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What is Ear Congestion?

Dorothy Bland
Dorothy Bland

Ear congestion typically refers to a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ears. It usually presents with other familiar symptoms of congestion in the ears, including a diminished ability to hear, often described as muffled hearing, and the presence of a crackling noise in the eardrum. The condition may be caused by any of a variety of conditions, mainly those that affect the middle ear.

The middle ear is connected to the back of the nose through the Eustachian tube. This tube carries out several vital functions, including helping to equalize air pressure on both sides of the ear drum. Rapid changes in altitude or pressure that occur when doing such things as flying in an airplane, mountain driving, or scuba diving can temporarily cause congestion as the ears work to adapt to the changes in pressure. Usually clogged ears caused by such changes in altitude will present with popping sounds, and pain is also a possibility.

Scuba diving can cause temporary ear congestion.
Scuba diving can cause temporary ear congestion.

Another major function of the Eustachian tube is to drain mucus from the inner ear. Colds, allergies, and sinus infections, however, can cause the tube to become inflamed or clogged with excess mucus. The resulting obstruction prevents the Eustachian tube from functioning properly, leading to ear congestion and fluid in the ear. A runny nose, head congestion, and watery eyes are some of the other symptoms to look out for.

Air travel may cause ear pain due to pressure.
Air travel may cause ear pain due to pressure.

One possible cause of ear congestion in the outer ear is ear wax. Ear wax is a waxy oil produced by the body to trap foreign bodies like bacteria and keep these materials from entering the ear drum. Normally ear wax simply falls out of the ears or is washed away. In other cases, however, the wax can accumulate, becoming hard and blocking the ear passage. The resulting ear congestion may block hearing and cause ear ringing and a feeling of fullness.

Ear congestion can be caused by conditions that affect the middle ear.
Ear congestion can be caused by conditions that affect the middle ear.

In many cases, ear congestion is a temporary nuisance that can be cleared up with home care. For instance, commercial treatments are available for removing ear wax, while commonly available products such as baby oil or mineral oil can also be used to soften the wax and remove it. Congestion related to fluid problems will usually clear up on its own once the infection improves. Over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines may also help to relieve the pressure, while steam inhalation could be useful for softening the mucus causing the congestion and dislodging it.

Rapid changes in altitude and pressure while in an airplane can cause air congestion along with popping in the ears.
Rapid changes in altitude and pressure while in an airplane can cause air congestion along with popping in the ears.

When ear congestion lingers for more than 48 hours or is accompanied by pain not related to air travel, a visit to a medical professional is generally in order. The cause of the plugged ears might be an ear disorder or problem that cannot be effectively treated with self-care. For example, Meniere’s disease, an inner ear disorder causing extreme dizziness and hearing loss, causes some cases of ear congestion. A middle ear infection, a growth inside the ears, or a foreign object stuck within the ears could also be responsible.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@raynbow- Thanks for the tip. This is a disease that can be debilitating, yet there is little information available about it. A few simple tests can rule it our or diagnose it.

Raynbow

I have a friend who had Meniere's Disease, and she experiences dizziness along with a feeling of fullness in her ears. If you have a persistent feeling of ear congestion, you should see a doctor to rule out this problem, because their are medications available to help you deal with your symptoms. My friend relies on her medication to help her feel better so she can get on with her life.

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    • Scuba diving can cause temporary ear congestion.
      By: eothman
      Scuba diving can cause temporary ear congestion.
    • Air travel may cause ear pain due to pressure.
      By: Shchipkova Elena
      Air travel may cause ear pain due to pressure.
    • Ear congestion can be caused by conditions that affect the middle ear.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      Ear congestion can be caused by conditions that affect the middle ear.
    • Rapid changes in altitude and pressure while in an airplane can cause air congestion along with popping in the ears.
      By: paul prescott
      Rapid changes in altitude and pressure while in an airplane can cause air congestion along with popping in the ears.
    • Inner ear disorders that cause dizziness may also cause ear congestion.
      By: 9nong
      Inner ear disorders that cause dizziness may also cause ear congestion.
    • Ear congestion that lasts for more than 48 hours should be examined by a medical professional.
      By: Monkey Business
      Ear congestion that lasts for more than 48 hours should be examined by a medical professional.
    • Ear pressure can often be equalized by holding the nose shut, closing the mouth and blowing.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      Ear pressure can often be equalized by holding the nose shut, closing the mouth and blowing.