Overview Show Ear congestion occurs when your Eustachian tube becomes obstructed or is not functioning properly. The Eustachian tube is a small canal that runs between your nose and your middle ear. It helps equalize the pressure in your middle ear. When the Eustachian tube becomes clogged, you feel fullness and pressure in your ear. You might also experience muffled hearing and ear pain. These ear congestion symptoms can also be caused by problems in your middle ear or the ear canal that affects the eardrum (also called the tympanic membrane). Any condition that affects your sinuses can lead to ear congestion, such as common colds, allergies, and sinus infections. Air travel and changes in altitude can also cause Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can cause symptoms of ear congestion. Read on to learn more about what could be causing your ear congestion and how to find relief. To treat ear congestion, you first need to identify the cause. The following are causes of ear congestion and their treatments. Sinus-related issuesAny condition that causes sinus congestion can also cause ear congestion. This includes:
Here are things you can do to relieve sinus congestion and related ear congestion:
Fluid buildupGetting water in your ear while showering or swimming can cause ear congestion. Try the following to get water out of your ear:
Wax buildupEarwax is produced by your glands to moisturize and protect your skin. It doesn’t usually need to be removed from your ears unless it’s causing symptoms, according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Here are ways to remove wax buildup from your ears:
AllergiesAllergies can cause ear congestion when mucus backs up and gets trapped in your Eustachian tube or middle ear. Taking allergy medications, such as antihistamines and decongestants, can relieve ear congestion and other symptoms. TravelThe rapid changes in air pressure during air travel, especially during takeoff and landing, puts stress on your middle ear and eardrum. You can avoid or relieve airplane ear congestion by chewing gum or hard candy, swallowing, or yawning during takeoff and landing. You can also try:
Ear canal blockageIf you suspect that there is a foreign object inside your ear canal, do not try to remove it yourself. Instead, see your doctor right away or head to the nearest emergency department or urgent care center. Middle and external ear infectionsA middle ear infection can cause ear congestion, as well as dizziness, ear pain, and occasionally fluid drainage. They’re usually caused by colds or other respiratory problems that travel to the middle ear through the Eustachian tube. External ear infections, also known as swimmer’s ear, are usually caused by water that remains in your ear after swimming or bathing, providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. You may experience pain, itching, redness, and clear fluid drainage or a discharge of pus. Ear infections often resolve without treatment. Over-the-counter ear drops and pain medication can help relieve your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or last more than two days, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Though not as common, ear congestion can be caused by medical conditions, some of which are serious and can lead to hearing loss and balance problems. These include:
See your doctor if your ear congestion lasts more than two weeks or is accompanied by:
Ear congestion is common and can usually be successfully treated at home using home remedies or over-the-counter treatments. How do you get rid of sinus tinnitus?Fortunately, sinusitis-related tinnitus tends to go away with treatment of the sinus infection. As a minimally-invasive procedure, balloon sinuplasty can be performed in-office in less than 20 minutes on patients with a medical sinus obstruction.
Can sinus problems cause ringing in the ears?If the sinusitis gets worse, it will completely block airways and lead to sinus-induced ringing in the ears. The pressing of the swollen sinus cavity or the increase of pressure caused as you start to blow your nose can exert pressure on the ear drum, which then reacts through ear ringing.
Does tinnitus from sinus infection go away?Ear or sinus infections – Many people, including children, experience tinnitus along with an ear or sinus infection. This will generally lessen and gradually go away once the infection is healed.
Will decongestant help ear ringing?Allergies don't just cause sneezing and watery eyes; they can also lead to fullness and pressure in the ears, which may cause tinnitus. Over-the-counter drugs such as antihistamines and decongestants may bring relief; if not, consider visiting an allergist for a more permanent solution.
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