Clogged ears, often felt as fullness or pressure and sometimes accompanied by muffled hearing, are a common experience when feeling unwell. Understanding the underlying biological mechanisms helps explain why this phenomenon occurs during sickness.
The Eustachian Tube’s Role
The Eustachian tube is a narrow canal connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube is typically closed, opening only during actions like swallowing, yawning, or chewing. Its primary functions include ventilating the middle ear to maintain equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum and draining secretions or fluid into the throat. This pressure equalization is important for proper hearing.
How Illness Blocks Your Ears
When sick, particularly with a cold or flu, your body’s immune system produces inflammation and increased mucus. This affects the mucous membranes lining your respiratory passages, including those within the Eustachian tube. The swelling of these membranes, combined with increased mucus, can obstruct the narrow Eustachian tube. This blockage hinders the equalization of air pressure within the middle ear. Fluid and mucus, which normally drain into the throat, can become trapped behind the eardrum. This accumulation and pressure imbalance result in the feeling of fullness, pressure, or “clogged” ears, and can also lead to muffled hearing.
Common Illnesses That Cause Clogging
Several common illnesses frequently cause ear clogging due to their impact on the respiratory system and Eustachian tubes. The common cold is a primary culprit, as nasal congestion and mucus production directly lead to Eustachian tube blockage. Similarly, influenza (flu) causes significant inflammation and congestion. Sinus infections, whether bacterial or viral, also contribute to ear clogging because inflamed sinuses are closely connected to the Eustachian tubes, impeding their function. Allergic reactions, such as hay fever, trigger an immune response leading to inflammation and excess mucus that can block the Eustachian tubes, causing symptoms like ear pain, muffled hearing, and pressure.
Finding Relief and When to See a Doctor
To alleviate the sensation of clogged ears when sick, several home remedies can be helpful. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can encourage the Eustachian tubes to open and equalize pressure. Inhaling steam from a warm shower or a bowl of hot water can help moisten and open nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, promoting drainage. Over-the-counter decongestants or nasal sprays may reduce swelling in the nasal passages, which can help clear the Eustachian tubes; use these as directed and often only for a few days. While clogged ears from illness often resolve as sickness clears, consult a doctor if ear clogging is accompanied by persistent pain, a high fever, discharge from the ear, significant hearing loss, or if symptoms worsen, don’t improve after a few days, or last longer than one to two weeks, to rule out complications like an ear infection.