What Does Crunching Sound In Ear And Mild Headaches Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 13 Apr 2015 Answered on

Wed, 6 May 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have what I can best describe as a crunching sound in or near what appears to be both ears. I have also had a mild headache, but it is manifested in pulsating as opposed to pain. I feel just a little off, but not quite dizzy. Any ideas?

Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
??Fluid accumulation, myoclonus or TMJ abnormality

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. I strongly suspect a fluid accumulation (?probably in the eustachian tubes), but other possibilities include myoclonus or a temporomanibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.

I would suggest a consultation with an ENT specialist for a further examination. If the cause is fluid accumulation, in most cases this condition is self-limited and settles on its own in a few weeks or months. Of course I understand this is a long period of time, and you can try kits like otovent which in my opinion is quite helpful in draining fluid from the eustachian tubes.

I hope you find my response both helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me with any further clarifications, I am always here to help.

Best wishes.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar