbling.
Earwax can block the ear canal, preventing sound from passing through normally, which makes internal sounds like bubbling or buzzing more noticeable. It may also trap water inside the ear canal, leading to further noise and discomfort.
Otitis media is the presence of fluid behind the ear drum due to blockage of the eustachian tube that normally drains fluid to the back of the nose. This fluid buildup can make you feel like you are hearing underwater and cause bubbling or crackling sounds as the tube tries to open.
Yes, jaw joint problems can cause crackling noises in the ears, especially when opening the jaw or chewing. These issues can sometimes affect both ears and contribute to headaches.
If you experience persistent or worsening bubbling or buzzing noises in your ears, especially if accompanied by headache or a feeling of blockage without a cold, you should see a doctor. A simple exam can identify the cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Yes, a blocked sensation in the ears can occur without a cold due to factors like earwax buildup, fluid behind the ear drum from eustachian tube dysfunction, or other ear problems unrelated to infections.
