What Causes a Popping Sound in the Ear?
Ear popping is a condition that is usually annoying and benign. Popping sounds occur when the eustachian tube opens to establish equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. While the condition is typically remedied by self-treatment, its prolonged effects can lead to some serious consequences.
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Cause
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Ear popping is directly caused by differences in air pressure between both sides of the ear drum. Air pressure builds up when the eustachian tube becomes blocked, preventing middle-ear air pressure to equalize. This commonly occurs when flying or driving at high high altitudes.
Effects
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A blocked or obstructed eustachian tube can cause the eardrum to be sucked inward and stretched, sometimes to a painful degree. The condition also makes hearing much more difficult, rendering sounds mute or muffled.
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Treatment
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Swallowing and yawning are two common treatments. Other potential remedies include gargling with warm salt water to help clear the Eustachian tubes, sucking on candy, chewing gum or taking a nasal decongestant.
Barotrauma
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Barotrauma is a more serious condition. It occurs from a sustained state of unequalized pressure on both sides of the eardrum, and it's often triggered by air travel or scuba diving. Clogging, pain and even hearing loss can result.
Expert Insight
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Prolonged symptoms like fever and ear drainage should be immediately examined by a physician. A medical specialist can determine if the eardrum is being stretched or if the eardrum has been perforated.
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