Why Do My Ears Pop During Video Calls Possible Audio Feedback Issues

Many people have experienced a strange sensation during video calls: a sudden \"pop\" in the ears, similar to what happens when ascending in an airplane or diving underwater. While it might seem like a minor annoyance at first, recurring ear popping can be uncomfortable and even alarming—especially when it's tied to audio feedback issues from your device. This phenomenon is more common than you might think, particularly as remote work and virtual communication dominate daily life. Understanding the science behind ear pressure changes and the role of audio systems in triggering them is key to preventing discomfort and maintaining better call quality.

The Science Behind Ear Popping

Ear popping occurs when there’s a pressure imbalance between the inside of your middle ear and the external environment. The Eustachian tube, a small canal connecting your middle ear to the back of your throat, normally regulates this pressure. When it opens—such as when you swallow, yawn, or chew—the pressure equalizes, resulting in a popping sound or sensation.

During everyday activities, these adjustments happen naturally and go unnoticed. However, certain conditions, especially those involving rapid changes in air pressure or prolonged auditory stimuli, can make the process more noticeable. In the context of video conferencing, several factors converge to create an environment where ear popping becomes more likely—even in the absence of altitude changes.

How Audio Feedback Contributes to Pressure Sensations

Audio feedback—often recognized as a high-pitched squeal or ringing during calls—is caused when sound from your speakers is picked up by your microphone and re-amplified in a loop. While most users associate feedback with noise disruption, fewer realize that sustained feedback or near-feedback conditions (sub-audible oscillations) can influence inner ear dynamics.

When your system enters a feedback loop, even briefly, the frequency buildup can stimulate the eardrum and trigger the muscles in the middle ear to contract reflexively. This contraction alters pressure perception and may prompt the Eustachian tube to open unexpectedly, leading to that familiar “pop.” Over time, repeated exposure can make the ears hypersensitive, increasing the likelihood of discomfort.

Tip: If you frequently experience ear popping during calls, check for subtle audio oscillations—even if they’re not clearly audible. These can still affect ear pressure.

Common Causes of Audio Feedback in Video Calls

Feedback doesn’t always manifest as a loud screech. Sometimes, it exists just below the threshold of conscious hearing but still impacts your auditory system. Here are the most frequent culprits:

• Speaker and microphone proximity: Using built-in laptop speakers and mics increases the chance of sound looping back into the mic.
• High volume settings: Excessively loud output raises the risk of sound leakage and feedback initiation.
• Poor room acoustics: Hard surfaces like glass, tile, or bare walls reflect sound, making it easier for mics to capture speaker output.
• Low-quality hardware: Cheap headsets or worn-out microphones often lack proper acoustic isolation.
• Software echo cancellation failure: Some platforms fail to suppress echo effectively, especially on older devices or slow connections.

“Even subliminal audio feedback—inaudible to the user—can cause physiological responses in the ear, including muscle contractions that lead to popping sensations.” — Dr. Alan Reyes, Auditory Neurologist, Boston Hearing Institute

Case Study: Remote Worker Experiences Chronic Ear Discomfort

Sophie, a project manager based in Denver, began noticing her ears popping multiple times during daily Zoom meetings. Initially dismissing it as stress-related, she later realized the issue only occurred during calls using her office laptop’s internal audio system. After switching to a wired headset with a noise-canceling microphone, the popping stopped entirely. A follow-up test confirmed that her laptop was generating low-level feedback at around 2.8 kHz—a frequency barely perceptible but sufficient to trigger middle ear reflexes. This real-world example illustrates how seemingly minor technical flaws can produce tangible physical effects.

Step-by-Step Guide to Prevent Ear Popping and Feedback

Eliminating the root causes requires both technical adjustments and environmental awareness. Follow this sequence to minimize risk:

1. Switch to a dedicated headset: Use over-ear headphones with a boom or inline microphone. This physically separates input and output, drastically reducing feedback potential.
2. Lower speaker volume: Keep system volume at 50–70%. Higher levels increase sound bleed and strain the ear’s pressure regulation mechanisms.
3. Enable echo cancellation: In your video conferencing app (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet), ensure ‘Acoustic Echo Cancellation’ is turned on under audio settings.
4. Test your setup regularly: Conduct a quick audio loop test by speaking while monitoring for delayed or distorted playback.
5. Optimize room acoustics: Add soft furnishings like curtains, rugs, or foam panels to absorb sound reflections.
6. Update audio drivers: Outdated drivers can impair noise suppression algorithms. Check your device manufacturer’s website monthly.
7. Avoid holding calls in echo-prone spaces: Bathrooms, kitchens, and empty rooms amplify feedback risks.

Do’s and Don’ts: Managing Audio for Ear Comfort

Do	Don’t
Use a headset with good noise isolation	Use laptop speakers and mic simultaneously for long calls
Position your mic slightly off-axis from direct speaker output	Place your mic directly facing speakers or monitors
Run an audio diagnostic before important meetings	Ignore persistent buzzing, hissing, or faint whistles
Take short breaks between back-to-back calls to reset ear pressure	Attend multiple hours of calls without pausing
Keep software updated to benefit from improved echo suppression	Delay updates that include audio driver improvements

Tip: Take a 5-minute break every hour during extended call schedules. This allows your Eustachian tubes to reset and reduces auditory fatigue.

Hardware and Software Checklist

To ensure your setup minimizes both feedback and ear discomfort, use this checklist before starting your next meeting:

• ✅ Headset connected and selected as default audio device
• ✅ Microphone positioned close to mouth (but not touching)
• ✅ Speaker volume set below 70%
• ✅ Echo cancellation enabled in conferencing app
• ✅ Room free of excessive background noise or reflective surfaces
• ✅ No other audio apps running in the background (e.g., music, podcasts)
• ✅ Latest audio drivers installed
• ✅ Test call conducted to verify no feedback or distortion

When Ear Popping Signals a Deeper Issue

Occasional ear popping during calls is usually harmless and linked to temporary pressure shifts. However, if you experience any of the following symptoms, consider consulting an audiologist:

• Frequent or painful popping lasting beyond the call
• Muffled hearing or a feeling of fullness after calls
• Tinnitus (ringing) triggered by audio sessions
• Dizziness or balance issues post-call

These could indicate Eustachian tube dysfunction, hyperacusis (increased sound sensitivity), or early signs of noise-induced stress. Prolonged exposure to poor audio environments—even at moderate volumes—can contribute to long-term auditory fatigue.

“The ear is designed to handle natural soundscapes, not artificial loops and compressed digital audio. Repeated unnatural stimulation can disrupt its regulatory functions.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Clinical Audiologist, Pacific Hearing Center

FAQ: Common Questions About Ear Popping and Audio Calls

Can Bluetooth headsets cause ear popping too?

Yes. While Bluetooth headsets reduce feedback risk compared to open speakers, latency (delay) in audio transmission can sometimes create phase inconsistencies that subtly affect pressure perception. High-quality, low-latency codecs like aptX or AAC help minimize this effect.

Is ear popping dangerous?

In most cases, no. It’s a normal physiological response. However, if it becomes frequent, painful, or accompanied by hearing changes, it may signal underlying issues such as Eustachian tube dysfunction or acoustic trauma from chronic feedback exposure.

Why don’t I notice feedback but still feel ear popping?

Your ears can respond to frequencies and pressure changes before your brain consciously registers them. Sub-audible oscillations—especially between 2–5 kHz—can trigger middle ear muscle reflexes without producing an obvious squeal. This is why preventive measures matter even if your calls sound “fine.”

Conclusion: Protect Your Hearing, Improve Your Calls

Ear popping during video calls isn’t just a quirky side effect—it’s a sign that your auditory system is reacting to unnatural sound patterns, often driven by preventable audio feedback. By upgrading your equipment, optimizing your environment, and staying aware of subtle audio cues, you can eliminate discomfort and enjoy clearer, healthier communication. The goal isn’t just better call quality; it’s long-term auditory wellness in an increasingly digital world.

💬 Have you noticed ear popping during your video calls? Share your setup and solutions in the comments—your experience could help others find relief!