How to Deal with Irregular Ear Clicking and Vibration Noise

By Dez Duran-Lamanilao

Image source: WFM Health

When dining, the last thing a person would want to hear is some clicking noise that happens when food is swallowed; since this will probably ruin one’s enjoyment of the meal. If you ever wondered why you are producing these weird sounds, it may be because the Eustachian tube has been blocked and mucus has already accumulated within the middle ear. The Eustachian tube, a small passage connecting the middle ear to the back of your throat behind the nose, is trying to open, thus the clicking sound.

In the case of ear discomfort during air travel, it happens when the pressure inside your inner ear is not balanced to the pressure outside. This causes the tympanic membrane or eardrum to swell outward.

When an ear drum vibrates, it means that there is already excessive ear wax in your ear and this condition, when aggravated, may lead to tinnitus. Mayo Clinic cites the types of phantom noises associated with tinnitus symptoms, which include ringing, buzzing, roaring, popping, hissing and finally, clicking.

To minimize or prevent the occurrence of irregular clicking or vibration-like noise in your ears, try doing the following:

• Avoid exposing yourself to very loud noise since this can damage your ears’ nerves.
• If you need to listen to some noise, try lowering down the volume to an acceptable level, particularly if you are using headphones.
• There are cases where the clicking may be attributed to high blood pressure, an aneurysm, or a tumor, so it is best to seek medical advice to find out the root cause of the problem.
• Get rid of ear wax by using olive oil, hydrogen peroxide, or warm water. Better yet, ask the help of a trained medical professional.
• If the clicking is caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction, home remedies may include chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, swallowing, yawning, or breathing out while your nostrils and mouth are closed.
• Drink lots of fluids especially in-flight to stay hydrated.
• Use nasal spray but to not overuse to prevent congestion.
• You may also ask a qualified professional for specially designed ear plugs that can equalize pressure.

Having to experience irregular ear clicking and vibration noise may distract an individual and this may lead to lower self-esteem, anxiety, lack of sleep, and swinging moods. No one wants these things to happen. If you have consistently ignored that clicking noise, this may be the right time to deal with it.