Ear crackling

[nh_user_1392532]

So I've been getting ear crackling, ticking on and off in one ear. Most of the time when yawning, hiccuping, sometimes when swallowing. No pain. Ear feels kind of wet for awhile after getting water in it. Also, noticed pressure one time in ear when water gets in ear. Doctor looked at it. He told me my ear drum is not colored correctly, I forget exactly what color. No wax problems, But primary care doc told me it was eustation tube dysfunction. He gave me some nasal spray, claritin and told to call back if it doesn't get better after that. It got better because I stopped getting water in my ear. As soon as I got water in my ear it came right back again immediately and lasted for days. I called docs office and was told if it didn't get better after nasal spray to go to urgent care since doc was on vacation and didn't have many appointments available for the next month. Not sure what the point of going to urgent care is. I don't have an infection and no history of infection. This has been going on for a little over a month. Anyway, anything to worry about? Should I just relegate myself to wearing ear plugs when I go in the water? Not really a big deal, just kind of a pain to have to wear ear plugs every time I go for a swim.