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Understanding Ears Popping: Why do I hear unusual noises in my ears?
Have you ever experienced muffled or dulled hearing, a sensation of water trapped in your ear, or crackling, bubble popping or popping sounds in your ear? To understanding ears popping, we nee to look at the symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD), a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives.
Understanding Ears Popping: What is the Eustachian Tube?
The Eustachian tube is a narrow tube that connects the back of the nose to the middle ear, behind the eardrum. It helps to equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum, which is important for hearing and to keep the ears comfortable.
- Unequal; causing the eardrum to become retracted, or pulled inward, much like a ball gets pulled back in a slingshot.
- The eardrum tenses and cannot send sound vibrations up to the brain effectively which blocks hearing and distorted sound.
Understanding Ears Popping: Symptoms
- The common cold and other viral infections that cause mucus to build up in the eustachian tube
- Allergies that cause inflammation and extra mucus in the eustachian tube
- Enlarged adenoids, obesity, smoking, or narrowed eustachian tubes that block the eustachian tube
Symptoms of ETD include:
- Muffled or dulled hearing
- Muffled or dulled hearing
- Crackling sound and popping in ear
- The sensation of water in the ear
- Tinnitus
- Pain and a feeling of pressure
These symptoms may last for a few hours or several weeks, depending on the cause.
Treatment for ETD depends on the severity of symptoms and underlying causes. Some common treatments include:
- Getting more air to flow into the eustachian tube by chewing, yawning, swallowing, or using the Valsalva manoeuvre
- Using saline nasal sprays and rinses to flush out the eustachian tube
- Using decongestant nasal sprays, antihistamines, or steroid nasal sprays to ease congestion and inflammation
- Referral to an Ear Specialist (ENT) for assessment and possible treatment options
In Summary
ETD is a common condition that can cause discomfort and affect hearing. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options can help manage and alleviate the condition.
If you are experiencing symptoms of ETD, it is recommended to seek advice from a healthcare professional such as an Ear Nurse from Crystal Clear Ears.
Cindy Morris, Registered Nurse Education Coordinator
http://www.patient.co.uk/health/eustachian-tube-dysfunction
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/glue-ear march 2018
https://www.healthline.com/health/eustachian-tube-dysfunction#causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hay-fever/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373045
https://patient.info/treatment-medication/steroids/steroid-nasal-sprays