Though troublesome, clicking in the ears isn’t an indication of anything serious. Although it tends to aggravate with age, for many people, tinnitus improves with appropriate treatment.
The medical term for clicking in the ears is tinnitus; it may also be described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears. Tinnitus is known to affect approximately 1 in 5 people.
What Causes Clicking Sound In Ear?
A host of health conditions may cause or aggravate tinnitus. In most cases though, the precise cause is never established.
- A common cause is damage to the inner ear cells. Delicate, small hairs in the inner ear move in relation to the pressure of sound waves. This triggers ear cells to discharge an electrical message through the auditory nerve to the brain. The brain will infer these messages as sound. If these hairs get impaired, they release arbitrary electrical signals to the brain, causing a clicking sound.
- Age related hearing loss can cause tinnitus.
- Exposure to loud noises like chain saws and firearms, as well as music devices, such as MP3 players or iPods, is known to cause hearing impairment and tinnitus.
- Earwax obstruction results in hearing loss or irritation of the eardrum, which can lead to clicking sounds.
- Stiffening of the bones in the middle ear is another significant cause.
- Tinnitus is a timely indicator of Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder.
- Disorders in the temporo-mandibular joint can trigger tinnitus.
- Head or neck injuries can afflict the inner ear, auditory nerves and / or brain function linked to hearing.
- Acoustic neuroma, a benign mass which forms on the cranial nerve running from the brain to the inner ear and controls balance and hearing may produce a clicking / buzzing in the ears.
- Head and neck tumors.
- Atherosclerosis, especially in blood vessels close to the middle and inner ear results in tinnitus in both ears.
- Hypertension can make tinnitus more noticeable.
- Certain drugs and medicines cause tinnitus.
Clicking Sound In Ear Symptoms
There will be an annoying clicking sensation when no external sound is present. There may be alternate buzzing, ringing or hissing as well. The phantasm sound may differ in pitch from a low click to a high squeal, and may be in one or both ears.
Occasionally, the clicking can be very loud and can hinder your capacity to hear the actual sound. It may be present all the time, or may come and go.
Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Clicking Sound In Ear
First and foremost your health care provider will order a few tests and investigations to establish the underlying cause. On the basis of the assessment, he will prescribe a treatment regimen.
- Removing impacted earwax will help reduce the symptoms.
- A vascular disorder will need suitable medication or surgery.
- In case a medicine you’re taking is causing the clicking sound, your doctor will recommend an alternative.
- Certain devices, which produce sounds such as falling rain or ocean waves, are good treatment for tinnitus. Fans, humidifiers, and air conditioners could also help cover the clicking sounds.
- Steer clear of likely irritants which may worsen tinnitus; such as, loud noises, caffeine and nicotine.
- Manage your stress well. Stress makes tinnitus worse. Stress management via meditation, yoga, pranayama, and Pilates provide relief.
- Keep away from alcohol. Alcohol increases the force of the blood by dilating your blood vessels, making greater blood flow, particularly in the inner ear.
- Quite a few case trials and studies show that acupuncture is effective to some extent in managing clicking and buzzing in the ears.
- Ginkgo biloba, an herb has also been proved to be effectual in managing tinnitus.
- Zinc supplements are advocated by naturo-therapist. Confer with your health care provider to prescribe a supplement.
- B complex vitamins afford relief as well.