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Crackling in ear...without headphones!

post #1 of 28
7/17/08 at 2:33pm
Thread Starter 
So, I think I may have some earwax build up in my left ear, though I cannot imagine how...

Basically, it sounds like crackling in my left ear when I chew, swallow, move my head, or, and here is the weird one, when I move my ear by pushing it with my hand. It sounds like water trapped, but I've flushed it multiple times with an alcohol/vinegar mix to get any water out. it's been this way for a few days now....and to think of it, it got worse after I had a cold for a few days.

I don't really know why I am posting this here, maybe just any general suggestions? I think I am going to try a diluted hydrogen-peroxide later to day to see if it helps.

So...any ideas?

EDIT: Oh, and here is the other weird stuff: no hearing loss except when it pops, and no pain at all.
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post #2 of 28
7/17/08 at 2:46pm
Sounds like a sinus problem. The ears, nose and throat are connected. You should see a doctor.

And yeah, asking on these boards is never a good idea.
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post #3 of 28
7/17/08 at 3:02pm
If you've had a cold proably the word that sounds like guitar, cant for the life of me remeber how to spell the odd word, even after googling, seems all my sugestions are wrong and it thinks i mean other things!

I get it occasionally anyway, it should go in a few days, if not dvessel has the best answer.

Matt
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post #4 of 28
7/17/08 at 4:13pm
catarrh, but it sounds more like a small fluid buildup in the ear ( caused or exacerbated by your cold)

It'll drain away in a few days.. nothing to worry about I'd say
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post #5 of 28
7/17/08 at 4:24pm
Catarrh, thats the one!
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post #6 of 28
7/17/08 at 4:35pm
Earwax thread!

Why not go in for an ear cleaning? They're usually covered by insurance or cheap, don't take very long, and they're painless. The doc will take a look at your ear, too, so you'll know everything is OK.
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post #7 of 28
7/17/08 at 5:51pm
I am a bit bunged up at the moment and just noticed i seem to have the crackle when i swallow too... Grrr its annoying!
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post #8 of 28
7/18/08 at 3:59am
Thread Starter 
Oddest fix in the world...after using the solution I had for a few days, and it not getting better (I think even worse with the volume of the crackle), I went swimming today and my ears filled and emptied MANY time in the pool. Got out and drained as usual...and no crackling! Hope it lasts till morning
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post #9 of 28
7/18/08 at 4:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Uncle Erik View Post
Earwax thread!
If you really want to read more about earwax, check out the IEM/In Ear headphones section. Earwax comes up quite a bit, especially with sticking IEMs in your ears.

Portable Headphones, Earphones and In-Ear Monitors - Head-Fi: Covering Headphones, Earphones and Portable Audio
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post #10 of 28
7/18/08 at 7:50am
It's probably not earwax. It's a sinus thing. I have the same thing, but it's only really in my right ear. It crackles when a certain loud frequency is hit. Rushing water really sets it off. Very loud sounds set it off too, so it's kind of a self regulating volume safety indicator for me. It's not painful, it's just uncomfortable. I always carry earplugs and ER-20's with me.

I had it checked out by my ENT, and he couldn't find anything wrong. And my ears were pretty much clean, no need to clean any excess ear wax. (You need some ear wax, otherwise you'll get ear infections). I even had an MRI done just in case, and it revealed nothing.

So best guess is sinuses. Which makes the most sense, but still doesn't give me concrete answers, but at least it gives me comfort that it isn't a serious problem.

-Ed
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post #11 of 28
7/18/08 at 10:46am
I get that crap whenever I go swimming and stay underwater too long. It's some type of fluid caught inside your ear canal somewhere.
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post #12 of 28
7/19/08 at 11:37am
Thread Starter 
Well, went swimming the next day in the ocean, and it's back.

Maybe it is a small pocket.

UGH, so annoying, and I have insurance through my school, and am not there right now, so it would be very expensive for something with no pain. Which SUCKS.

Or maybe sinuses still, seeing as there is still some coloration in my mucus (sorry to be gross).

Anyway, still rincing with a solution of 50% Hydrogen peroxide, 25% vinegar, and 25% alcohol. Helps it to stop for a bit.
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post #13 of 28
7/19/08 at 12:15pm
Thread Starter 
Oh...oh my. New symptom.

When I move my ear from the outside, it crackles. No big deal....BUT MY FIANCEE CAN HEAR IT ACROSS THE COUCH! And it was the ear facing away from her. Maybe I should let it be for a few days and not put anything in to try and correct it, maybe it's just dried out and that's why she can hear it. Maybe trying to fix it is what made it last so long...

Man this is weird...and a minor inconvienance
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post #14 of 28
7/19/08 at 3:41pm
Sounds like you have earwax crunching around in there.

Go get it cleaned out. It's cheap, fast and painless. And I think your fiancee will be a lot happier, too.
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post #15 of 28
7/20/08 at 3:34am
Well, its obviously a grattle...


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