Ear Sounds: Is Your Eardrum at Risk?

Tinnitus?

I hear a popping sound in my ear when I open my mouth wide, and when I move my jaw side to side, I can hear a sound like large pieces of earwax shaking.
However, when someone checks my ear with an otoscope, the ear canal appears clean.
Could this indicate a problem with my eardrum, and is it serious? My hearing is fine.
Thank you!

anne, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2001/05/21

Dr. Ye Dawei reply Otolaryngology

Your issue seems to be related to Eustachian tube dysfunction rather than a problem with the eardrum.
It is not a serious issue, but I recommend scheduling an appointment for further evaluation.

Reply Date: 2001/05/21

More Info

When it comes to ear sounds and the potential risks to your eardrum, it's essential to understand the anatomy and function of the ear, as well as the possible implications of the symptoms you're experiencing. Based on your description, it seems that you are hearing a "pop" sound when you open your mouth wide and a "swishing" sound when you move your jaw side to side. These sounds can be attributed to several factors, and while they may not necessarily indicate a severe issue, they warrant further exploration.

Firstly, the popping sound you hear when opening your mouth is often related to the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube helps equalize pressure in the ear. When you open your mouth wide, the movement can cause a change in pressure, leading to that popping sound. This is generally a normal occurrence and is not usually a cause for concern unless accompanied by pain or hearing loss.

The swishing sound you describe when moving your jaw could be related to earwax (cerumen) or other debris in the ear canal. Even if your ear canal appears clean upon inspection, it's possible that some earwax is located deeper in the canal or near the eardrum, which could create sounds as it shifts with jaw movement. However, if you have had your ears checked and they are deemed clean, this may not be the primary concern.

Regarding the eardrum itself, if you are not experiencing any pain, significant hearing loss, or other alarming symptoms, it is likely that your eardrum is not at risk. However, if you do experience any discomfort, changes in hearing, or persistent sounds that concern you, it would be wise to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a thorough examination. They may perform a tympanometry test or an audiogram to assess the function of your eardrum and overall hearing ability.

It's also important to consider the role of jaw movements in your symptoms. If you have any issues with your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), this could also contribute to the sounds you are hearing. TMJ disorders can cause a variety of symptoms, including popping or clicking sounds when moving the jaw, which can sometimes be mistaken for ear-related issues.

In summary, while the sounds you are experiencing may not indicate a severe problem with your eardrum, it is essential to monitor your symptoms. If they persist or worsen, or if you develop additional symptoms such as pain or hearing loss, seeking medical advice is the best course of action. Regular check-ups with an ENT specialist can help ensure that your ear health is maintained and any potential issues are addressed promptly.

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