Hi sorry to hear you are feeling so bad
I once joined a Tai Chi class and on of the movements was to move your head slowly to right, then centre, then left. Many of us were seriously worried by the 'crackling' sound in the back of our heads
It sounded as if the bones attaching head to neck were crumbling.
Apparently this is quite normal, all the creaking and cracking is caused by too much tension in that area (which we are all guilty of).

The 'balloon in the ear' - when i had that i was told 'steam inhalation' was the thing to do as you can get a build up of catarrh at the back of yoru ear drum.
I hope this helps
Best wishes
June