I'm a little over 5 weeks out and I also have popping in my ears, pain (but mostly soreness, aches) near my ears after eating. My understanding is that the muscles are adjusting to the surgical jaw movement. I have also read that others have had muscle spasms which may account for shooting pain in that area. I don't think it should be constant, though, and the pain should be controllable with Tylenol or Ibuprophen (if the pain is more of an ache). If not, you may want to contact your surgeon's office.
