Hello and welcome,

Thanks for your query.

Let me first talk about the popping sound that you describe. If a person experiences only a popping sound and fullness of the ear, causing slight reduction of hearing, this is most commonly because of wax in the ear accumulating in a slight excess or more. A visit to the Ear, Nose, THROAT (ENT) specialist's office would do you well, as the doctor will clean your ear and remove all the excess wax. Itchiness is also commonly seen with such a condition.

But, as in your case you also mention the presence of pain and itchiness, there is a possibility of an infection. Although the pain would be your primary concern in case of an infection, as it would be much more.

Either way, I think it is best for you to visit an ENT specialist so he/she can visualize your internal ear, as make sure of the diagnosis. If there are no signs of an infection, the doctor can clean your ear and rid you of your symptoms as well.

I hope I have succeeded in answering your questions, you could write back to us anytime for further clarifications.

Best wishes.

Hi

Welcome to HealthcareMagic forum

It is very difficult to pin point the exact problem unless the ear is examined thoroughly. The clear fluid could be due to either otitis externa (inflammation of the external ear) or otitis media (inflammation of the middle ear). The fluid has to be cleaned by your doctor in order to visualize the canal and the ear drum.

Avoid using ear plugs and water into the ear. Do not attempt to clean the ear by yourself. I doubt any perforation of the ear drum which could be secondary to usage of the ear plugs.

I wish you good health

Regards