You might have one of these conditions if your ears feel full.
You might have a feeling of fullness in one or both ears for a few seconds or longer. A feeling of fullness in the ear is a common experience, but it can be problematic if it lingers for more than a few days. You should see a medical professional if the clogged ears come with fever, ear discharge, or hearing loss for an extended period. Sudden hearing loss requires immediate medical attention. With that being said, there are many reasons your ears might feel full.
What Makes You Feel Fullness in the Ear?
Unregulated Air Pressure
If you change elevations rapidly, such as during a car ride through the mountains or a plane ride, your ears might “pop,” meaning you need to adjust the air pressure within your ears to stop that feeling of fullness. The middle ear contains air, which must have the same pressure as the outside air for your ears to remain feeling normal.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian tubes are two organs that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. In that way, the ears, nose, and throat are connected. If the Eustachian tubes fail to work properly, it can disrupt the air pressure within the middle ear.
Ear Wax Buildup
Ear wax compaction can also make it feel like your ears are full and hearing is muffled. If you have compacted ear wax, it could be best to remove it through ear irrigation, which could be done at home or in an audiologist’s office.
An Ear Infection
Ear infections can cause inflammation in the inner ear, sinuses, etc., which can make your ears feel full and your hearing muffled. This inflammation can also make loud sounds feel painful. An ear infection often clears up on its own.
An Upper Respiratory Infection
An upper respiratory infection can also make your ears feel full and your hearing slightly muffled because of the inflammation within the sinuses. Viral infections must run their course; you can manage them with immunity boosters, warm liquids, and rest.
Hormonal Imbalance
A high level of estrogen can cause the ears to feel full. A hormonal change such as this can happen due to pregnancy or certain contraceptive pills.
Allergies
Like upper respiratory infections, allergies to pets, pollen, etc., can cause inflammation that affects the ears.
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder
If your jaw and the surrounding muscles are too tense, your ears could be affected. Relieving the root of the problem can relieve your ears.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, and Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.