Ear Popping
Causes and Remedies for Ear Popping
Almost every is familiar with the sensation of ear popping. While usually just annoying, this can sometimes be quite painful or uncomfortable. Most associate ear popping with flying in an airplane, and with good reason. That, however, is not the only time that you may experience this feeling.
High altitude is one of the main causes of ear popping. That is why it makes perfect sense that many feel this when flying. However, you do not need to be miles above the earth to in order for your ears to pop.
If you take a drive in the mountains, or even take an elevator to one of the top floors in a skyscraper that can be enough to get your ears to pop.
Another less common cause of ear popping has nothing to do with altitude. Some people do not know that nasal congestion, such as what is caused by an upper respiratory infection, can also cause the same sensation.
While the cause may seem different, both altitude and congestion cause ear pressure, which is the root cause of the popping and discomfort.
While the causes are different, there are remedies that can work to relieve the discomfort and popping.
Chewing Gum
If you know that you will be going to a high altitude, vigorously chew gum on the way up. This can help prevent the uncomfortable feeling by relieving the pressure in your ears gradually as you make your ascent. This is one of the best ways to avoid the problem altogether.
Yawning or Pinching Your Nose
Once the pressure has started to build, most people just the want the ears to go ahead and pop so that the pain can stop. There are two good ways to accomplish this. The first is by yawning. You will want to open your mouth as wide as possible. If it does not work of the first yawn, try a couple more times.
Another thing that you can try is pinching your nose shut and then blowing as if you were blowing your nose. Because you are blocking the air by pinching your nose shut, doing this will help relieve the pressure in your ears.
Ear popping is not usually dangerous or cause for concern. If, however, your ears pop without any apparent reason then you should mention it to your doctor. It could be a sign of TMJ or another similar disorder.
If you feel ear pressure or notice popping when you are not at a high altitude and have no symptoms of sinus congestion (such as a stuffy nose), it is a good idea to visit your doctor. In addition to the possibility of TMJ, you could be suffering from a middle ear infection.
This is not something that will go away on its own. Instead, it must be treated with medication. Failing to respond to such an infection as soon as possible could lead to the infection becoming even worse and, in a worst case scenario, could lead to hearing loss.
In most cases ear popping is not cause for concern, but if there is no obvious reason for the popping, you should have it checked out by a doctor just to be safe.