I have the same problem. My son always comments in how loud my throat sounds when I swallow saliva. My mom recently informed me that it is hereditary, and that my great-great grandfather had it (he ended up only able to swallow baby food in his final years), and my maternal aunt has it (she is needing surgery on her throat, after visiting the Mayo Clinic for it). Mine does not effect me all the time, sometimes I go months swallowing normally. It is embarrassing, though, and I worry about how bad it could conceivably get.
For Jessica or whoever sees this: I was having trouble searching the subject - I have the same issue. Finally tried 'audible swallowing' & it seems to be a type, or mild version of, dysphagia, which is an umbrella term for trouble in swallowing. Causes may vary. It's recommended that you talk with your doctor if it's an issue for you. Now we've got a word to find out more with.
I have the same problem and my brother complains to me all the time that I swallow loudly. Is it possible that those people have a condition? There is a condition called misophonia (literally described as a "hatred of sound") where people can't stand the sound of different noises such as burping, chewing, swallowing, etc. If only a few different people have told you that you bother them, is it possible that they have this condition? If you're being told by a lot of people, I wouldn't know. I have this problem myself and I can't find anything about it.
I have the same problem and I have no idea how to control it. I'm tired of the dirty looks and people complaining I'm rude or annoying. I would love help. I will post back here if I find anything.
Reading you subject, I figured you were having problems inside you head, bu no, you say your swallowing is heard by others... how far away?
I see no way of producing a loud swallow other than by making audible sounds with you wind/pipe/lungs. Is it possible you passing air through your nose when you swallow? Do you suffer from nasal congestion?
I can't think of anything more, I can't recall ever hearing another person swallow, at least not on a regular basis.