A lot of people may have experienced ear pressure one time or another. It might be an unpleasant sensation that one or both ears are congested or plugged up.
There are several causes of ear pressure, including a sinus infection, changes in altitude, and earwax accumulation.
Continue reading to find out what causes ear pressure, how to treat it, and when to consult an audiologist.
Doctors Hearing Care connects you to expert audiologists in New Albany, IN.
Causes of Ear Barotrauma
When the pressure in the middle ear differs from the pressure outside, pressure in the ears may be felt. It is also known to cause a sense of discomfort, fullness, or stuffiness inside the ears.
Eustachian tubes are little tubes that regulate the pressure in the middle ear. Each side of the head has one eustachian tube. They begin in the middle ear and end at the junction of the upper throat and nasal cavity.
How does the eustachian tubes function? When a person yawns or swallows, the eustachian tubes normally open. This helps to naturally equalize pressure in the middle ear.
Once the eustachian tubes become constricted or clogged as a result of a disease or illness, the affected individual may experience persistent ear pressure.
Common Causes Of Pressure In Ear
Changes in altitude
When the altitude changes, the eustachian tubes need ample time to adjust to the pressure difference. This can occur while driving in the mountains, flying in an airplane, or traveling in an elevator at a big building. Divers may also feel ear pressure as they descend. The water exerts pressure on the middle ear. Divers are trained to descend gently and ventilate through their eustachian tubes to equalize the pressure in the middle ear.
Foreign objects lodged in the ears
When a foreign item becomes lodged in your ear, it can cause ear pressure, discomfort, or pain. This is particularly likely in little children, who can get foreign things in their ears, mouth, or nose.
Sinusitis
Sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become inflamed. This is usually caused by a viral infection, although bacteria can also cause it in certain situations. When your sinuses enlarge, you may experience ear pressure or fullness.
Ear wax buildup
Ear wax is produced naturally by the body and protects the internal parts of the ear. Ear wax normally travels down the ear canal all the way to the outer ear, where it falls off. Too much ear wax can clog the ear canal and cause ear pressure.
Doctors Hearing Care provides professional ear wax removal in New Albany, IN.
Ear infections
Ear pressure might also be caused by an ear infection. Otitis media is a common middle ear infection caused by a blockage in the eustachian tube. Infection-causing bacteria or viruses can develop in the presence of fluid accumulation. Swimmer’s ear is caused by germs found in dirty or contaminated water. While it generally affects the outer ear, swimmer’s ear patients may experience ear pressure as a result of fluid buildup and swelling.
Allergies
People who are sensitive to pollen, pet dander, or molds, are prone to allergic rhinitis. This might result in nasal passage irritation and mucus accumulation. This, like a cold, can disrupt the eustachian tubes, producing ear pressure.
Colds
Cold-related nasal inflammation and congestion can damage the eustachian tubes, preventing them from correctly equalizing pressure in the middle ear.
Less Common Causes Of Pressure In The Ear
- Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
- Meniere’s disease
- Cholesteatoma
- Chronic otitis media
- Acoustic neuroma
- Chronic ear infection
Easing Pressure in the Ears: How is ear barotrauma treated?
The remedy for your ear pressure will be determined by the cause. We’ll look at some of the most prevalent reasons of ear pressure below.
Altitude Changes
Chewing, swallowing, or yawning can aid in the opening of the eustachian tubes and the equalization of pressure.
You might also try an over-the-counter (OTC) nasal decongestant spray. However, decongestants should be avoided in kids.
Fluid buildup
Allergies and colds can also significantly affect the eustachian tubes, causing fluid to build up in the middle ear. This fluid can get infected and cause otitis media.
The problem that is generating the fluid accumulation should be treated to help it drain. However, if there has been a lengthy buildup of fluid in the ears, a surgical operation to decrease pressure and drain fluid may be required.
Wax buildup
Earwax can be eliminated by dissolving earwax in the ear canal with treatments such as mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide.
There are also specific instruments that may be used to physically remove the wax, but this should only be done under the guidance of an audiologist.
Foreign objects
As first aid for a foreign object in the ear, you can do the following at home:
If the thing is visible, you can gently remove it with a tweezer. You can tilt your head to the side and with the help of gravity, attempt to lead the item out of the canal. Alternatively, you can use a little syringe filled with warm water to carefully flush out the ear canal.
Sinus congestion
To treat sinus congestion, you can use over-the-counter decongestants, which can be sprayed into the nose or taken orally. Pain or swelling can be relieved with over-the-counter pain medicines such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Nasal irrigation may also help.
Ear infections and allergies
Some ear infections can be treated without the use of antibiotics. To relieve discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers or eardrops may be advised.
Antibiotics that may be taken orally or delivered as ear drops may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected.
OTC antihistamines or corticosteroid nasal sprays can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
Pressure in Ear: When to see an audiologist?
Pressure in the ears may not be a life-threatening condition, but you may need to see a doctor if you experience ear discomfort that:
- is protracted or worsens despite home therapy
- has symptoms such as fever, dizziness, extreme pain, discharge, or bleeding from your ear
- is caused by a foreign item that cannot be removed with at-home first aid approaches
Bottomline
It is natural to have ear pressure. It can happen as a result of altitude fluctuations, colds, or allergies.
Typically, you may cure the causes of ear pressure at home by chewing, swallowing, or yawning to “pop” your ears or by using over-the-counter drugs.
However, if the pressure and discomfort persist or worsen even after OTC treatments, you should consult an audiologist about your situation.
Contact Doctors Hearing Care to schedule an appointment with an audiologist in New Albany, IN!