Strange Popping Noise in Ear?

Question

I'm an 18-year-old male.

I believe this started after I was on a plane and tried to pop my ears. Now I have this (annoying) habit that causes my ears to make this small popping or crackling sound. It occurs when I do something with my jaw/throat, but it's not exactly just moving my jaw nor is it swallowing. It's hard to describe.

I've done some searches on this, and if I believe it's harmless, but still it's annoying. What could this be?

Answer 1

No worries. I do it all the time. Doing it now. LOL.  You made me conscious of it.

Do you have allergies or sinus problems? I do notice that when I have a little sinus pressure when I breath in this happens more often, like I'm automatically relieving pressure in the passages that run from the nasal cavities to the inner ears.  If it becomes too pronounced or accompanies ringing in the ears or some hearing loss see your doctor as you could have an inner ear infection.

I also want to mention that this can occur after plane trips to areas where the altitude is different from what you are accustomed, usually when it's higher. Not sure where you were flying from or to.  If you never experienced it before the flight and do not have allergies, then it will probably go away once your inner equilibrium is back in balance.

Take care. ~J~

Answer 2

This comes from something called the Eustachian Tube.  It connects you ear to your throat (basically) and regulates the air pressure in the inner ear.  You noticed this on the plane from the different pressure at different altitudes. It does happen to everyone and if you are experiencing NO pain at all and NO problems hearing, don't worry. Maybe you are just focusing on it too much cause you are worried about it, but there should be nothing to worry about.

Answer 3

You could have fluid in the inner ear. Have a doctor check it out