Medically reviewed by John Carew, MD Key Takeaways Earwax buildup can cause crackling sounds in the ear. Swallowing, chewing, ...

You're going about your day tackling one to-do after the next, when suddenly a strange sound stops you in your tracks. There's something crackling inside of your ear. You give your ear a scratch, but ...

Make sure that the listening area is quiet, and importantly, do not listen through the patient's clothing. Warm your stethoscope either by carrying it in your pants pocket or by vigorously rubbing it.