The squeaking, crackling, or popping sound heard inside the ears when blowing the nose is common and usually harmless. This noise results from rapid air pressure changes forced into a small space within the head. Many people experience this during a cold or allergies, as the sound is a temporary byproduct of the body attempting to equalize pressure. The sensation is tied directly to the physical connection between the nose and the middle ear.
The Eustachian Tube and Pressure Equalization
The squeaking sound involves the Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat (nasopharynx). This tube is typically closed but opens briefly when swallowing or yawning to equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. Equalized pressure is necessary for effective sound transmission.
Blowing the nose creates a surge of positive air pressure within the nasal cavity. If the nasal passages are blocked, this forced air is directed up the Eustachian tubes toward the middle ear, forcing the tube open to equalize pressure.
The squeaking or crackling sound is the noise of air escaping as the Eustachian tube is rapidly forced open. Since the tube is small and often sticky with mucus, air passing through the tight opening creates an audible sound. This confirms that the high pressure successfully equalized the pressure across the eardrum.
Conditions That Increase Audibility
The squeaking sound becomes more noticeable when tissues surrounding the Eustachian tube are inflamed or congested, a condition called Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Temporary illnesses (like the common cold or sinus infections) and seasonal allergies (allergic rhinitis) are frequent causes. These conditions lead to increased mucus production and swelling, physically constricting the tube’s opening.
When the tube’s opening is narrowed, air forced in must pass through a smaller space, making the sound louder. This increased audibility is due to the physical obstruction creating friction and turbulence as air is forced past swollen tissue or thick mucus. This temporary blockage prevents passive pressure equalization, making forceful nose-blowing the only way to achieve relief.
Safe Nasal Clearing Techniques
To reduce the squeaking sound and minimize complications, use gentle nasal clearing techniques. The primary goal is to avoid creating high pressure in the nasal cavity, which directly causes forceful air transfer into the middle ear. Blow the nose softly and deliberately, rather than using a single, aggressive expulsion of air.
A technique that minimizes pressure involves covering only one nostril at a time while gently blowing through the open nostril. This allows air to escape through the unblocked side, controlling the force and preventing a sudden pressure spike.
Supportive methods can help loosen mucus before clearing the nose:
- Using saline nasal sprays or nasal irrigation systems (Neti pot) to thin and flush out thick mucus.
- Inhaling steam (from a hot shower or bowl of hot water) to reduce mucus viscosity.
These methods make it easier to clear the nose with less force.
Signs That Require a Doctor’s Visit
While an occasional squeak is normal, certain accompanying symptoms warrant medical evaluation. The most concerning sign is persistent ear pain, which can indicate a secondary ear infection (otitis media). Pain that intensifies or lasts for more than a few days after initial cold or allergy symptoms have cleared should be checked by a healthcare provider.
Other specific warning signs include:
- Noticeable discharge or drainage from the ear canal, which may suggest a perforation in the eardrum.
- Any significant or lasting change in hearing, such as muffled sounds or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
- A sensation of fullness that does not resolve.
Forceful nose-blowing can sometimes cause barotrauma (pressure injury) leading to perforation.
Symptoms of ear pressure or fullness that persist for more than one week after nasal congestion has resolved may indicate chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). Untreated ETD can lead to complications such as chronic fluid buildup behind the eardrum, requiring further medical intervention.