Crackly noise in one ear

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I'm guessing it's ear wax - a random but very annoying crackling noise inside one ear happening frequently throughout the day. I don't want to bother doctor with it, but I also don't want to faff about with ear wax treatments if it's not that. Does it sound like ear wax? It happens if I push anywhere around the ear, or move my head in a certain way. Been going on for ages and driving me wild.

It does sound like it could be wax. Stick some drops of olive oil in twice a day for a week and see if that softens it enough to clear it. After a week, a soak in a hot bath with your head under water should help shift it.

Thanks so much

Have you used cotton buds at all ? A work colleague had this and it turned out to be a bit of cotton that had come away in her ear drum Had to have it removed by the nurse at GPS.

I've sometimes had a crackling in my ear which has turned out to be a hair. Could someone have a look for you?

No, I've never used cotton buds in my ear. My sister made herself temporarily deaf with one when we were kids so I was put off for life

Oh, a hear. Hmm. It's been going on so long, if it is something in there it will be well inside and unlikely to be visible without one of the cone light thingies. I think maybe I'll try the olive oil thing, and if that doesn't work would I then go to gp? Or would pharmacist look for me?

Hair.

It could be all of the above, but i also remember my DS when he was much younger describing a sore ear to the doctor as having Rice Krispies in it. He laughed and said thats a perfect description. Prescribed antibiotics (actually a few courses to clear) so maybe its an infection that you do need to talk to the dr about.

Optician will do a free check for you
Ring one that offers it.

An optician? Will look in my ears? (Not being sarcastic - just checking and surprised)

Could be blocked sinus / pressure. I get this throughout hay fever season. Always far more noticeable when I don't take anti histamines or use my sufdafed nasal spray. Sudafed clears it within a day.

I meant to explain!!
Yes they seem to care for ears too.

Could be fluid build up in the middle ear/glue ear.
Can be treated using the otovent balloon device for a few weeks (buy on Amazon)
you do feel silly blowing up a balloon with your nose but it works!