Your ears might feel blocked primarily because of issues with your eustachian tubes. These tubes connect your middle ear to the back of your throat and help regulate air pressure. When these tubes are swollen or blocked, it can create a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ears.
Common Causes of Blocked Ears
Here are some common reasons why your eustachian tubes might not be working properly:
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Air Travel: Changes in air pressure, like during a flight, can cause temporary eustachian tube blockage.
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Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to swelling in the nasal passages and eustachian tubes, causing blockage.
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Sinus Infections: Sinus infections often cause inflammation that can spread to the eustachian tubes, resulting in a feeling of blocked ears.
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Ear Infections: Infections in the ear itself can lead to inflammation that blocks the eustachian tube.
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Respiratory Viruses: Viruses like the common cold or COVID-19 can cause inflammation and blockage in your eustachian tubes.
- The provided reference specifically mentions that swollen or blocked eustachian tubes are a major reason for clogged ears and can be caused by allergies, sinus or ear infections, or other respiratory viruses (including COVID-19).
What Can You Do?
Here are a few things that might help relieve the feeling of blocked ears:
- Swallowing or Yawning: This can sometimes open the eustachian tubes.
- Valsalva Maneuver: Gently trying to exhale while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed can also help. However, do this carefully.
- Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants or nasal sprays might help reduce swelling, but use them as directed.
- Treat Underlying Conditions: If your blocked ears are due to allergies or an infection, treating those conditions can resolve the issue.
When to See a Doctor
It's best to consult a healthcare provider if the feeling of blockage doesn't improve or if you experience:
- Pain in the ear
- Hearing loss
- Fever
- Discharge from the ear
