Why does my dogs ear make a crackling noise

Q: Why does my dogs ear make a clicking noise?

If you hear your dogs ear making a clicking noise or crackling noise, it may be due to having fluid or pus in the external ear canal or suffering from an ear infection.

The tympanic membrane or eardrum is a thin membrane that separates the outer ear canal from the middle and inner ear. The middle ear contains the three tiniest bones in the body, the malleus, incus and stapes, more commonly referred to as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup. The eustachian tubes are also located in the middle ear.

Table of Contents Show

My dog has been diagnosed with a middle ear infection. What is it?
What causes a ruptured eardrum?
How can I tell if my dog has ruptured his eardrum or has a middle ear infection?
How are these conditions treated?
What is the prognosis?
Why does my dog's ear make a clicking noise?
Is ear crackling serious?
What does crackling noise in your ear mean?
How do I unclog my dogs ears?

My dog has been diagnosed with a middle ear infection. What is it?

If the eardrum is perforated or tears, bacteria and fungi from the outer ear canal may enter the sensitive middle ear resulting in otitis media or middle ear infection. A middle ear infection can also result from a polyp or mass in the middle ear.

What causes a ruptured eardrum?

A ruptured eardrum can be the result of trauma, infection, exposure to toxins, sudden severe changes in atmospheric pressure, very loud noises, and foreign objects.

How can I tell if my dog has ruptured his eardrum or has a middle ear infection?

Most cases of ruptured eardrum and middle ear infection will be identified by your veterinarian. Signs that your dog has a ruptured eardrum or middle ear infection can include discharge from the ear (often thick and pus-like or bloody), sudden hearing loss, red and inflamed ear canal, pain when touching the ear, a head tilt, stumbling and incoordination, and darting of the eyes back-and-forth (nystagmus). Facial nerve paralysis causing drooping of one side of the face and mouth and the inability to blink or a completely closed eyelid may occur in some cases. Middle ear infections are often accompanied by inner ear infections and disruptions of balance and equilibrium.

"A dog that is tilting his head or experiencing any pain around the ears should be taken seriously."

A thorough ear examination, sometimes requiring sedation or anesthesia, is necessary to diagnose a ruptured eardrum. Many dogs will require warm saline flushes. A classic test is to look for tiny air bubbles that form deep in the ear canal when the pet breathes. Another common test is to infuse a special dye, fluorescein, into the ear canal. If it escapes and exits through the nose, the eardrum is ruptured.

A special test called a myringotomy is usually performed in cases of middle ear infections. A myringotomy involves obtaining a sterile sample of the fluid within the middle ear for culture and analysis and is usually performed under sedation or anesthesia and is usually part of the thorough ear examination. Your veterinarian will discuss whether or not this diagnostic test is necessary for your dog.

Skull radiographs (X-rays) are often helpful in determining the severity of a middle ear infection. CT and MRI scans are also recommended in some cases and provide certain diagnostic advantages.

How are these conditions treated?

A thorough ear flushing, usually under sedation or anesthesia is required in most cases. Your veterinarian will use appropriate medications and sometimes water-based flushing solutions (most often TrizEDTA). Topical antibiotics (such as Baytril® Otic) may be prescribed based on your dog’s specific condition. Oral antibiotics (such as amoxicillin/clavulanate, enrofloxacin, cefpodoxime, or marbofloxacin) and antifungal medications (itraconazole is preferred) are used in many cases. In addition, systemic corticosteroids (steroids) most typically prednisone, may be beneficial in pets that have severe inflammation and pain but also have the side effect of exacerbating signs associated with infection.

Some patients will require surgery. In these cases, your veterinarian will discuss with you the reasons for a surgical procedure, risks involved, and expected outcomes. Surgery is typically reserved for cases thought to have severe, irreversible changes of the outer ear with concurrent middle ear infection.

What is the prognosis?

The majority of patients heal without significant complications. Most ruptured eardrums heal without surgery within three to five weeks. Middle ear infections often require oral antibiotics or antifungal medications for six to eight weeks. Most pets will require frequent recheck examinations and follow-up care to ensure the infection is resolving and the eardrum is healing properly. It is critical that you closely follow your veterinarian’s instructions to prevent serious complications or prolonged healing. In severe cases with nerve damage, there may be permanent changes in the face, lips, and eyes or hearing loss. Your veterinarian will provide you with a more accurate prognosis based on your dog’s specific condition.

Why does my dog's ear make a clicking noise?

If you hear your dog's ear making a clicking noise or crackling noise, it may be due to having fluid or pus in the external ear canal or suffering from an ear infection.

Is ear crackling serious?

Crackling in your ears is not usually dangerous unless you also have ear pain or a fever. You only need to ask your doctor for their advice if the noise bothers you or lasts a long time.

What does crackling noise in your ear mean?

When the pressure inside of your ears changes, whether from altitude, going underwater, or just yawning, you might hear popping or crackling noises. The eustachian tube, which is a tiny tube in your ear, is the cause of these noises.

How do I unclog my dogs ears?

Squeeze a veterinarian-approved ear-cleaning solution to fill your dog's ear canal and massage gently at the base of the ear for about 30 seconds. You will hear a squishing sound as the product dislodges debris and buildup. Don't let the tip of the applicator touch your dog's ear, as this can introduce bacteria.