Audiology/Otolaryngology/Crackle, Pop, Click

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Expert: Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D. - 6/9/2009


Question
Gday Mate,

My ears seem to crackle when i yawn, and click when i swallow - why is this? The ear also seems to feel a bit blocked.. it has so for months now... It's really annoying, i can hear fine from it, i have had 3 hearing tests, all fine and considered to be normal hearing. Will this eventually heal on its own, or perhaps its normal?
I have been to an audiologist, they did some tests, im sure they would have seen fluid in my ears if they looked into my ears, they said it was pink and healthy.

Cheers and thanks in advance

Answer
Hi Dan,
Your next step is to consult an ENT.  It sounds as if you may have a Eustachian Tube dysfunction (ETD).  This can usually be cleared up with prescribed nasal sprays.

Hope this helps.

Harriet B. Jacobster, AuD
Board Certified in Audiology

Audiology/Otolaryngology

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Harriet B Jacobster, Au.D.

Expertise

I am a Board Certified Doctor of Audiology with 25 years of experience. I can answer questions regarding hearing loss, both general and specific, dizziness and vertigo, auditory processing disorders, hearing aids, aural rehabilitation as well as specialized audiologic testing, i.e., Auditory Brainstem Response, VideoNystagmography, Otoacoutic Emissions. I have worked with both pediatric and adult populations. Because of my extensive musical background, I am able to respond to questions regarding the special needs of musicians.

Experience

I have been an audiologist for over 25 years with a specialty in electrophysiology of the auditory and vestibular systems and pediatric evaluations. I currently work in my private consulting practice providing services to nursing homes and schools. My Doctoral research was on specialized techniques in Auditory Brainstem Responses.

Organizations
American Academy of Audiology, - American Speech Language Hearing Association, - Hearing Loss Association of America

Education/Credentials
Au.D. (Doctor of Audiology), Nova Southeastern University, 2000. Board Certified Doctor of Audiology (American Board of Audiology) Certificate in Audiology from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association

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