The sensation of a plugged ear involves muffled sound perception, a feeling of fullness, or pressure within the ear canal. It can feel like being underwater or wearing earplugs, making sounds distant or muted. This common experience ranges from minor annoyance to significant discomfort. While often temporary, understanding its origins helps in addressing the issue.
Common Reasons for a Plugged Sensation
The most frequent cause of a plugged ear sensation is the accumulation of earwax, or cerumen. This natural substance lubricates and protects the ear canal, but excessive buildup can physically block sound to the eardrum. Complete obstruction can create pressure and reduce hearing clarity.
Another common reason for ear fullness is Eustachian tube dysfunction, occurring when the tube connecting the middle ear to the throat doesn’t open or close properly. The Eustachian tube equalizes air pressure between the middle ear and the external environment. Colds, allergies, or sinus infections can cause inflammation, preventing the tube from opening and leading to pressure imbalance, muffled hearing, and a plugged feeling. Rapid changes in altitude, like during air travel or scuba diving, can also overwhelm the tube’s ability to equalize pressure, causing temporary ear blockage and discomfort.
Middle ear infections (otitis media) frequently cause ear fullness. These infections involve fluid buildup behind the eardrum, impairing its ability to vibrate and transmit sound. Fluid accumulation often leads to pain, reduced hearing, and a persistent plugged feeling. Similarly, water trapped in the outer ear canal (swimmer’s ear or otitis externa) can cause blockage. This can lead to swelling and inflammation of the ear canal lining, with accompanying pain and itching.
Less Common or Serious Causes
Less frequent conditions can also cause a plugged ear sensation and require careful attention. Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder with vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, tinnitus, and ear fullness. These symptoms occur in unpredictable attacks.
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) is a rapid, unexplained hearing loss, often in one ear, sometimes with ear blockage or pressure. This medical emergency requires prompt evaluation to preserve hearing. An acoustic neuroma is a non-cancerous growth on the vestibulocochlear nerve from the inner ear to the brain. This growth can gradually press on the nerve, causing progressive hearing loss, tinnitus, balance issues, and ear fullness.
When Professional Help is Needed
Seek medical attention for a plugged ear sensation for proper diagnosis and treatment. If ear blockage persists for more than a few days, or with other concerning symptoms, a medical evaluation is recommended. Symptoms include severe pain, fever, ear discharge, or significant dizziness and imbalance.
Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears, especially if rapid, requires immediate medical attention. New or worsening tinnitus with a plugged sensation warrants professional assessment. If home remedies fail or symptoms worsen, consult a doctor to rule out serious conditions.
Tips for Relief and Prevention
For plugged ears from pressure imbalances, home remedies can equalize Eustachian tube pressure. Yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum activates muscles that open these tubes, allowing air to flow. A gentle Valsalva maneuver (blowing air out of the nose with mouth closed and nostrils pinched) can also open Eustachian tubes and relieve pressure.
Over-the-counter solutions may relieve some plugged ear causes. Saline nasal sprays reduce congestion and inflammation, improving Eustachian tube function. For earwax, drops with mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide can soften and break down cerumen for natural expulsion. Consult a doctor or pharmacist before using ear drops, especially if a perforated eardrum or infection is suspected, as some drops can cause harm.
Preventative measures reduce the likelihood of a plugged ear. Managing allergies with medication minimizes inflammation affecting Eustachian tubes. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or objects deep into the ear canal, as they can push earwax further in. Using earplugs while swimming prevents water from trapping in the outer ear canal. For those prone to ear pressure during flights, decongestants before flying may keep Eustachian tubes open.
Citations
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. National Library of Medicine.
Valsalva Maneuver. National Library of Medicine.
Earwax Impaction. American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery.