Clicking in Ear When Swallowing

[zeroclk]

Hi, I've been having this problem with a clicking that occurs in my right ear when I swallow or flex my muscle near my ear. I'm not sure what the cause is or if I'm just freaking out about something that I've always had. I went to one ENT who said they couldn't find anything. Nevertheless, it's caused me to be extremely depressed, anxious, and suicidal. I was already trying to habituate to tinnitus but this on top of that is simply too overwhelming. I need some help on what to do next.

Additional info:

• I have tinnitus on my left, but not on the right. The clicking only occurs on the right.
• I've been having this issue for about a week.
• It's been pretty hard to breathe in and out of my right nostril, so I suspect it may be ETD related? Maybe a problem with allergies or my sinus?
  
• I can sometimes avoid the clicking by swallowing a certain way.
• When I do the Valsalva method, I am unable to click for a few seconds but the clicking returns once I crackle to pop my ears.
• The clicking is able to be heard by my phone recording it.

 

[ASilverLight]

Often this crackling/popping is an indication of fluid behind the eardrum or a blockage anywhere in the nasal passages etc. Since you mention also having trouble breathing through the right nostril, I'd suspect that's where the issue lies. Even a mild cold can cause this, so sinus issues can be the problem - allergies are a possibility too. As annoying as it is though, the crackling/popping/ticking noise is completely harmless.

I've been having the issue for the past half year because I'm constantly congested lol, sometimes it's gone for half a day and returns late in the evening.

However if your ears pop immediately/easily when doing the Valsava method (be careful with this! some members have reported their tinnitus got worse after doing so) then ETD is unlikely. Being unable to pop ears is a big indication of ET blockages (as far as I understand it all).

 

[zeroclk]

My left ear pops immediately but not my right one. It requires substantially more effort to pop it. But this also varies, sometimes it's easy to pop, sometimes it isn't

 

[ASilverLight]

My left ear pops immediately but not my right one. It requires substantially more effort to pop it. But this also varies, sometimes it's easy to pop, sometimes it isn't

I have the EXACT same issue. My right ear pops easily about 80% of the time and the remaining 20% it doesn't or takes too much effort so I leave it be, left ear won't pop whatsoever. I think it's popped about 2-3 times in over three months and only on accident.

I would give it a little time as there's very little they can do about this, but wait for the congestion to clear up and see if it disappears then. If it doesn't seek another ENT for a possible second opinion.

 

[ASilverLight]

If I'm honest, the crackling I get is the least of my concerns. It's a bit bothersome sure but since I've had it with bad colds in the past it just doesn't bother me. I'd happily have this for the rest of my life if it meant not having tinnitus but that might just be me.

I'm really sorry it bothers you so much though - hopefully it eases off a little so you can get used to it a little easier.

 

[aot]

I'm having this to. I think it's a symptom of ETD.

 

[Orions Pain]

Mine clicks hard whenever I chew. Like with each time I open my mouth I hear it loud and I can pretty much feel the click if that makes sense. I've gotten it in my right ear too but predominately in my left.

It comes and goes though, some days I have it and others I don't.

 

[MrCrybaby]

Hi, this is a common symptom of hyperacusis/cochlear damage. The sound is most likely caused by sudden contraction of the middle ear muscles. While it is very annoying and takes time to get used to you do not need to be alarmed, this is not an edge case experience.

See a doctor to be sure fluid is not trapped behind the ear if you experience vestibular symptoms, muffled hearing, or (especially!) facial tingling/sensation/numbness.

 

[Tybs]

I'm not sure I'll be able to get used to it, and everyday feels like a nightmare again. I'm wishing for better days...

Given time, the better days will come. Six months ago I was a complete mess, but now I feel almost normal again. And I'm saying this while I'm in a relatively bad period, due to a bit of a sleep disorder which I developed as a result of the whole tinnitus ordeal: but I'm confident this will get sorted out at some point.

Keep up the fight to hold your life together, it will be worth it. With all the tinnitus-related symptoms I got past year, I thought my life was over and just wanted to die: but I managed to get through with time (and with the support of my awesome parents, I must admit). You will get there too. The body wants to heal when things are messed up, it is programmed to do so: but it requires time.

Btw, are you active when it comes to sports? If not, then I'd recommend finding some daily workout of roughly 30 minutes. This does not only help the mental condition, but physically the body can heal faster as well, due to the increased blood flow while training.

 

[mohn]

@zeroclk - given sufficient time body can heal itself. Could you try personal steam inhaler to see if it relieves your symptoms?

Also what is your strategy / advice to temporarily receive the click sensation?