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What Causes Clicking Ears While Swallowing?

Posted on Mon, 12 May 2014

Question: yes thank you when I go too lay down too sleep my ears will click when I swallow but, not all the time

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Normal Detailed Answer: Hi , Thanks for your query. In my opinion it is normal sensation in the ears. Normally there is Eustachian tube connecting nose and ears which opens and closes when you swallow or yawn. This produces clicking sound in ears. Don't worry it is normal. Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Deepashree (22 minutes later)

I will clarify more clearly it does click when I swallow but not everytime when I swallow...maybe every second or third time I swallow and even a little pressure in my left. This started back in Feb of this year when I got a cold and hasn't happened before. I've noticed a mild clicking in my right ear as I'm sitting. My sinuses still drain and my left ear a little plugged

Answered by Dr. Deepashree (16 minutes later)

Brief Answer: ET tube dysfunction due to nasal pathology. Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for writing back. As I said it is the eustachian tube which is causing this sound. When there is any nasal problem like cold /allergy rhinitis/ Upper resp tract infection/ nasal poylp , the ET tube gets edematous and blocked. It also occurs in high altitude and deep sea diving because of pressure changes. This causes ear blockage and sometimes ear pain also. The clicking sound is because of intermittent opening and closing of tube. So if there is ET tube dysfunction, then it is clinically examined and treated with decongestant nasal drops and tablets+ steam inhalation and valsalva exercises. regards,

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T