What Is Ear Pressure and Why Does It Happen?
Feeling pressure in the ears is uncomfortable, sometimes even painful. Pain caused by benign causes is often short-lived. In some cases, however, it may indicate an underlying medical condition. When treating ear pressure, knowing what's causing it is crucial.
The feeling of fullness and heaviness in the ear is called ear pressure. A blocked or malfunctioning eustachian tube causes this condition. In the ear, the Eustachian tube joins the middle ear with the upper throat and the side of the nose. It regulates inner ear pressure and drains fluid from the middle ear to prevent infections.
What Causes Pressure in the Ears?
Several factors can cause ear pressure.
Sinus Pressure and Congestion
Air-filled cavities in the head and the sinuses produce mucus, which keeps the nasal passages clean. Congestion occurs when mucus accumulates in the sinuses. Allergies, viral infections, and bacterial infections can cause sinus congestion. There can be ear pressure, headaches, a decreased sense of smell, yellow or green mucus, and pain and tenderness in the cheeks, eyes, or forehead.
Changes In Altitude
A sudden change in altitude can close the Eustachian tubes.
Because of this, the tube cannot quickly equalise middle ear pressure with the immediate environment. Scuba diving and flying on a plane commonly cause it. Some symptoms are ear pressure, ear pain, dizziness, fluid buildup in the ear, and, rarely, temporary hearing loss.
Ear Infection
An ear infection can cause a feeling of fullness in the ear. A middle ear infection, also called otitis media, is caused by fluid behind the eardrum putting pressure on it. Hearing loss, fever, ear pain, and discharge may accompany ear pressure. When trapped water results in a break in the skin of the ear canal, a swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, occurs.
A chronic skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis, can also irritate the skin of the ear canal. Otomycosis, or yeast infection of the ear, is an outer ear infection caused by fungi. Symptoms include ear fullness, inflammation, itching, and discharge from the ear.
Tropical climates are conducive to otomycosis.
Earwax Buildup
Oil glands innately produce ear wax in the ear canal. The wax usually falls out or is washed away at the ear's opening, but some people produce excess wax and block their ears. Itching, ear pressure, and muffled hearing can result from this condition.
Allergies
It is well known that nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis, are a major cause of chronic eustachian tube blockages in many areas in the United States. Inflammation of the eustachian tube membrane lining can occur in people sensitive to allergens such as pollen. In addition to fluid buildup, itching, and ear pain, this can lead to abnormal ear pressure.
Barotrauma
A barotrauma to the ear is caused by air or water pressure causing changes within the ear.
The majority of people experience barotrauma at some point in their lives. A change in altitude, nasal congestion, swelling of the throat, or blockage of the eustachian tube can cause it. The effects of barotrauma include ear pressure, pain, dizziness, and hearing loss.
Hearing loss caused by barotrauma, however, is usually temporary.
Foreign Object
A foreign object trapped in the ear canal can create pressure in the ear depending on how deep it gets. Generally, curious children tend to put things in their mouths, noses, and ears. The items that can get stuck in the ear are beads, crayons, small batteries, and toys. Aside from ear pressure, other symptoms include ear discharge, ear pain, and hearing loss.
Meniere's Disease
Hearing and balance are both affected by Meniere's disease. Typically, it affects only one ear but can later develop in both. Meniere's disease has no known cause. Symptoms include ear pressure, severe dizziness, ringing, and hearing loss.
Cholesteatoma
Middle ear cysts are called cholesteatomas. A chronic ear infection or a birth defect may cause it. Untreated skin cysts may become infected or grow. Complications may include meningitis, facial paralysis, and brain abscesses in rare cases. Some symptoms include ear pressure, dizziness, discharge, and hearing loss.
Acoustic Neuroma
Hearing and balance are affected by an acoustic neuroma, a non-cancerous tumor. It is a slow-growing tumor but can press against the brain, causing a life-threatening condition if it grows large. It can cause ear pressure, loss of balance, buzzing in the ears, dizziness, and loss of hearing on one side.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
The joints that join the lower jaw to the skull are affected by temporomandibular joint disorders.
There is no definitive cause for this condition. Symptoms include ear discomfort, headaches, and jaw pain.
Common Symptoms of Ear Pressure
Along with the feeling of fullness in the ear, ear pressure can cause the following symptoms:
- Pain in the ear caused by pressure.
- Discomfort
- Muffled hearing
In addition to these symptoms, additional symptoms may be present depending on the cause.
Causes of Ear Pressure and Their Symptoms
| Cause | Typical Symptoms | Contagious? |
|---|---|---|
| Sinus congestion | Headache, nasal discharge, facial pain | Sometimes |
| Altitude change | Dizziness, ear popping | No |
| Ear infection | Fever, pain, discharge | Sometimes |
| Wax buildup | Muffled hearing, pressure | No |
| Allergies | Sneezing, itching, pressure | No |
| Foreign object | Pain, discharge, hearing loss | No |
| Meniere’s disease | Tinnitus, vertigo, hearing loss | No |
| Acoustic neuroma | One-sided hearing loss, balance issues | No |
How Is Ear Pressure Diagnosed?
A doctor will also consider the other symptoms that may be present, along with the feeling of fullness and stuffiness. A doctor may use an otoscope to examine the ear for scratches, tears, holes, and signs of infection.
How to Treat Ear Pressure Safely
Depending on the cause of ear pressure, treatment will vary. In the case of sudden altitude changes, the feeling of pressure usually subsides by swallowing or yawning to pop the ear. Sinus infections can be treated with over-the-counter decongestants. Pain associated with the condition may be treated with medicine prescribed by the doctor.
They may recommend using ear drops, a syringe, and warm water to remove blockages. In the case of bacterial infections, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics and antihistamines. When the condition causing the pressure in the ear is treated, the pressure in the ear usually goes away.
How to Prevent Ear Pressure
Even though there is no proven way to prevent ear pressure, there are some ways to reduce the risk.
- Keeping your ears dry after swimming
- Gum chewing while flying
- Flying while swallowing or yawning
- Keeping the ears free of foreign objects
When Should You See a Doctor for Ear Pressure?
A persistent feeling of fullness in your ear should be addressed by a healthcare provider, especially if it is caused by other symptoms such as:
- An earache
- Feeling dizzy
- An unbalanced state
- Hearing loss
- Having a weak face
- Discharge from the ears
Attempting to remove a foreign object in your ear that hasn't dislodged on its own may push it further into your ear. It can be safely removed at a doctor's office.
FAQs About Ear Pressure
What causes pressure in the ear?
Ear pressure is commonly caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction, sinus infections, allergies, ear infections, earwax buildup, or altitude changes.
How do I relieve ear pressure naturally?
Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help equalize pressure caused by altitude changes. Nasal decongestants or warm compresses may relieve sinus-related pressure.
Is ear pressure a sign of something serious?
While often harmless, ear pressure can indicate conditions like Meniere's disease, ear infections, or even acoustic neuroma. See a doctor if it persists.
Can allergies cause ear pressure?
Yes, allergies can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, leading to fluid buildup and pressure in the ears.
Can Mobi Doctor help with ear pressure symptoms?
Absolutely. You can consult an online GP through Mobi Doctor for diagnosis, treatment options, and prescriptions—all from home.
How Mobi Doctor Can Help
Do you have a persistent feeling of fullness in your ear? Please feel free to consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. With Mobi Doctor, you can get affordable primary care.
With Mobi Doctor, you can check your symptoms and explore conditions and treatments.
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