Absolutely related; if your eustachian tubes are clogged or inflamed it has a direct effect on your hearing -- specifically in the beginning stages of hearing (ear drum, anvil, etc.). A coworker of mine recently had a bout with inflamed eustachian tubes; she complained of ringing (not severe) and dizziness.
Yes, pulling on your ear physically manipulates the eustachian tube and changes the noise attenuation (so things sounds different).
I'm no doc, but I would imagine it is a good thing if they are popping every day; it's when they don't pop that you are in trouble (clogged). Essentially, the eustachain tube is the sewer pipe for the ear and nose cavity (sorry if that is too vulgar). It takes out the trash and all infectious bacteria (very important, indeed). Failure to take out the trash results in deeper infections that can really harm (permanently) your inner ear.
Have you talked to a doctor about this? It would be a good idea.