The sensation of a blocked ear is relatively common, especially when diving, flying in an airplane, or even driving up a mountain. In these situations, the sensation disappears after a few minutes and usually does not indicate an ear problem.
However, when the blocked ear appears for no apparent reason or is accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, severe itching, dizziness or fever, it may indicate an infection or other problem that needs to be evaluated by an otolaryngologist in order to start the most appropriate treatment..
1. Ear infection
Ear infection, also known as ear infections, is one of the most common causes of a plugged ear sensation. This happens because, during an infection, the ear canal becomes inflamed, making it difficult for the sounds to pass to the inner ear and causing the sensation of a blocked ear.
The most common symptoms of an ear infection, in addition to the feeling of a blocked ear, include low-grade fever, redness in the ear, itching, and there may even be a leakage of fluid through the ear. Although it is more common in children, ear infection can happen at any age. Here's how to identify a possible ear infection.
What to do: It is best to consult the otorhinolaryngologist to start treatment with sprays to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort. In addition, it is important to assess whether the infection is being caused by bacteria, in which case it is important to start treatment with an antibiotic.
2. Wax build-up
This is another one of the most common causes for the sensation of a plugged ear and it happens because the ear is actually clogged with wax. Although wax is a healthy substance, produced by the body to remove dirt from the ear canal, it can end up accumulating in excess, causing difficulty in hearing.
Excess wax can affect anyone, but it is more common in that you often use cotton swabs to clean your ear, as the swab instead of removing the wax, pushes it into a deeper part of the ear canal, compressing it and making it impossible the passage of sound.
What to do: To clean the accumulation of wax, it is advisable to go to the ENT to do an adequate cleaning and, from there, avoid using swabs. Check how to properly clean your ear to prevent earwax build-up.
3. Labyrinthitis
Although it is more rare, labyrinthitis is also a relatively common ear problem, in which the person feels intense dizziness, in addition to the plugged ear. It is also common for people with labyrinthitis to report tinnitus, loss of balance and temporary hearing loss.
Labyrinthitis usually has no cure, and can arise from seizures over the years. However, treatment with medicines indicated by the ENT can help to relieve the symptoms, improving the quality of life.
What to do: you should see your otolaryngologist to identify the cause of the labyrinthitis and start using medications that can alleviate the symptoms, especially during labyrinthitis attacks. See all available treatment options.
4. Cholesteatoma
Cholesteatoma is a less common ear problem, but it can occur in people who have very recurrent infections. In this situation, the ear canal ends up showing an abnormal growth of skin inside, which ends up resulting in a small cyst that hinders the passage of sound, causing the sensation of a plugged ear.
What to do: most of the time, the ENT may advise you to use drops to relieve the symptoms, but it may also be necessary to have a small surgery to remove the cyst and end the symptoms altogether. Understand a little more about cholesteatoma and why it arises.
5. Meniere's syndrome
This is a relatively rare disease that affects the inner ear and causes symptoms such as a blocked ear, hearing loss, dizziness and constant tinnitus. This syndrome does not yet have a specific cause, but it seems to affect people between the ages of 20 and 50 more often.
What to do: as it does not have a specific cause, this syndrome has no cure, but it can be treated with medications indicated by the ENT who help to reduce the symptoms during the day-to-day, especially dizziness and the sensation of stuffy ear. See which remedies and treatment options are available.
