Tinnitus Talk Support Forum

Sounds like middle ear mechanics! Happen on its own or is it triggered by swallow, yawn, etc?

@ErikaS - it never just happens on its own but happens every time I yawn or swallow, or I can bring it on by tensing 'something' inside my ear.
When I yawn there feels a lot of pressure in my ear and the crackle disappears for 30secs during this time - but 30secs later the pressure disappears and the crackling returns when tensing, swallowing etc..
This pressure also seems to impact the swallowing.

I think (from experience) this your Eustachian Tube. The mechanism that opens your tubes is yawning and chewing. Also if you are pushing your jaw forward or simulating a closed mouth yawn. The crackle noise is that the tubes are inflamed and have fluid trapped within it. Triggered by cold, allergies etc. Erika mentioned to you in past about histamine and allergies could there be a link.

@hopefuldede - I have suspected my eustachian tube, as the link makes sense, but could really someone else hear that crackle if its so far within the ear and very internal?
This is where I questioned eustachian tube

When I do manoeuvres suggested above my partner gets annoyed at me cause he knows I am aggravating my E tubes. He can hear the cracks if he sitting beside me yes. Bit like cracking knuckles. Do you notice any fluid in the back of your mouth when you yawn or do a crack?? Best thing to do is Nasal camera the ENT can look at your tubes this way.

@hopefuldede - maybe it is ET after all. I have never had any allergies but that crackle is there all the time 24/7. I guess if it were allergies it would come and go. I don't really notice any fluid I don't think but I do wonder if any drips in to the throat causing some of the irritation I have.
I have tried nasal camera 4 times and just can't manage it. Most painful thing even with spray

@hopefuldede - do you have or use anything to clear your ET?
I have mild sinusitis and have nasal spray for this but not used - Im wondering if that would help any ET blockage

I agree with @hopefuldede this sounds like a bad case of ETD.. Have you looked into high/chronic histamine almost like mast cell activation syndrome.

@ErikaS - how could I get tested for that?
My neurologist is basically saying as far as he is concerned it is not neurological or an autoimmune issue with the tests done.
I did speak to my GP about mast cell but she did say something like that would show in my blood tests, which it isn't.
I wonder if this could have anything to do with the throat?
Not sure what other tests to have or try

Usually if the ET are not working properly, that can be seen by an ENT with scoping. as far as histamine goes, that's like a topic approached differently sometimes from traditional medicine and functional medicine. I started taking DAO supplement like a week after T started because my ears still felt full and clogged. For me. I think this was a big help. @DeanD