Hearing a metallic clicking sound in your head can be alarming, but is usually not serious. This article will address common causes of head clicking, when you should see a doctor, what tests may be done, treatment options, lifestyle changes to reduce clicking, coping tips, when to seek support, and the overall outlook for this condition.
We’ll cover key questions like: What are the potential sources of head clicking? Is this something to be concerned about? What medical exams or tests may be necessary? Are there ways to prevent or reduce the clicking? When should you seek medical advice? By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of this annoying but typically harmless symptom.
Possible Causes
There are several potential causes for clicking sounds in the head:
Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ)
TMJ is a disorder of the jaw joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. TMJ symptoms include jaw clicking or popping when opening and closing the mouth. The temporomandibular joints contain a fibrocartilage disc that allows for smooth movement. TMJ disorders can cause this disc to slip out of place and create a clicking/popping sound as the jaw moves (Source).
Muscle Spasms
The palate contains various small muscles that control movement and swallowing. In some cases, these muscles may spasm or twitch, creating a clicking or popping sensation in the head. These types of muscle spasms are usually harmless, though they can be annoying (Source).
Pulsatile Tinnitus
Pulsatile tinnitus produces rhythmic clicking or thumping sounds that often pulse along with the heartbeat. It’s typically caused by issues with blood flow in or near the ears. Causes can include atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, malformations of the blood vessels, or tumors compressing blood vessels (Source).
When to See a Doctor
If the metallic clicking sound in your head is persistent or causing you distress, it’s important to see a doctor for an evaluation. Some specific symptoms or circumstances that warrant seeking medical attention include:
- The clicking occurs frequently or continuously throughout the day
- The clicking is only in one ear or localized to one side of your head
- You also experience hearing loss, dizziness, or balance issues
- You have a history of ear infections, injuries, or surgeries
- The clicking sound is accompanied by pain or pressure in your ear
- You experience other neurological symptoms like tingling, numbness, or weakness
- The clicking started suddenly after a head injury or trauma
- You feel like your heart is beating in sync with the clicking sound
- The clicking interferes with your sleep or daily activities
A doctor can rule out serious underlying conditions and identify the cause of the clicking through a physical exam and diagnostic tests. While clicking alone may not be dangerous in some cases, it’s important to consult a physician to determine the source and appropriate treatment.
Medical Tests
If a doctor suspects an underlying condition may be causing metallic clicking sounds in the head, they may order medical tests to investigate further. Common tests include:
CT scan – This imaging test can reveal abnormalities or issues in the brain that may be contributing to clicking noises. According to Family Doctor, a head CT scan may be ordered to look for potential causes.
MRI scan – An MRI can provide a detailed look at the brain and help identify tumors, swelling, or other problems that could relate to head clicking. As noted by Mayo Clinic, an MRI may be recommended if the cause is suspected to originate from the brainstem or nerves.
Neurological exam – A doctor will conduct a clinical exam to check factors like balance, coordination, reflexes and nerve function. This can help determine if the clicking stems from an underlying neurological issue.
Hearing exam – An audiologist will examine hearing ability and inner ear function. This helps diagnose or rule out hearing-related causes of clicking sounds.
Ultimately, medical imaging and other tests can reveal if structural problems, nerve damage, or other medical conditions are responsible for causing metallic clicking noises heard in the head.
Treatments
There are several medical and home treatment options for tinnitus or clicking sounds in the head. Medical treatments include medications like antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, anticonvulsants, and lidocaine injections which can provide temporary relief. Doctors may also recommend sound therapy using white noise machines or hearing aids to mask the clicking sounds. For severe cases, cognitive behavioral therapy with a mental health professional can help patients cope with tinnitus.
Home treatments focus on managing stress and avoiding irritants that exacerbate tinnitus symptoms. Getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, limiting caffeine and alcohol, using background sounds, and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can provide relief. Some patients find dietary changes helpful, such as limiting sodium intake. Vitamin and mineral supplements like zinc, melatonin, and ginkgo biloba may also help reduce tinnitus symptoms for some people.
Overall, a combination of medical intervention and lifestyle changes offers the best approach to managing clicking sounds or tinnitus. Patients should work closely with their doctor to find the right treatment plan for their individual needs and symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
Making certain lifestyle changes may help reduce or manage tinnitus symptoms. According to the Lifestyle Changes That May Improve Your Tinnitus article, key lifestyle modifications include:
- Reducing stress and anxiety through relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or tai chi.
- Getting adequate sleep, as fatigue can worsen tinnitus.
- Limiting exposure to loud noises which can further damage hearing.
- Eating a balanced, healthy diet to reduce inflammation.
- Limiting alcohol consumption which can make tinnitus worse.
- Quitting smoking, as tobacco use increases the risk of tinnitus.
- Exercising regularly to improve blood circulation and reduce stress.
As noted in a Lifestyle Changes for Tinnitus Self-Management review, cognitive behavioral therapy, hypnosis, biofeedback, yoga, meditation, and regular exercise may also help some patients manage tinnitus symptoms and reduce perceived loudness or annoyance.
Coping Tips
If you are experiencing a clicking or popping sound in your head, here are some tips that may help you cope while waiting to determine the underlying cause:
- Play soothing background sounds like white noise, nature sounds, or calming music to mask the clicking noises. Listening to soft music or talk radio can also provide a distraction.
- Avoid complete silence which can make the sounds more noticeable. Keep some background noise such as a fan or TV on low volume.
- Try relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or massage which may help tune out the noises.
- Get enough sleep since fatigue can make the sounds worse. If needed, use a sound machine or earplugs to sleep.
- Manage stress through exercise, talking to a counselor, or joining a support group. Stress and anxiety can increase focus on the sounds.
- Distract yourself with activities you enjoy like reading, crafts, or spending time with friends and family.
While annoying, these tips can help you cope with the sounds in your head until an underlying cause is determined and proper treatment can begin.
When to Seek Support
Joining a support group can be very beneficial for managing health anxiety related to symptoms like hearing clicking noises in your head. Connecting with others who are experiencing similar symptoms can help provide reassurance that you’re not alone. According to the American Tinnitus Association, support groups allow you to gain perspective from experienced patients and professionals who understand your challenges.
Some signs it may be time to join a support group include:
- Feeling anxious, stressed, or depressed about your symptoms
- Having panic attacks or trouble sleeping due to worry about the noises
- Spending excessive time researching your symptoms online
- Constantly seeking reassurance from friends and family about the noises
- Avoiding activities because of anxiety over the noises
The American Tinnitus Association provides guidance on finding an in-person or online support group to meet your needs. Connecting with other people experiencing similar challenges can provide coping strategies, advice, and hope.
Outlook
The long-term prognosis for a metallic clicking sound in the head depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, the clicking is harmless and will go away on its own without treatment. However, clicks caused by more serious conditions like tumors, aneurysms, or TMJ may require medical intervention to prevent complications.
Tinnitus related clicking often improves over time as the brain learns to tune out the sound. Stress and anxiety management can help reduce tinnitus symptoms. For severe tinnitus cases, sound therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy may provide lasting relief.
Issues like earwax blockages, eustachian tube dysfunction, and muscle spasms typically resolve quickly with the proper treatment. As long as the underlying cause is addressed, the outlook is good.
In rare cases, persistent head clicking can be a sign of a chronic condition. Regular checkups and follow-up testing may be needed to monitor progression. But many patients find their symptoms stabilize or even disappear completely over the long term.
Staying positive and focusing on healthy habits can make it easier to cope with clicking sounds in the head, especially when the prognosis is uncertain. Being proactive with your doctor and exploring different management strategies improves the chances of a favorable outcome.
Summary
In summary, there are several possible causes for hearing a metallic clicking sound in your head, including tinnitus, palatal tremor, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. While the clicking is often harmless, it’s best to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and rule out any serious conditions. They may recommend tests like an MRI or CT scan and suggest treatment options to manage symptoms. Lifestyle changes like reducing stress and limiting caffeine may help, along with relaxation techniques. Most importantly, remember that the clicking sound alone is not dangerous, even if a specific cause cannot be found. Over time, many people habituate to the sound and it becomes less bothersome. While frustrating, try to accept the clicking noise and focus on maintaining your overall health and wellbeing.
