Why Do I Hear Popping Sounds in My Ears When I Squeeze My Eyes?

There is a popping sound in the ear?

I apologize, but when I close my eyes tightly, I hear a popping sound in my ears.
This has been happening for a while.
I also often listen to music at a high volume and frequently clean my ears deeply.
Can you tell me why this is happening?

Xiao Se, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/30

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, it may be related to issues with the external auditory canal.
If there is no improvement, it is recommended to seek medical examination.
Wishing you peace, health, and well-being.
Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi.

Reply Date: 2016/04/30

More Info

Hearing popping or "whooshing" sounds in your ears when you squeeze your eyes shut can be a perplexing experience, and it may be related to several factors involving the anatomy and physiology of the ear and surrounding structures.
Firstly, the ears are closely connected to the sinuses and the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure in the middle ear. When you close your eyes tightly or squeeze them, you may inadvertently increase pressure in your head, which can affect the Eustachian tubes. This pressure change can lead to a sensation of popping or a sound that resembles "whooshing." This is often harmless and can occur in response to changes in pressure.

Additionally, the act of squeezing your eyes can cause tension in the muscles around your head and neck, which may also affect the auditory system. The muscles that control eye movement and those that are involved in hearing are interconnected. This tension can create a sensation of sound or pressure in the ears.

Another possibility is that the sound you are hearing is related to the movement of fluid within the inner ear. The inner ear contains structures filled with fluid that are responsible for balance and hearing. When you exert pressure by squeezing your eyes, it may cause a temporary shift in this fluid, leading to the perception of sound.

It's also worth noting that you mentioned listening to loud music frequently and digging deep into your ears. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can lead to noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus, which is a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears. While the popping sound you hear when squeezing your eyes may not be directly related to these activities, it is essential to be cautious about ear health. Frequent ear cleaning, especially if done aggressively, can lead to earwax impaction or damage to the ear canal, which may also contribute to auditory sensations.

If the popping sounds are persistent, bothersome, or accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, hearing loss, or dizziness, it is advisable to consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can perform a thorough examination, including hearing tests and possibly imaging studies, to rule out any underlying conditions such as Eustachian tube dysfunction, middle ear issues, or other auditory system problems.

In summary, the popping sounds you hear when squeezing your eyes may be related to pressure changes in the ear, muscle tension, or fluid movement within the inner ear. While it is often benign, maintaining good ear health by avoiding loud noises and being gentle with ear cleaning practices is crucial. If you have concerns or if the symptoms persist, seeking medical advice is the best course of action.

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