Bubble popping noise inside ear explained

Have you ever experienced a bubble popping noise inside your ear, perhaps while swallowing, yawning, or blowing your nose? This common sensation often results from pressure changes in the middle ear, irregularities in the Eustachian tubes, or fluid buildup. While it is usually harmless, in some cases popping ears can be painful. Understanding the possible causes and knowing how to manage them can help determine when medical evaluation might be necessary. 

At Amplifon Canada, we care about your ear health. In this article, we’ll explain why sometimes your eardrums may keep popping, the different situations in which this occurs, and outline potential treatment options to manage the sensation and help get rid of it.

Ears popping during nose blowing is a very common occurrence and usually nothing to worry about. When you force air through your nasal passages, the sudden pressure shift causes the Eustachian tubes to open or close briefly. This movement equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the environment, often creating a bubble-like noise or popping sensation inside ears.

Sometimes the sound may be louder or more noticeable if your nasal passages are congested due to allergies, a cold, or sinus infection. In these cases, the increased pressure makes the tubes work harder to balance airflow, which can amplify the popping sensation. While this reaction is generally harmless and temporary, it’s best to avoid blowing the nose too forcefully, as that can irritate the ear and even push mucus deeper into the sinuses. If ears popping while blowing your nose happens very often, or if it’s paired with ear pain, dizziness, or muffled hearing, it could signal a problem requiring medical attention.

Swallowing and yawning naturally activate the muscles that help open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to move in and out of the middle ear. This explains why a bubble-popping sound in the ear often accompanies these actions. The bubble popping noise is more noticeable in situations where ear pressure is already changing, such as when you’re on an airplane, driving through the mountains, or experiencing nasal congestion.

Many people also report a temporary feeling of fullness, pressure, or even slight relief when the popping occurs. This is a normal sign that the ear is equalizing itself. However, if the ear popping is constant every time you swallow or chew, it may point to issues like fluid buildup, allergies, or partial blockage of the Eustachian tubes, which might require more specific treatment to restore normal ear function.

If you’re wondering how to stop and get rid of the bubble popping noise inside your ears, several strategies can help:

• Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum: these actions activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow into or out of the middle ear. This equalizes pressure and often reduces the bubble popping sound in the ear.
• Valsalva maneuver: gently exhaling while keeping the mouth closed and pinching the nose can force air through the Eustachian tubes. This helps balance middle ear pressure and can temporarily relieve the popping sensation.
• Nasal decongestants or saline sprays: congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus infections can block the Eustachian tubes, leading to frequent ear popping. Using decongestants or saline sprays can reduce swelling and improve airflow, stopping the bubble popping noise in ear.
• Medical treatment: if ear popping is constant or is accompanied by pain, a healthcare professional may recommend targeted treatment for the underlying cause. This can include antihistamines for allergy-related issues, prescription decongestants, or, in chronic cases, minor procedures such as ear tube insertion to restore normal pressure and proper ear function. 

Blocked or inflamed Eustachian tubes are a common reason for constant ear popping. When these tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, cannot properly equalize pressure, bubble-like noises in ears become more noticeable. Causes include allergies, sinus infections, and colds. Depending on severity, symptoms may range from occasional mild popping to frequent or persistent sensations.

In some cases, ear infections such as otitis media can trigger bubble popping noises inside ears. Fluid trapped behind the eardrum alters pressure and creates sound when the middle ear structures move. Additional symptoms may include ear pain, hearing reduction, and a feeling of fullness. Unlike temporary pressure changes, infections require prompt medical treatment, which may involve antibiotics or decongestants to restore ear function and relieve discomfort.