Written by Editorial Team
Pregnancy is an exciting time for any expecting woman. Several changes will take place within the body of the mother-to-be over the course of pregnancy. Sometimes even weird symptoms can appear during this time. Ears popping during pregnancy is one such weird symptom.
While quite normal when pregnant, ears popping can also be a symptom of some underlying condition. This article explains in detail, ear-popping, how and why it happens, and the different treatment methods.
Ears popping refers to muffled or crackling sounds, sometimes with pain, inside the ear. It is a pressure-related ear pain, which is also known as Ear barotrauma. The reason can be as simple as an excess formation of earwax or more significant as Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Normally this condition does not bring about any complications. But, frequent ear popping can cause damage to the ear. Or, it can be an indication of some underlying issues that need medical attention.
Normally, the air pressure inside and outside of the ear is the same. The Eustachian tube is a small ear canal that joins the middle ear to the posterior part of the nose and the upper throat. Its role is to balance the air pressure in the middle ear with the pressure outside it.
However, many reasons can block the Eustachian tube. When this happens, the Eustachian tube will be unable to equalize the air pressure. This difference between the air pressure inside and outside the middle ear causes ear popping.
There are several reasons that can bring about ear popping during pregnancy.
In addition to the uncomfortable feeling of popping sound inside the ear, ears popping during pregnancy can also cause:
Ear popping during pregnancy is, to a greater degree, an irritation rather than a reason to worry. Stay away from using any over-the-counter (OTC) drugs or poking the ears with a sharp object. Poking ears can damage the eardrum and bring about permanent hearing loss.
Certain measures can help to ease the feeling of clogging, discomfort, or pain. For example,
If the symptoms do not go away even after trying the above measures, or if they aggravate as time goes by, consult your doctor immediately. The doctor usually suggests:
In rare cases, a myringotomy may be required. Myringotomy is a surgical method, in which a tiny incision is made in the eardrum to relieve pressure if excessive fluid or pus is formed. The incision will allow the pressure to equalize by draining excessive pus and fluid from the middle ear.
Try blowing balloons. This is very effective in getting rid of ears popping. Here are some other simple tried and tested home remedies that can provide you relief from ears popping due to any kind of infection. They are safe enough to use during the pregnancy period.
If an ear infection is the cause of ears popping, then gargling with warm water can provide you some relief. Take a glass of warm water and add a pinch of salt to it. Gargle with this water a few times a day to get some relief from any blockage.
Inhaling steam also helps to get rid of clogged ears due to cold, which can cause ears to pop. The steam helps to loosen the mucous and any ear wax and provides you relief. You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil.
We have seen our mothers and grandmothers use this remedy on us while we were young and suffering from any discomfort in the ears. This age-old remedy can provide you relief from ears popping too, as garlic is a natural antiseptic.
All you need to do is heat a spoon of olive oil. Add 2-3 cloves of peeled garlic to it. Bring this oil to room temperature and apply it to the ear with the help of a cotton pad.
A lot of pregnant women define the feeling of ears popping as a sensation that you get when you get bubbles from the bath in your ears and hear them “popping”. Did you have any such experience during your pregnancy? What did you do you treat it? Do share your experience in the comments section below.
Yes, it is. Many women are unaware of this. It could be unrelated to pregnancy too.
When there is a difference in air pressure inside and outside the ears, ears pop. An ear or nasal infection can cause this. Such infections are common during pregnancy.
It may. Home remedies can help. However, if is constant, you need to see a doctor immediately.
Try home remedies. If it doesn’t work, you might need treatment. If left unattended, it can lead to hearing loss.
With a rich experience in pregnancy and parenting, our team of experts create insightful, well-curated, and easy-to-read content for our to-be-parents and parents at all stages of parenting.Read more.
Bamboo Shoots During Pregnancy – Is it Safe to Have and Top Benefits
Cervical Ripening During Labor – Is it Necessary, Methods Used and Tips to Prepare
Leg Workout During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?
Colon Cleansing During Pregnancy – Is It Safe?
Contraction Stress Test in Pregnancy – Everything you need to know
Top 500 Unique Baby Boy Names That Start With K
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.