No pressure no pain only crackling in ear when swallowing had a cold?

Ear cracking: Likely fluid build up in ear after the cold. When you swallow during/post infection you have constriction of the eustachian tube ( normally it should open) a tube that runs from the back of the throat to the middle ear or it can be clogged by tissue swelling or discharge. The opening or attempt to open in a suboptimal microenvironment likely results in cracking. Try zyrtec (cetirizine) ,f/u wtih doctor

Ear noise: Not uncommon,usually arises from mucus in the middle ear/Eustachian tubes;should resolve.If discomfort occurs see a physician