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What Causes Ear Popping When Lying Down?

Posted on Wed, 12 Nov 2014

Question: When I lay down on my pillow my ears continually pop. It is a relatively new problem although I did have an inner ear problem which caused me to to feel like I was falling but that has been fixed for some time now. I do use headphones which just sit in my ear but I have been using them for over ten years.
Vivienne

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube dysfunction...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I will try my best to help you with this problem.

The above described symptoms seems to be related to a relatively harmless condition called Eustachian tube dysfunction. Eustachian tube is a tube connecting the nose and the ear, which is blocking and opening up while lying down. This is not related to the inner ear problems you had before.

My suggestions to you are:
1.Use saline nasal spray, do steam inhalation and drink plenty of warm water.
2. Avoid coffee/chilled food and beverages/smoking/ alcohol if any, for few days.

Hope I have answered our query; I will be available for the follow-up queries.

Regards
Dr. XXXXXXX Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

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. Prasad