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What Causes Popping Noises From Ears And Crackling Noises In The Head?
Question: 2 weeks ago I started experiencing popping noises from my ears and worst of it, crackling noises in my head ( I assume in my head) when I turn my head side to side. I do have seasonal allergies but unsure if this is the problem. I'm having anxiety because I'm unsure what it is. The best how to explain what I hear is take you finger and rub the hair on your head. No pain at all. My vision is fine. Hearing is fine. No blacking out etc.
Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube block/catarrh...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
After going through your description, I am of the opinion that you could be having a blocked Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear).
When the edema sets in the nasal end of the Eustachian tube following flu/allergy, the pressure developed in the back side of the nose forcibly tends to open the nasal end of the tube. When the pressure in the post nasal space forces the air into the narrow Eustachian tube, there will be crackling noise heard due to opening of the latter, which is very annoying. This usually happens when you try to swallow, yawn, speak and drink.
The blocked tube cannot be visualized in a x-ray.
This block can be best relieved by following measures:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Try doing steam inhalation 2-3 times a day for couple of minutes.
3. Try using oxymetazoline or xylometazoline nasal spray for not more than 5 days, followed by steam inhalation.
4. Avoid chilled food and beverages.
Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Eustachian tube block/catarrh...
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for posting the query
After going through your description, I am of the opinion that you could be having a blocked Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear).
When the edema sets in the nasal end of the Eustachian tube following flu/allergy, the pressure developed in the back side of the nose forcibly tends to open the nasal end of the tube. When the pressure in the post nasal space forces the air into the narrow Eustachian tube, there will be crackling noise heard due to opening of the latter, which is very annoying. This usually happens when you try to swallow, yawn, speak and drink.
The blocked tube cannot be visualized in a x-ray.
This block can be best relieved by following measures:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Try doing steam inhalation 2-3 times a day for couple of minutes.
3. Try using oxymetazoline or xylometazoline nasal spray for not more than 5 days, followed by steam inhalation.
4. Avoid chilled food and beverages.
Hope this answers your query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.
Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty
Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist
Practicing since :2001
Answered : 2540 Questions
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