Have you ever been in a situation where you felt like you needed to crack your ears? Whether you’ve been in an airplane, taken a dip in the pool, or just felt a little congested, cracking your ears can be somewhat of a relief. But have you ever wondered what actually happens when you crack your ears? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind cracking your ears, the potential risks associated with it, and a few tips on how to do it safely.
Cracking your ears is a common reflex action that usually occurs when the eustachian tube in your ear is blocked or not functioning correctly. When you crack your ears, you may experience a popping sound, a brief feeling of pressure or fullness, or a decrease in hearing sensitivity. In most cases, cracking your ears is harmless, although it can cause mild discomfort.
Cracking your ears can also cause temporary hearing loss in one or both ears. This is due to the increased pressure in the eustachian tube that occurs when you crack your ears. In some cases, cracking your ears can also lead to an infection or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
If you experience any discomfort or hearing loss after cracking your ears, it is important to consult your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
What is ‘Cracking our Ears’?
The phenomenon of ‘cracking our ears’ is a common practice among humans. It refers to the act of making a popping sound when pressure is applied to the middle ear. This is normally done by closing the mouth, pushing the jaw forward, and swallowing. It is a way to relieve pressure in the middle ear, the area between the eardrum and the back of the throat.
The popping sound is created when the pressure between the air in the middle ear and the air outside the ear canal is equalized. This is usually achieved by either yawning or pushing the jaw forward and swallowing, which helps to open the Eustachian tube and equalize the pressure. This pressure equalization also helps to keep the ear from becoming plugged with fluid.
The practice of cracking our ears is not dangerous in and of itself, but there are some risks associated with it. If done too frequently or with too much force, it can lead to damage to the Eustachian tube or the ear drum, which can result in hearing loss. Additionally, the pressure equalization can cause a feeling of dizziness or vertigo.
What are the Benefits of ‘Cracking our Ears’?
Cracking our ears can be beneficial in many circumstances. It can help to reduce the pressure in the middle ear, which can be uncomfortable. It can also help to reduce the effects of sinus pressure, which can cause pain in the face and head. Additionally, it can help to improve the hearing of those with middle ear infections, as the equalization of the pressure can help to reduce the fluid buildup in the ear.
Perhaps the most common use of cracking our ears is to reduce the feeling of ‘airplane ear’. This is a condition caused by the rapid changes in pressure that occur during air travel. The pressure equalization that results from cracking our ears can help to reduce this discomfort. Additionally, it can help to reduce the effects of altitude sickness, as the pressure equalization can help to open the Eustachian tube and reduce the sensation of dizziness or vertigo.
Finally, cracking our ears can help to reduce the effects of tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or buzzing in the ears. The pressure equalization can help to reduce the sensation of tinnitus, as the pressure can reduce the amount of fluid in the middle ear, which can reduce the ringing or buzzing sensation.
Are There Any Risks Associated with ‘Cracking our Ears’?
While cracking our ears is not dangerous in and of itself, there are some risks associated with it. If done too frequently or with too much force, it can lead to damage to the Eustachian tube or the ear drum, which can result in hearing loss. Additionally, the pressure equalization can cause a feeling of dizziness or vertigo.
Additionally, cracking our ears can cause a buildup of fluid in the middle ear, which can lead to an infection. This is why it is important to only crack our ears when necessary and to not overdo it. It is also important to note that if you experience any pain or discomfort when cracking your ears, you should stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Finally, cracking our ears can cause the Eustachian tube to become blocked, which can prevent the pressure from equalizing and can lead to a buildup of fluid or pressure in the ear. This can be very uncomfortable and can lead to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. If this occurs, it is important to seek medical attention.
What Should You Do Before ‘Cracking your Ears’?
Before cracking your ears, it is important to make sure that you are in a comfortable position and that you are relaxed. Additionally, it is important to make sure that your jaw is relaxed and that you are not clenching your teeth. It is also important to make sure that you are aware of the pressure in your middle ear and that you do not push too hard when cracking your ears.
Avoid Yawning
It is important to note that yawning is not a good way to crack your ears, as this can cause too much pressure to be applied to the middle ear. Additionally, it is important to avoid blowing your nose before or after cracking your ears, as this can cause a buildup of pressure in the ear.
Seek Medical Attention
If you experience any pain or discomfort when cracking your ears, you should stop immediately and seek medical attention. Additionally, if you experience any hearing loss or persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Cracking our ears is a common practice that can be beneficial in many circumstances. It can help to reduce the pressure in the middle ear, reduce the effects of sinus pressure, and reduce the feeling of ‘airplane ear’. However, it is important to remember that there are some risks associated with it, such as hearing loss and infection. Additionally, it is important to make sure that you are relaxed and aware of the pressure in your middle ear before cracking your ears. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you should stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Happens When You Crack Your Ears?
Q1: What is the medical term for cracking your ears?
A1: The medical term for cracking your ears is called “auriculotemporal syndrome” or “auriculotemporal nerve irritation.” This is the temporary and harmless sensation of popping or cracking that occurs when the joints of the jaw, ears and/or head are moved.
Q2: What causes the popping sensation?
A2: The popping sensation occurs when air bubbles inside the middle ear become compressed and then released. This is often a result of a pressure change in the middle ear caused by changes in altitude, or by yawning, chewing, or other activities that cause the pressure in the middle ear to change.
Q3: Is it safe to crack your ears?
A3: Generally, it is considered safe to crack your ears. However, it is possible to damage your eardrum if you are too forceful and do not do it correctly. It is best to crack your ears when the pressure is equalized in both ears by yawning or swallowing.
Q4: Are there any adverse effects of cracking your ears?
A4: In rare cases, cracking your ears can cause dizziness and nausea, especially if done too forcefully. It can also cause a temporary ringing in the ears. If any of these symptoms occur or persist, it is best to stop cracking your ears and consult a doctor.
Q5: How often should you crack your ears?
A5: There is no set amount of times you should or should not crack your ears. Generally, if your ears feel the need to pop you can crack them to relieve the pressure, but avoid doing it more than necessary.
Q6: Is there a way to naturally equalize the pressure in your ears?
A6: Yes, there are several ways to naturally equalize the pressure in your ears without cracking them. One of the most common methods is the Valsalva maneuver, which involves closing your mouth, pinching your nose and exhaling gently until you feel the pressure in your ears change. Other methods include yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing.
Pop Or Drain Your Ears And Relieve Sinus Pressure | How To Drain Eustachian Tubes | Physical Therapy
Cracking your ears is a harmless way to relieve ear pressure, however, it should not be done too often. If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort in your ears, you should consult a doctor to determine if there is an underlying medical condition. In most cases, ear cracking is safe and can help to reduce the pressure that builds up in your ears. So, if you need to relieve the pressure, crack away – just don’t forget to give your ears some rest in between!
