buddha_of_bundy:from then on i have had popping/crackling noises in my ears. eg whenever i swaled yawn eat ect. i dont think ive lots any and if not none of my hearing so i dont think it really damaged them?
there's a (slim!) chance that you've damaged you temporomandibular joint, not your ears.
i'm not a doctor, but have recently done such damage! my physiology is a bit basic, but the nerves that connect the ear to the brain are the same as the nerves that join the jaw to the brain.
i've damaged the joint and because the nerves have got a bit confused, i'm actually finding that i've got problems with my ear.... cracking and crusty sounds/feelings and also tight muscles around the ear and getting water trapped etc.
the cause can just be biting too hard on the reg!