Ear popping when I press on a specific area below my ear?

Ear popping when I press on a specific area below my ear?

There is a spot below my ear that when I press on, sometimes with my finger sometimes by moving my mouth in a way so it pops. After some time doing this, I wonder what that popping sound is from, and if it might potentially affect my hearing or overall health in any way, and if it does, then what can I do to keep it from happening or prevent it and improve my health?

3 Answers

Angela Rae Sieh ceretto

Audiologist

Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Likely this is tempromandibular joint TMJ movement sounds. Like cracking your knuckles. Angela R. Sieh Ceretto, M.A., CCCA, FAAA Audiologist Pinnacle Audiology, LLC 6809 S. Minnesota Ave., Suite 101 6053064481

Melissa Kristelle Fling

Audiologist

Arvada, Co

If you're hearing the popping mostly when opening and closing mouth, it's likely the Eustachian tube opening and closing, which is normal with jaw movement.

Ronald Ward

Ear-Nose and Throat Doctor (ENT)

Larkspur, California

This noise is more likely from your jaw joint. Advise not to do this any longer. If you need to clear your ears, do a valsalva maneuver. Look it up on your browser.