Feeling pressure in your ears can be uncomfortable. It may feel like your ears are blocked or full. This is a common problem, and many things can cause it. Let’s take a closer look at what might cause ear pressure.
Changes in Air Pressure
Flying in an Airplane
One of the most common causes of ear pressure is a change in air pressure. This often happens when you are flying in an airplane. As the plane climbs or descends, the air pressure changes quickly. Your ears may struggle to keep up with this fast change, causing pressure to build up.
Driving in the Hill Country
The same thing can happen when you drive through hilly areas. As you go higher or lower, the air pressure changes. If your ears cannot adjust fast enough, you may feel pressure building inside.
Colds or Allergies
Blocked Eustachian Tubes
When you have a cold or allergies, your body produces more mucus. This extra mucus can block your eustachian tubes, which help balance the pressure in your ears. Swelling of the surrounding tissues can also prevent the eustachian tubes from functioning properly. When blocked, air cannot flow in and out of your ears properly, causing pressure to build up.
Sinus Infections
A sinus infection can also lead to ear pressure. Your sinuses are near your ears, and when they are swollen or filled with mucus, they can add pressure, making your ears feel full or blocked.
Ear Infections
Fluid Buildup
Another common cause of ear pressure is an ear infection. When an ear becomes infected, fluid can build up behind the eardrum. This fluid increases the pressure inside the ear, making it feel uncomfortable. Ear infections often cause pain and can also affect hearing.
Earwax Buildup
Blocked Ear Canal
Your ears naturally produce ear wax to keep them clean. But sometimes, too much ear wax can build up. This can block your ear canal, making it hard for sound and air to pass through. As a result, you may feel pressure in your ears. Cleaning your ears can help, but it’s important not to push the wax deeper. Oftentimes, attempts at home-removal can make the blockage and discomfort worse.
Changes in Weather
Humidity and Temperature
Changes in humidity or temperature can also cause ear pressure. For example, the pressure inside your ears can change if the weather suddenly changes from dry to humid. The same thing can happen when the temperature drops quickly. Your ears might not adjust right away, leading to pressure.
Other Medical Conditions
TMJ Disorder
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder affects the joint that connects your jaw to your skull. If you have this condition, it can cause pain and pressure in your ears. This happens because the joint is located near your ears.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is a condition that affects the inner ear. It can cause pressure, ringing in the ears, dizziness, and hearing loss. Although this condition is rare, it can lead to significant ear pressure.
What You Can Do About Ear Pressure
If you feel pressure in your ears, there are some simple things you can try to relieve it:
- Swallow or Yawn: This can help open your eustachian tubes and balance the pressure.
- Chew Gum: Chewing gum helps your ears adjust to changes in air pressure.
- Use a Decongestant: A decongestant can help clear your nose and relieve ear pressure if you have a cold or allergies.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm cloth to your ear can reduce pain and pressure.
When to See a Doctor
If the pressure in your ears does not go away or if it’s causing you pain, it’s a good idea to see an audiologist. You might have an ear infection or another issue that needs treatment. A professional can check your ears and help you find the right solution.
Audiologists | Austin Hearing Aid Center
Ear pressure can result from several causes, including changes in air pressure, colds, allergies, ear infections, ear wax buildup, or other medical conditions. While simple remedies like swallowing, chewing gum, or using a warm compress can help relieve mild ear pressure, persistent or painful pressure may need medical attention. If the pressure continues or worsens, it’s important to consult a doctor to identify the underlying cause and get the right treatment.
For expert care, visit the Austin Hearing Aid Center in Austin, TX. The team will offer treatment solutions for managing ear pressure and other hearing concerns.