Teen FAQ
For over 10 years, teens have been asking us questions on every topic imaginable. While we are no longer taking new questions, we have a wealth of information we would like to share with teenagers.
Questions about suicide? Call the NATIONAL SUICIDE HOTLINE 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).
Navigate: FAQ Home Page > General Health Questions > Ears popping
Posted on: 11/20/2009
Question
My ears have been popping everytime I swallow. This started when I woke up and my ears were blocked. Since then they either make a craking noise or pop whenever I swallow. How do I get rid of this??
Answer
Your ears are popping whenever you swallow because of a condition called Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tubes are what connects your middle ear cavity (the space behind the ear drum) and the nasal cavity. The tubes are normally open and allow air go move back and forth freely. However, when the tubes are obstructed, such as from allergies or a cold, air cannot move in our out of the middle ear, causing a pressure difference. When you chew and swallow, a muscle pulls on the tube and opens it up transiently, allowing air to move and therefore causing the popping sounds.
Symptoms can be treated by taking a decongestant, inhaling steam (such as in a shower), using a prescribed nasal steroid, or just give it time to resolve on its own. Hope this helps!