An individual with ear fullness has a sensation of blockage in the ear. This can make hearing sound muffled or a person may experience crackling or popping noises in the ear. Ear congestion may last only a few seconds or up to a few days. The feeling may come alone or be associated with other ear symptoms such as ringing, pain or dizziness.
Cause of Ear Congestion
Common causes include fluid in the middle ear, hay fever, allergies or over-excessive nose blowing. Ear pain can be associated with ear congestion in cases of infections or with airplane travel, with sudden changes in barometric pressure, which most often occurs during descent.
Treatment for EAr Fullness and Ear Congestion
- Common Tricks. Try alleviating congestion by moving areas of the face. Move the mouth in up and down motions, such as chewing gum or yawning, and try swallowing while the nose is pinched closed.
- Use Gravity. If water is stuck in the ear canal from a recent shower or swim, help drain the area by turning the side of the head down and gently pulling the earlobe in different directions.
- Hay Fever. If you or your child has a hay fever which causes cold-like signs and symptoms, try an antihistamine medication or use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for any pain. Hay fever is caused by allergic responses to outdoor or indoor allergens such as pollen or dust mites.
Altitude Change
Air travel is a common factor building up to ear congestion. Below are prevention methods.
- Swallow. Try using the common tricks and repeatedly "pop" your ears by swallowing during the 15 to 30 minutes of descent in an airplane.
- Repeat Problems. Individuals who repeatedly have this problem can try an oral decongestant or a decongestant nasal spray an hour before traveling. Always consult with your physician before any medication use.
- Hot Towel. If severe pain occurs despite these precautions, ask the flight attendant for a hot towel to place tightly over the opening of the ear. The heat may relieve pressure on the eardrum.
- Baby Help. A baby can be given water to drink and swallow or a pacifier to suck on.
When to See a Physician
If ear congestion for you or your child lasts more than a couple of days and ear pain develops, consult our Boys Town Ear, Nose and Throat clinic locations to schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist specialist.
FAQs
When pressure builds up in the ears, people can usually relieve it by yawning, chewing gum, or wiggling the jaw. If these do not help ears pop, a person may need a nasal spray or other medical treatment. From altitude changes to ear infections, there are many reasons why pressure may build up in the ears.
How to clear fullness in the ear? ›
Treatment for EAr Fullness and Ear Congestion
Try alleviating congestion by moving areas of the face. Move the mouth in up and down motions, such as chewing gum or yawning, and try swallowing while the nose is pinched closed. Use Gravity.
When is ear fullness serious? ›
While a feeling of fullness in the ear usually only lasts a few minutes or days, sensations that last longer than a week could indicate ear problems.
Why do I feel fullness in my ear but no wax? ›
Ear pressure can occur due to sinus congestion, infections, or TMJ damage, among other conditions. It can also occur as a result of situational factors, such as changes in altitude or having a foreign body stuck inside the ear. Some causes of ear pressure are treatable using OTC medications and home remedies.
Can ear pressure be permanent? ›
Normally, the eustachian tubes open when you do things like swallow or yawn. This naturally equalizes the pressure in your middle ear. If the eustachian tubes become narrowed or blocked due to a disease or condition, you may feel ear pressure that doesn't go away naturally.
What happens if your ears won't unclog? ›
But if clogged ears continue beyond a few days, it may be time to see a healthcare professional about your treatment options. Although serious problems are rare, growths or tumors can sometimes occur in the eustachian tube or on the nerves around it.
How can I unblock my Eustachian tube? ›
Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction usually go away without treatment. You can do exercises to open up the tubes. This includes swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum. You can help relieve the “full ear” feeling by taking a deep breath, pinching your nostrils closed, and “blowing” with your mouth shut.
How do you clear a totally blocked ear? ›
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
What medicine will unclog my ears? ›
Pseudoephedrine is used to relieve nasal or sinus congestion caused by the common cold, sinusitis, and hay fever and other respiratory allergies. It is also used to relieve ear congestion caused by ear inflammation or infection. Some of these preparations are available only with your doctor's prescription.
What is a pillow ear? ›
Pillow ear is ear pain caused by pressure on certain parts of your ear for extended periods of time.
Pressure in the ear
Meniere's disease is caused by an overproduction of fluid within the inner ear. Excessive fluid pressure interferes with the function of the hair cells located in that area. Sudden increases in pressure make the ear feel stopped up and cause vertigo.
When to see a doctor for ear fullness? ›
You should see a doctor if these symptoms don't go away: Ear popping that causes pain or discomfort. Feeling fullness or pressure in the ear. Any sudden changes in hearing.
What to do if your ear feels clogged but no wax comes out? ›
Clogged ears can also result from swollen or blocked eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. This can happen for brief periods during air travel, but also due to allergies, sinus or ear infections, or other respiratory viruses (including COVID-19).
How do you treat inner ear fullness? ›
Inner ear pressure caused by sinus infection can be treated with OTC decongestants (oral or nasal spray). OTC pain relievers can also be used to alleviate pain and swelling. Using a neti pot to rinse your sinuses can also help if a blockage is causing the pressure.
How long should ear pressure last? ›
Congested ears caused by the common cold or allergies may resolve within a few days to a week as the underlying condition improves. However, if the congestion is due to a more persistent issue such as chronic sinusitis, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or an ear infection, it may last longer and require specific treatment.
How do I get pressure out of my ear? ›
To relieve ear pain or discomfort, you can take steps to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure, such as:
- Chew gum.
- Inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.
- Suck on candy.
- Yawn.
Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction usually go away without treatment. You can do exercises to open up the tubes. This includes swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum. You can help relieve the “full ear” feeling by taking a deep breath, pinching your nostrils closed, and “blowing” with your mouth shut.
How to fix sinus ear pressure? ›
5 At-Home Tips for Relieving Ear Pain with Sinus Pressure
- Use an Over-the-Counter Decongestant or Pain Reliever. ...
- Try a Saline Rinse. ...
- Apply a Warm Washcloth. ...
- Stay Well Hydrated to Relieve Ear and Sinus Pain. ...
- Avoid Making Quick Movements Or Bending Over.
