Incessant ear popping

[kathyrob]

Does anyone know how to stop this ear popping ,only one ear, only happens at night but drives me nuts. Drs don't seem to help saying ear is clear of wax had this on and off for last month makes me very tired as popping keeps me awake.Seems to stop in daytime so mystery to me.

[Happyrosie]

same with me but daytime only. Comes and goes, sometimes months or years without then it returns

I’d say it was a winter thing for me. So could possibly be a very very mild cold ?????

Anyway haven’t found a way to deal with!

[kathyrob in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for replying so quickly. I think I would rather have a daytime issue than at night as keeps me awake and I feel wiped out next day.

[Toughmathew in reply to kathyrob]

I wonder if dr can do anything related to t, so sad

[kathyrob in reply to Toughmathew]

Dr has only suggested using steroid nose spray that's about all they have done.

[Toughmathew in reply to kathyrob]

Does it work

[TinnitusUKPat Partner in reply to kathyrob]

As Bridgeit suggests below, the popping sensation seems consistent with Eustachian Tube issues. A steroid nose spray is a standard way to tackle the problem initially, in the belief that it will resolve basic problems.

Home remedies which Bridgeit suggests, like steam inhalation baths, can help too, and the Valsalva manoeuvre is sometimes recommended - perhaps running the latter by your GP if you can, to see if it might help in your situation.

[bridgeit]

Bear in mind I'm not medically trained; my opinions are based on personal experience alongside medical advice I've received over the years.

As the ear popping has been happening only for the last month and only in one ear, it might be a build up of fluid in one eustachian tube. These tubes, one for each ear, are situated within the middle ear behind the ear drum.

You could try doing the 'Valsalva' manoeuvre a few times a day for a couple of days to try and expel any excess fluid that's present in the tube(s). It helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and outside air pressure as well. The manoeuvre when applied for ear issues is implemented by pinching the nose and swallowing once or twice. You should hear both ears 'pop'.

A decongestant product such as 'sudofed' might help if there's a mucus build-up, but do be careful taking it if there's any indication of low blood pressure or you're already on medication. Check with a pharmacist before using it.

You could try the age-old method of inhaling steam from a large bowl with a towel over your head for 10 mins daily. Don't have the water boiling, just hot enough to generate steam. Add a couple of drops of Olbas oil to give the steam an extra inhalant boost - but do keep your eyes firmly closed if you add Olbas! Steam is good for the skin and eyelid oil glands too.

I hope you find some relief soon.

[kathyrob in reply to bridgeit]

Thank you for all your very good advice will try anything.

[Philip6]

if your ear pops when you swallow that will be the Eustacian tube opening and closing. The Dr will prescribe Beconase or another steroid spray. That may work and may not. The Valsalva manoeuvre should stop it, even if temporarily. I get it all of the time in my left ear, a lot of the time I don’t notice it any more but sometimes it drives me potty. It would be worse in the winter.

[kathyrob in reply to Philip6]

Thank you I have a steroid nose spray 1 puff twice daily thats the latest advice from Dr. had masses of catarrh which is probably the cause. Can't wait for warmer weather.

[shabbagaz]

I've been having this issue myself for the past few weeks although it's not as bad as it was - just happening occasionally for me now.

The practitioner at my doctors said it's most likely Eustacian Tube Dysfunction and advised doing those breathing exercises. I had been ill over Christmas with that flu bag that had been spreading round. Also had a weird "head cold" the previous to the week of developing the popping sounds.

[Jakobala]

Avoid headphones and earphones ,thats how my Tinnitus shit begun