Ear pressure is the feeling of blockage in the ear due to obstruction of the eustachian tube in the ear, or a defect in the performance of its function, and in this article we will discuss the most prominent causes of ear pressure and how to treat it.

What is the reason for the feeling of pressure in the ear?

There are many causes of ear pressure, including the following:

1. Sinus congestion

Sinus congestion occurs when mucus builds up in the sinuses, causing itching, ear pressure, and other symptoms such as a stuffy nose, headache, and an effect on the sense of smell.

2. Otitis media

It is an infection of the middle ear, causing fluid to build up next to the eardrum and thus a feeling of pressure in the ear.

3. Change habits

Some unusual habits cause the Eustachian tube not to adapt to this change, for example when traveling by plane or climbing mountains, or taking a long elevator ride to climb to a high building, as divers feel this due to the pressure of the water on the middle ear canal.

4. Earwax buildup

Earwax helps clean and protect the ear canal, and if this wax builds up, it causes pressure.

5. UFOs

The presence of a foreign object stuck in the ear, causes a feeling of pressure and pain in the ear, and this often happens to children.

6. Meniere’s disease

Meniere’s disease affects the inner ear, due to the accumulation of fluid inside it, causing severe dizziness, affecting balance and pressure in the ear.

7. Cholesteatoma

It is a condition that causes the skin to grow abnormally inside the ear. It may occur since birth or as a result of ear infection, causing some symptoms, including pressure.

ear pressure symptoms

There are some symptoms that should be noticed, and consult a specialist, including:

• Persistent earache.
• Symptoms do not improve despite using some home remedies.
• hearing loss.
• Bleeding from the ear.
• dizziness;

Ear pressure relief

Treatment depends on the cause of the pressure, and here are the ways to treat ear pressure at home:

1. Ear pressure exercises

We talked at the beginning of the article that a sudden change in habits causes stress, and to avoid this, some simple things can be done, such as chewing gum and yawning to relieve pressure, in addition to some exercises such as:

• Lower the jaw down, placing the hands on either side of the neck, and inhale and exhale several times, reducing the feeling of pressure on the ear.
• Sit in a straight line with the feet on the ground, and slowly move the head and neck towards the right arm, then slowly return the head and neck to the previous position, while repeating the exercise until feeling better.

2. Wax buildup treatment

A mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide can be used to remove the wax accumulated in the ear, or consult a specialist to remove it in the clinic, which contributes to treating pressure.

3. Treating sinus congestion

Decongestants can be used to treat sinus congestion through oral medications or nasal sprays after consulting a specialist.

4. Ear infection treatment

This type of infection is treated, in several ways prescribed by the doctor, whether through ear drops or antibiotics.

Persistent ear pressure treatment

If the feeling of pressure persists, the doctor may resort to making a small incision inside the eardrum, to get rid of fluid accumulated in the middle ear, and this incision remains open until the blockage and swelling from the Eustachian tube clears, or ear tubes may be installed to relieve pressure and prevent fluid accumulation.

After identifying the causes of ear pressure and how to treat it, the treatment of this pressure depends on the cause, so we recommend that when you feel persistent pain and blockage in the ear, quickly consult a doctor.