Ear Problem - hear popping in my ear

Hello,

I emailed my doctor yesterday to ask about a popping noise I am getting in my ear. It is somewhat like pulling your finger out of a bottle, it is not loud.

She said unless there is pain or pressure or loss of hearing that I should monitor it and keep an eye on it.

Has anyone associated anything like this with CPAP?

I weart earplugs at night. I have not heard anyone mention that as a problem with CPAP. Any thoughts on that?

I have been on CPAP for about 5 months and absolutely love it.

I have found that the CPAP does put some internal pressure on my ears. Was the noise you heard similar to what you hear when you go up in a plane or into a low tunnel? If so it could just be your ears adjusting to the pressure. I would keep a close eye on it. And if you do develop pain or hearing loss get yourself to an ENT. You may want to go see one preventatively.

CPAPRocks wrote:Hello,
Has anyone associated anything like this with CPAP?
I weart earplugs at night. I have not heard anyone mention that as a problem with CPAP. Any thoughts on that?
I have been on CPAP for about 5 months and absolutely love it.

First, I second NSB's suggestion - it's probably your ear trying to equalize pressure. I have it a lot because of non-stop allergies. Wax build-up can cause the ear to have difficulty in 'clearing'.

One thing you can try - carefully - is to blow gently while holding your nose. If that clears your ears, you had low pressure inside. If that makes the ears feel pressured more, then you have excess pressure inside. That's more likely - you can reverse the valsalva** maneuver by sucking with your nose and throat while holding your nose, and it may clear it. Do be careful!! Next time you see any medical Dr/Nurse/PA have them check in your ear for wax, redness or other indication of distress. You don't want to leave a damaged or infected ear untreated.
** Valsalva is a technique you learn while in pilot training, as the pressure changes can be a really big deal when you're climbing and descending in pressure altitude.
Another way to help the ears clear is to chew on something -or if it happens to an infant, give them a nipple or bottle. It's a common problem with air travel. Good luck and have a safe New Year.

PS if you just LOVE CPAP, you must have plenty of nasal obstruction like myself... do you use it during the day just because it helps you breathe, too?

I have experienced popping and pressure in my ears, not always, but sometimes. It resolves on its own so I haven't tried to eliminate it, but there are some pressure equalizing ear plugs I wore on airplane when I had an ear infection. There is a valve in the ear plug that helps equalize inner ear pressure. You could try something like that to see if it helps. If you have no contraindications to using an antihistamine like Claritin you can try that.

I think everyone else has summed it up. I had the problem when I first started, but I can say that now that I am several months in, it only happens every once in a while.
I see that you signed up here a few months ago. Have you been using your cpap ever day, or are you trying to start up again?
If you are starting to try to stick with it, you may just have this problem for a little while, hang in there.
Though never ignore any problems with your hearing. I am glad that you are keeping in touch with your health care provider.