When illness strikes, a common and often bothersome symptom many people experience is the sensation of plugged or muffled ears. This feeling can range from a mild pressure to significantly muffled hearing, sometimes accompanied by crackling or popping sounds. It frequently occurs alongside other cold or flu symptoms, making daily activities uncomfortable.
Understanding Why Ears Feel Plugged
Plugged ears during illness stem from the Eustachian tubes, narrow passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat, which normally open to equalize air pressure and drain fluid. When a person becomes sick, inflammation, swelling, and increased mucus production can block or impair their function. This blockage prevents pressure equalization and hinders fluid drainage, leading to a buildup of pressure and fluid behind the eardrum. This results in feelings of fullness, muffled hearing, and sometimes clicking or popping noises as the tubes attempt to open. The temporary hearing difficulties and discomfort usually subside once the underlying illness resolves.
Common Illnesses That Cause Plugged Ears
Common illnesses can lead to plugged ears by affecting the Eustachian tubes. Respiratory infections, such as colds and flu, are common causes. The congestion and inflammation from these infections can extend to the Eustachian tubes, causing them to swell and block, trapping fluid in the middle ear.
Sinus infections also commonly cause ear plugging due to the close connection between the sinuses and ears. When sinuses become inflamed and congested, pressure and fluid buildup can directly affect the Eustachian tubes, leading to ear pain, fullness, and muffled hearing. Allergic reactions can trigger inflammation and excess mucus in the nasal passages, impacting the Eustachian tubes and causing ear symptoms like fullness, popping, or muffled hearing. Ear infections (otitis media) are a direct cause of plugged ears, involving fluid and inflammation within the middle ear, often as a complication of a cold or flu.
At-Home Relief for Plugged Ears
Home remedies can help alleviate plugged ears when sick:
Steam inhalation: Warm moisture helps thin mucus and open nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. This can be achieved by taking a warm shower, using a humidifier, or inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over the head.
Saline nasal sprays: These irrigate nasal passages and help clear mucus, aiding in decongesting the Eustachian tubes.
Over-the-counter decongestants: Oral medications or nasal sprays can reduce swelling in the nasal passages and help open the Eustachian tubes. Nasal decongestant sprays, such as oxymetazoline (Afrin), should generally not be used for more than three consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion.
Eustachian tube activation: Actions like swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes, promoting pressure equalization.
Warm compress: Applying one to the affected ear can offer relief.
When to Consult a Doctor
While plugged ears from illness often resolve with home care, certain signs indicate when medical attention is necessary. If the plugged ear sensation does not improve after several days of home remedies or if symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional. Persistent symptoms may suggest an underlying issue requiring specific treatment.
Also consult a doctor if plugged ears are accompanied by severe pain, fever, dizziness, or any discharge from the ear. These symptoms could point to a more serious condition, such as an ear infection, which may require antibiotics or other interventions. Sudden or significant changes in hearing in one or both ears, including hearing loss, also warrant prompt medical evaluation. For children, seek earlier medical attention if they are under six months old, have a high fever, or show signs of discomfort like tugging at their ear, as they are more susceptible to ear infections and their potential complications. A doctor can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment, which might include prescription medications or, in some cases, procedures to address fluid buildup.