Everything About Ear Fullness
Imagine being in a tightly sealed room, hearing muffled sounds from outside, and feeling isolated in your home. You might get a similar feeling while describing ear fullness, which is the sensation of blockage or pressure in the ears that makes you uncomfortable and disturbing.
Listen to your body! When you experience ear issues, it’s important to seek attention from an ENT specialist. Improve your overall ear health with effective ear fullness treatment.
Exposure to loud sounds, changes in altitude, or underlying ear disorder – keep reading to know how to get rid of fullness.
What is ear fullness?
Ear fullness is the sensation of blockage or congestion that doesn’t go away with usual methods. Typically, ear fullness and ringing lasts only a few minutes or days. If the sensation lasts over a week, it indicates an underlying ear problem.
What causes the feeling of fullness in the ear?
The common cause of ear fullness is the problem with tiny canals that connect your ears, nose, and throat, called eustachian tubes. The eustachian tube links the ear to the throat, enabling fluid to drain from the middle ear. It is essential for regulating ear pressure. When these tubes function normally, they prevent air pressure buildup in your ear canals. If these tubes are plugged up, it leads to discomfort and muffled sounds in your ears.
Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs due to tissue inflammation and mucus secretions. Fluid builds up when the tubes are blocked, resulting in a middle ear infection.
Apart from eustachian tube dysfunction, other possible causes of fullness in ear,
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder that causes a feeling of fullness. The loss of balance and pressure changes in the inner ear leads to ear fullness, vertigo, and hearing loss.
Cholesteatoma: the abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that causes ear fullness, foul smell, pain, and hearing loss.
Acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous nerve tumor that connects the inner ear to the brain.
Chronic otitis media: A chronic fungal infection results in fluid buildup in the middle ear, causing a sensation of fullness and hearing loss.
How to get rid of fullness? - Home remedies for ear fullness
- Move your mouth up and down by yawning or swallowing.
- Take a deep breath, then gently exhale through your nose while keeping your nostrils closed and your mouth shut until you hear a popping sound.
- If water is stuck in your ears after a shower or swimming, turn your head one side to drain them. You can also gently pull the earlobes in different directions to release water.
- If you experience fullness in the ear due to air travel, try a nasal spray before traveling to avoid ear congestion. It’s recommended to consult an Ent ‘specialist before taking any medications.
- If you experience severe pain on a flight, use a hot towel at the ear opening to relieve pressure on the eardrum.
Ear fullness treatment - Medications
Suppose your symptoms persist even after home remedies. In that case, ENT specialists recommend a few over-the-counter medications to reduce discomfort and fullness in ear.
- Over-the-counter medicine sudafed or nasal decongestant Afrin decreases swelling in the sinuses.
- Steroids or antibiotics to treat consistent infection.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections include amoxicillin, ear drops, ciprodex, or cortisporin.
- Over the counter pain relievers acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
How to get rid of fullness with surgery?
This treatment with surgery is necessary to address the underlying disorder. Some of the surgical options are,
- Tympanostomy tubes are placed in the eardrum to drain fluid and balance pressure. They are commonly used in children with frequent ear infections.
- Balloon dilation of the eustachian tube is a less invasive procedure where a small balloon is inserted to expand the tube and enhance drainage.
- Adenoidectomy – remove adenoids located in the back of the nasal cavity.
- Middle ear ventilation procedure – creating a permanent opening in the eardrum for better ventilation and drainage.
Determine whether it’s common or complex - When to consult an ENT doctor?
Ear fullness and ringing are signs of potential ear problems. Understanding the underlying cause, whether it’s a common cold or complex meniere disease, is the first step towards relief.
If home remedies fail to cure your pain and symptoms continue to persist for more than 2 weeks, consult an ENT specialist immediately.
Warning signs to consult an ENT doctor,
- Severe ear pain
- High fever above 101 F lasting for more than 48 hours
- Swelling around the ears
- Pus from the ears
- Tenderness behind the ears
- Severe headache
Explore the hidden reasons behind an uncomfortable feeling in ear - Consult Dr. Mustafa Kapadia.
Ear fullness can be frustrating, but finding a specialist can make you feel comfortable. Dr. Mustafa Kapadia is a board-certified and skilled ENT specialist in Dubai. He specializes in treating sinus problems, ear fullness, and hearing loss.
Dr. Mustafa treats all ENT-related issues accurately by implementing advanced diagnostic tools and modern equipment. Combining clinical expertise and personalized care, Dr. Mustafa excels as a trusted ENT specialist in Dubai.
Feeling annoyed with ear fullness! Discover the clarity you deserve!
