most helpful answer i'm right there with you. i often describe this sound as the "ppt ppt ppt" of bubbles rising to the surface of water. but i can see how it could sound like crackling to you. let me ask you this: have you been feeling dizzy? balance problems? do you sometimes feel you're walking off-kilter? if so you may be having trouble with your otoliths. sometimes called the "ear stones " the otoliths actually are tiny organs in the inner ear. these highly sensitive organs help your brain sense the effects of gravity and acceleration. in the very simplest of terms these organs consist of tiny hairs topped by a tiny. well. stone made of limestone and protein. these stones (called "otoconia") can fall off their hairs and roll down into other parts of the ear where they don't belong. when this happens you may be able to actually hear the stones rolling about. this situation isn't dangerous on its own. however it can cause you to feel dizzy and lose your balance resulting in falls. interestingly the otoconia sometimes can be put back in place by having a physician manipulate your head in a particular sequence of movements. this often cures the dizziness and balance problems. regardless of what is causing this crackling sound you describe it's worth getting it checked out by a medical professional. it could be something as simple as a piece of ear wax grinding against your eardrum or it could be an issue with your otoliths. it's worth finding out. wishing you well!
i have a crackling/crunchy sound in my ear that comes and goes. this sound has is becoming annoying. as i lay down at night i'll hear it the most it's this crunching sound almost like there is crawling around in my ear. but i don't think this is the case. it sounds like something is settling. please help this is really bothering me. thank you