Why Do My Ears Make Popping Sounds When I Swallow?

Q: Why Do My Ears Make Popping Sounds When I Swallow?

Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to： 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction： This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over. <br>2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss. <br>3) Ot

Hearing a popping sound in the ears when swallowing saliva?

Is it just fatigue or could it be a cold? I sometimes hear a pulsing sound in one ear, but after a good sleep, it seems to be fine.
However, when I swallow, I still hear a popping sound in both ears.
What is happening to my ears?

He Wenwen, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/07/05

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology

Hello, the issues you mentioned could be due to: 1) Eustachian tube dysfunction: This is the most common cause and can occur not only during flying, climbing, or diving but also when forcefully blowing your nose or bending over.
2) Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.
3) Otitis media: a) Acute otitis media: Often occurs alongside upper respiratory infections (like colds) and sinusitis, and in severe cases, there may be ear discharge.
b) Chronic otitis media with acute exacerbation: This usually happens when there is a pre-existing perforation in the eardrum, which can become inflamed due to contaminated water or improper ear cleaning.
All of the above conditions can be appropriately treated with medication after consulting a healthcare provider.
If you have already undergone a pure tone audiometry test (which requires headphones in a soundproof booth, where sounds are presented and you respond by pressing a button, rather than just using a tuning fork), and it confirms that you do not have sudden sensorineural hearing loss, then medication may suffice.
However, if you have not had a pure tone audiometry test, it is advisable to visit a hospital for evaluation to rule out sudden hearing loss.
The golden treatment window for sudden sensorineural hearing loss is within two weeks, and early treatment yields better outcomes.
Wishing you safety and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chi Chao-Yun, Head of the ENT Department, Taichung Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2018/07/05

More Info

The popping sounds you hear in your ears when you swallow can be attributed to a few different factors, primarily related to the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. These tubes help equalize pressure in the ear and drain fluid. When you swallow, yawn, or chew, the muscles around the Eustachian tubes contract, allowing air to flow into the middle ear and equalizing pressure. This is often accompanied by a popping or clicking sound, which is generally normal.

However, if you are experiencing these sounds frequently or if they are accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, discomfort, or hearing loss, it may indicate an underlying issue. Here are some potential causes for the popping sounds in your ears:
1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This occurs when the Eustachian tubes do not open properly, leading to a pressure imbalance in the middle ear. This can happen due to allergies, colds, sinus infections, or changes in altitude. When you swallow, the pressure changes can cause the tubes to pop as they attempt to equalize.

2. Earwax Buildup: Excessive earwax can block the Eustachian tubes or the ear canal, leading to a sensation of fullness and popping sounds when swallowing. Regular cleaning and maintenance of ear hygiene can help alleviate this issue.

3. Middle Ear Infections: An infection in the middle ear can cause fluid buildup, leading to pressure changes and popping sounds. This is often accompanied by pain, fever, or hearing loss.

4. Changes in Air Pressure: Rapid changes in altitude, such as during flying or driving in mountainous areas, can cause your ears to pop as they adjust to the pressure changes.

5. Muscle Spasms: Sometimes, the muscles around the Eustachian tubes can spasm, leading to unusual sounds when swallowing or yawning.

6. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders: Issues with the jaw joint can also lead to popping sounds in the ears, especially if there is tension or misalignment.

Given that you mentioned experiencing these sounds in both ears, it is essential to consider the possibility of Eustachian tube dysfunction or other systemic issues. If you have recently been feeling fatigued or have had a cold, these factors could contribute to the symptoms you are experiencing.

To address your concerns, here are some recommendations:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus and promote better Eustachian tube function.

- Nasal Decongestants: If you suspect allergies or a cold, over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines may help alleviate symptoms.

- Yawning or Swallowing: Regularly yawning or swallowing can help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure.

- Avoid Irritants: Stay away from smoke, strong odors, and allergens that may exacerbate your symptoms.

If the popping sounds persist or are accompanied by pain, hearing loss, or other concerning symptoms, 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 determine the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
In summary, while occasional popping sounds in the ears when swallowing can be normal, persistent or bothersome symptoms warrant further investigation to ensure there are no underlying issues that need to be addressed.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Causes of Popping Sounds in Your Ears

A few weeks ago, after using a cotton swab to clean my ears, I felt a blockage and experienced some tinnitus. However, even after using earwax removal drops, there was no improvement, so it shouldn't be caused by earwax. A few days later, in the morning, I found that clenchi...

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello: Common issues include cerumen impaction or Eustachian tube dysfunction. If symptoms persist without improvement, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Thank you! Wishing you safety and health. Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Ho...

Understanding Ear Popping Sounds: Causes and Remedies for Throat Issues

Hello, Doctor. Sometimes when I swallow saliva, I hear a popping sound in my ears, especially when my throat feels uncomfortable or when my tonsils are swollen. Could this be caused by the discomfort in my throat? Additionally, my tonsils often swell, although it doesn't hur...

Dr. Cai Zhenggu reply Otolaryngology
Hello, A-Cheng: 1. It is possible. 2. There may be adverse effects; antibiotics can help control inflammation.

Understanding Ear Sounds When Swallowing: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor: I have a question. When I swallow saliva, there is a loud sound in my ears that resembles bones breaking. It gets worse when I go uphill, and sometimes I hear a popping sound. At times, it feels like something is pushing in and causing a painful thud. Swallowing do...

Dr. Chen Jianzhi reply Otolaryngology
Dear Inquirer: Hello, based on your description, it may be caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction. What exactly is the cause of this dysfunction? I recommend visiting a nearby clinic for diagnosis and treatment. Sincerely, Dr. Chien-Chih Chen, Physician at Taoyuan Hospital, Depart...

Clicking Sound in Right Ear When Swallowing: ENT Insights

When swallowing saliva, there is a sound of a thumping or popping in the right ear.

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology
Hello, when swallowing saliva, the Eustachian tube opens, and sometimes you may hear sounds as a result. This is generally a normal phenomenon, and you can continue to observe it. Wishing you peace and health. Sincerely, Dr. Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngol...