What Makes Your Ears Pop?

The sensation of "popping" in the ear is due to an imbalance of air pressure between the outside air and the air in the middle ear. There are several causes of ear popping, and the feeling of fullness or pressure, also called ear barotrauma, can usually be relieved quite easily.

• Ear popping has several causes

Ear Anatomy

• The Baylor College of Medicine explains that the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose, usually opens upon swallowing or yawning and acts as a pressure-equalizing valve for the middle ear. A "popping" sound can be heard when the Eustachian tube is forced open.

Changes in Air Pressure

• An imbalance of air pressure between the outside air and the pressure in the Eustachian tube can occur when ascending or descending in elevation, as during air travel or driving in the mountains. Air pressure can also change when diving underwater.

Medical Causes

• According to the National Institutes of Health, ear popping can occur when there is congestion in the sinus cavity from a cold or allergy and fluid accumulates in the Eustachian tube. The fluid build-up causes an increase in pressure in the ear.

Treatment

• The NIH suggests swallowing, yawning or pinching the nostrils while trying to exhale through the nose to open the Eustachian tube, allowing air pressure to equalize. If pressure is due to congestion, gargling, sucking on candy or using a decongestant or antihistamine is recommended to relieve the pressure that leads to popping.

Complications

• If fever, drainage or severe pain occurs, there could be an infection or perforation in the eardrum. To prevent loss of hearing, see a doctor immediately. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent.