Ear Popping

Whether taking off in an airplane or going through a tunnel on a train, most people have experienced ear popping at one time or another. And despite not being a major cause for concern, ear popping is still usually irksome for sufferers – especially if it’s constant.

It’s also important to remember that regular, frequent bouts of ear popping can signal a variety of underlying ear conditions. Therefore, you should take steps to ensure your ear popping is treated by a specialist as quickly as possible.

Boots Hearingcare provide all the information you need about why your ears pop, including what causes it and whether you should have a hearing test…

What is ear popping?
Ear popping causes
How to pop ears safely
FAQs

Ear popping is when pressure in the ears needs to equalise so that your eardrum doesn’t expand or contract more than usual. In certain environments, this can happen quite quickly, creating the ‘popping’ sound we hear so very often.

Most of the time, our air pressure is the same, but there are situations when it is known to shift rapidly – for example, while travelling by plane. Fluctuations in altitude make ear popping more likely, and some people find the sensation very uncomfortable indeed.

When the ear pops despite there being no change in altitude, this is known as Eustachian tube dysfunction and should be checked over by doctors to ensure there are no other underlying conditions – although colds and allergies are usually to blame for this phenomenon.

The main cause of ear popping is change in air pressure. This can happen for a variety of reasons, from planes frequently shifting their altitude to a train entering a tunnel – thereby compressing the air.

Colds, allergies, sinus infections and even enlargement of the adenoids can also cause excessive ear popping through Eustachian tube dysfunction. Sufferers of Eustachian tube dysfunction are discouraged from flying altogether or, at the very least, should use over-the-counter medication to help clear these lest symptoms are exacerbated during flight.
 

To pop your ears essentially means opening the Eustachian tubes, which is done by engaging the muscles around the tubes themselves.
Some common methods that help with ear popping include:

• Swallow: Swallowing is a great way to engage the Eustachian tubes to clear any blockages and ensure air pressure is regulated more smoothly.
• Yawn: Whether natural or forced, a yawn will help open the Eustachian tube and regulate the air pressure between inside and outside the middle ear. Breathing deeply with your mouth wide open works just as well.
• Chew: Like swallowing, chewing also engages the Eustachian tube and can help reduce any unpleasantness associated with ear popping. Hard sweets or gum can be used to expediate the process.
• Manoeuvres:
  • Toynbee: Simply pinch your nose with your mouth closed and swallow. A mouthful of water can help make this exercise feel more natural.
  • Frenzel: Pinch your nose and make a noise that sounds like a click with your tongue. Keep in mind that the resultant popping may seem uncomfortable at first, but it will be worth it for the relief you can expect.

While there’s no guarantee that these will provide sure-fire relief from ear popping, it’s always good to try each measure a few times before seeking medical advice for the matter.