The sensation of blocked ears is a frequent, uncomfortable companion to common illnesses like a cold, the flu, or sinus infections. This feeling of fullness, sometimes described as hearing underwater, occurs when the body’s natural mechanisms for pressure regulation are temporarily impaired. This symptom is usually a temporary side effect of the congestion and inflammation associated with respiratory sickness. Understanding the underlying physical cause allows for targeted methods to restore comfort and clear the pressure.
Why Illness Causes Ear Blockage
The physical mechanism behind ear blockage during illness centers on the Eustachian tube. This small passage connects the middle ear space to the back of the throat, serving as a ventilation and drainage system. It normally opens briefly when swallowing or yawning to equalize air pressure on both sides of the eardrum and allow mucus to drain.
When a respiratory illness strikes, the mucous membranes lining the nose, throat, and the Eustachian tube become inflamed and swollen. This swelling can physically pinch the tube shut, preventing it from performing its pressure-equalizing function. Increased mucus production associated with the illness can also physically clog the tube’s opening near the nasal cavity.
This blockage leads to a buildup of negative pressure in the middle ear space as trapped air is absorbed by surrounding tissues. The resulting pressure imbalance pulls the eardrum inward, causing feelings of fullness, muffled hearing, and occasional pain. This condition, known as Eustachian tube dysfunction, typically resolves as the underlying cold or infection subsides.
Physical Techniques for Opening the Eustachian Tube
Immediate relief can often be found by performing actions that engage the muscles responsible for opening the Eustachian tubes. Yawning widely or chewing gum activates the muscles in the back of the throat, momentarily pulling the tubes open. Sipping water or sucking on hard candies encourages swallowing, which helps to normalize pressure in the middle ear.
A more direct technique is the Valsalva maneuver. To perform this, take a deep breath, pinch the nostrils closed, and then try to exhale softly through the nose while keeping the mouth closed. A successful attempt results in a soft popping sensation as the air pressure equalizes, but exhale very gently to avoid damaging the eardrum.
Applying moisture and heat can help to thin mucus and reduce inflammation around the tube’s opening. Inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl of water helps moisten the nasal passages and loosen thick secretions. Placing a warm compress over the affected ear can also reduce discomfort and promote circulation, encouraging natural drainage.
Relief Using Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications can help manage the underlying congestion that leads to Eustachian tube blockage. Oral decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, work by causing blood vessels in the nasal and sinus passages to constrict. This reduces swelling in the nasal lining and around the opening of the Eustachian tube, allowing it to function more effectively.
Note that some decongestants containing phenylephrine have been found to be minimally effective. Oral decongestants should only be used for short periods and may not be suitable for individuals with conditions like high blood pressure.
Saline nasal sprays are a gentle, side-effect-free option that can be used frequently to irrigate and clear the nasal passages of thick mucus. Using a saline rinse or spray helps reduce the mucus load that presses on the Eustachian tube opening. If allergies contribute to the swelling, an oral antihistamine may also be helpful by blocking the histamine receptors that cause inflammation.
Warning Signs Requiring a Doctor’s Visit
While most ear blockages clear up as the cold resolves, certain symptoms warrant professional medical attention. Seeking timely care ensures that potential complications, such as a middle ear infection, are managed appropriately. A doctor should be consulted if the blockage is accompanied by severe or rapidly worsening pain, or if symptoms persist long after the cold has improved.
Signs to Seek Medical Attention
- Fever or any fluid drainage or discharge from the ear canal.
- Sudden changes in hearing, such as rapid hearing loss.
- The onset of severe dizziness or vertigo.
- The feeling of ear fullness or blockage persists for more than 5 to 7 days after other cold symptoms have significantly improved.