The sensation of having something in one’s ear is common and can range from a minor annoyance to a sign of an underlying medical issue. While often temporary, this feeling sometimes indicates a condition requiring attention.
Common Explanations for the Sensation
Earwax, or cerumen, naturally protects the ear canal. Excessive accumulation or impaction can lead to symptoms like muffled hearing, fullness, or ringing. Jaw movement usually helps earwax migrate out, but attempts to clean ears with cotton swabs can inadvertently compact wax against the eardrum.
Foreign objects like cotton swab tips, beads, or insects can become lodged in the ear canal, especially in children. This causes immediate discomfort, irritation, buzzing, or a feeling of something present. If untreated, foreign objects can lead to pain, infection, or hearing loss.
Water trapped in the ear after swimming or showering can create a blocked or full sensation. This typically resolves as water drains. However, prolonged moisture can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, potentially leading to an outer ear infection.
Other Medical Considerations
Several medical conditions can cause the feeling of something in the ear.
Ear Infections
Ear infections can affect different parts of the ear, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup. Outer ear infections, known as “swimmer’s ear,” involve the ear canal, while middle ear infections (otitis media) occur behind the eardrum. Both can result in pressure or fullness, along with pain, fever, or discharge.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Eustachian tube dysfunction occurs when the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat becomes blocked. This tube normally equalizes air pressure and drains fluid. When it malfunctions, often due to colds, allergies, or sinus issues, it can cause ear fullness, pressure, muffled hearing, or popping sounds. Allergies can contribute by causing inflammation and excess mucus, blocking the tubes and leading to fluid accumulation and a feeling of fullness.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Issues
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues are another possible cause. The TMJ connects the jaw to the skull near the ear. Problems with this joint, such as inflammation or dysfunction, can refer pain or a sensation of fullness and pressure to the ear. Many people with TMJ disorders experience ear symptoms.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many instances are benign, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation.
If the sensation is accompanied by persistent or worsening pain, or discharge from the ear, consult a healthcare provider. Pus, blood, or swelling around the ear indicates a potential infection requiring prompt attention.
Sudden or severe hearing loss, especially with fullness, requires medical help. If a foreign object in the ear cannot be safely removed, professional intervention is necessary to prevent further injury or infection. Any ear symptoms that significantly interfere with daily life, cause dizziness, or are accompanied by a fever also warrant a doctor’s visit.
Tips for Ear Health
Maintaining good ear health can help prevent many common causes of this sensation. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into the ear canal, as this can push earwax deeper and damage the eardrum. Gently clean the outer ear with a soft, damp cloth. For excess earwax, over-the-counter drops can help soften it, allowing it to exit naturally.
After swimming or showering, dry ears thoroughly by tilting the head to allow water to drain. Use a towel to gently dry the outer ear or a hairdryer on the lowest setting held several inches away. For those prone to water retention, ear-drying drops may be an option, but check with a healthcare provider, especially if there are ear tubes or a punctured eardrum.
Managing allergies and colds effectively can help prevent Eustachian tube dysfunction and associated ear fullness. Staying hydrated can thin mucus, easing drainage and reducing ear pressure. Chewing gum or yawning can also help equalize ear pressure, especially during altitude changes.