The feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, often described as “clogged,” is a common symptom accompanying a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection. This sensation can make sounds seem muffled and is sometimes accompanied by a mild, dull ache. It is a direct result of the body’s inflammatory response, which affects the ear’s pressure-regulation system. The discomfort arises from a temporary imbalance, but it typically resolves as the sickness clears up.
How Illness Affects the Eustachian Tube
The core reason for a clogged ear during illness lies with the Eustachian tube, a narrow passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and nose. This tube normally functions to equalize air pressure in the middle ear with the pressure outside the body, ensuring the eardrum can vibrate properly for hearing. It also allows mucus and fluid to drain away from the middle ear cavity into the throat.
When a respiratory infection like a cold or the flu takes hold, the body responds by producing excess mucus and triggering widespread inflammation. The lining of the nasal passages and the throat swells, and this swelling often extends to the opening of the Eustachian tube. This physiological reaction causes the tube to become partially or completely blocked, leading to a condition known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.
When the Eustachian tube is blocked, the air inside the middle ear is slowly absorbed by surrounding tissues, but new air cannot enter. This creates negative pressure or a vacuum effect, which pulls the eardrum inward and restricts its movement. This negative pressure and subsequent fluid build-up behind the eardrum create the sensation of fullness, pressure, and muffled hearing.
Immediate Strategies for Clearing Clogged Ears
Several simple, non-medical techniques can help to manually open the Eustachian tube and provide immediate relief from the sensation of clogging. Basic physical maneuvers that encourage swallowing or jaw movement can activate the small muscles that open the tube. Try yawning widely or chewing gum, as these actions help to momentarily equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the back of the throat.
A technique called the Valsalva maneuver can also be effective for gently “popping” the ears. To perform this, take a deep breath, gently pinch your nostrils shut, and then try to exhale slowly with your mouth closed, as if you are blowing your nose. It is important to blow very gently to avoid causing damage to the eardrum from excessive pressure.
Over-the-counter medications can target the underlying swelling that causes the blockage. Oral decongestants work to constrict blood vessels in the nasal and sinus passages, which reduces the inflammation around the opening of the Eustachian tube. Nasal sprays, particularly saline solutions or decongestant sprays, can also help clear the nasal passages, indirectly reducing pressure on the ear tubes. However, decongestant nasal sprays should only be used for a few days to prevent a condition called rebound congestion.
Inhaling steam helps to moisten respiratory passages and thin mucus, making drainage easier. You can achieve this by taking a hot shower or by carefully leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over your head to trap the steam. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can also soothe discomfort and encourage the opening of the tubes.
When Clogging Signals a More Serious Issue
While most ear clogging resolves as the illness subsides, certain symptoms suggest the blockage has progressed into a secondary infection requiring medical attention. The most common complication is acute otitis media, or a middle ear infection, which occurs when fluid trapped behind the eardrum becomes a breeding ground for bacteria or viruses.
You should consult a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following warning signs:
- Severe, sharp, or throbbing ear pain, or pain that suddenly worsens after a few days.
- A fever, especially one ranging above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Any discharge of fluid, pus, or blood from the ear, which may indicate a perforated eardrum.
- Persistent or sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or a feeling of spinning (vertigo).
- The feeling of clogging or pressure lasts for more than a week after the cold or flu symptoms have resolved.