What causes crackling in my ear and possible Eustachian tube dysfunction?

[Gary.T]

I’ve had this constant crackling sound in my ear for about two weeks now, especially when I swallow or yawn. It doesn’t hurt, but it’s incredibly distracting and makes my own voice sound strange inside my head. I’m wondering if this is something related to my Eustachian tubes not functioning properly.

[JacobLJ]

I had a similar crackling for a couple of weeks after a cold. It showed up when I swallow or yawn and it makes my voice sound weird too. I started to think it was my Eustachian tubes not draining right. It drifted a bit on its own, but not fully, and I kept a humidifier running at night.

[GregoryCJ]

It might just be pressure changes or fluid in the middle ear. I went to a walk-in clinic; they checked my ears and said there was no infection. I tried saline rinses and laying low with fluids, and the noise eased a little after a week or two.

[Mila3]

Maybe it's not the tubes at all. Could be jaw stuff like TMJ or clenching; I noticed changes when I chew or move my jaw. I might be imagining it, but it felt tied to how I move my mouth.

[Sofia85]

If this lasts, I'm thinking about seeing a clinician because it freaks me out and I don't want to miss something serious. Has anyone else noticed it comes and goes with allergies or after a cold?