Ear fullness, often described as the sensation of having plugged or blocked ears, can be both uncomfortable and concerning. This common condition can affect anyone at any age and lead to muffled hearing, a sense of pressure, and occasionally pain. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatments for ear fullness is essential for effective management and relief.
What causes the feeling of plugged ears?
It can be uncomfortable and a little jarring to feel like your ears are stuffed up, especially when it prevents you from hearing clearly. We understand this discomfort and the concern it can cause. But it’s not always easy to identify why. Some of the most common otologic causes include:
Ear wax buildup: Ear wax is a natural substance the body produces to protect the ear canal. However, an excessive accumulation of ear wax (cerumen) can obstruct the ear canal and create a feeling of fullness. In some cases, it may also impair hearing.
Eustachian tube blockage: Swollen or blocked eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, can also cause clogged ears. Eustachian tubes swell or become blocked when they fail to open properly, often due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections. This can cause a feeling of fullness, popping sounds, and hearing difficulty, which is particularly noticeable during altitude changes.
Ear infections: Otitis media, or middle ear infection, is common in children but can affect adults. It often results from bacterial or viral infections, causing inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum. Symptoms may include ear fullness, pain, and hearing difficulty.
Sinus infections: The sinuses’ proximity to the eustachian tubes can affect their function when they become inflamed or congested. This can lead to a feeling of pressure in the middle ear.
Other causes: Other conditions that cause ear fullness include jaw problems (temporomandibular joint disease), patulous eustachian tube, Ménière’s disease, and superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
When To See a Physician
Ear congestion is relatively common and often resolves on its own. Home remedies that can help relieve clogged ears include applying warm compresses, chewing gum, or other recommendations from an ENT specialist.
You should contact one of our doctors if your symptoms persist or if you experience symptoms of an ear infection, such as:
- Fever
- Fluid drainage
- Severe ear pain
- Loss of appetite
You should seek immediate medical care if you have a fever over 103°F.
Diagnosing the Cause of Clogged Ears
After taking a complete medical history, one of our experienced ENT specialists will use diagnostic tests such as audiometry or tympanometry to evaluate the function of the middle ear and measure your hearing across different frequencies and intensities. In some cases, they may order imaging tests, which may include a CT or MRI.
How do you treat clogged ears?
Treatment for clogged ears depends on the cause. After diagnosing the cause, our ENT specialists may recommend one of the following treatments:
Medications: Decongestants and antihistamines can alleviate Eustachian tube dysfunction caused by allergies or colds. Your physician may prescribe antibiotics for bacterial middle ear infections, while pain relievers can manage discomfort.
Earwax removal: For earwax buildup, we recommend professional ear cleaning by a healthcare provider. Techniques include irrigation, suction, or specialized instruments to remove the wax safely. Over-the-counter ear drops can also soften earwax, making it easier to remove.
Eustachian tube exercises: Swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, or other simple exercises can help open the Eustachian tubes and relieve pressure. The Valsalva maneuver, where you gently blow your nose while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed, can also equalize ear pressure.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Our team of ear, nose, and throat specialists is committed to providing personalized care to treat what’s causing your ear fullness and improve your quality of life. If you have a persistent clogged ear that doesn’t respond to home remedies, we encourage you to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan.