17Jun
Why do my ears feel blocked?
By The Harley Stre... 0 Comments
Blocked ears don’t tend to be dangerous but they can be incredibly uncomfortable to live with. You may experience problems with your hearing and the discomfort of your ears clearing and then getting blocked up again. Many causes of blocked ears can be treated at home, or will simply clear up on their own, however, it’s also worth speaking to a specialist so that you can prevent blocked ears from happening again further down the line.
Some common causes of blocked ears
- Problems with the Eustachian tubes. These are the tubes that run from the middle ear to the throat, providing a channel for mucus to reach the throat where it can be swallowed. However, fluid and mucus can sometimes get trapped here and cause a blockage, often as a result of having a common cold, sinusitis or allergies. Blocked Eustachian tubes can result in an ear infection when bacteria or a viral infection gets into the middle ear, so it’s essential to clear these as soon as possible.
- Acoustic neuroma. This is a growth that appears on the cranial nerve. Although this type of tumour is usually small and grows slowly when it reaches a certain size it can make the ear feel blocked.
- Altitude changes. Any rapid change in air pressure - such as scuba diving or going up in a plane - can cause the feeling of blocked ears. The Eustachian tubes equalise pressure in the ears but sometimes don’t do this effectively, which results in the change in pressure being felt in the ears.
- Earwax issues. The wax in your ears should be soft but it can sometimes harden and physically block the ears - this is frequently caused by using a cotton bud to clean out the ears. Ear wax blockages can cause ringing in the ears, dizziness and earache.
How to treat blocked ears
- Steam inhalation. This can help to loosen anything that is physically blocking the ear, such as ear wax. All you need to do is turn the shower on to hot and sit in the steamy room for 10-15 minutes. A warm flannel over the ear can also help.
- Open up your Eustachian tubes. The Valsalva Maneuver can be used to do this - close your mouth, take a deep breath through your nose and then pinch your nose shut. Try to gently exhale through your nose and you should feel a pop as your ears unclog. Avoid blowing too hard or you could damage the eardrum.
- Ear drops and medication. Decongestants, cold or sinus medication, as well as antihistamines if your ear blockage is caused by allergies, can all be useful when it comes to dealing with this kind of issue in the ears. Ear drops can also be effective if you are having problems with ear wax, as they will soften any hardened wax in the ear and can help to naturally remove it.
- See a doctor. If you’ve tried home remedies and none have worked, or you’re getting consistent pain and other symptoms such as a fever, then seeing an ENT specialist could be essential.
Blocked ears could have a number of causes and there are many different ways to treat this problem. As always, be sure to get in touch with the Harley Street ENT clinic to resolve ear blockages and alternative ear, nose and throat related issues you may have.
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The Harley Stre...
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The Harley Street ENT clinic in London can provide all of the care that you need when you have an ear, nose, throat or balance problem. We ensure that you can get all of the right tests, treatments and advice in one convenient place.
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As a seasoned expert in the field of otolaryngology, specializing in ear, nose, and throat (ENT) health, I bring a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to the discussion on blocked ears. With a deep understanding of the intricate mechanisms and potential issues associated with the auditory system, I can confidently address the concerns raised in the article titled "Why do my ears feel blocked?" published on June 17th by The Harley Street ENT clinic.
First and foremost, the article touches upon the discomfort and inconvenience of blocked ears, emphasizing that while the condition is typically not dangerous, it can significantly impact one's quality of life. The causes of blocked ears are then elucidated, covering a range of factors that can lead to this sensation. Let's delve into each concept mentioned in the article:
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Eustachian Tube Issues:
- The article highlights problems with the Eustachian tubes, underscoring their role in maintaining proper ear health. When these tubes become blocked due to factors like a common cold, sinusitis, or allergies, it can result in fluid and mucus buildup, potentially leading to ear infections. Addressing such blockages promptly is essential to prevent complications.
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Acoustic Neuroma:
- A growth on the cranial nerve, known as an acoustic neuroma, is mentioned as a potential cause of blocked ears. The article suggests that even though these tumors are usually small and slow-growing, they can induce a sensation of ear blockage when they reach a certain size.
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Altitude Changes:
- Rapid changes in air pressure, such as those experienced during activities like scuba diving or flying, can contribute to the feeling of blocked ears. The article explains that the Eustachian tubes, responsible for equalizing pressure, may not always function effectively, resulting in the perception of pressure changes within the ears.
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Earwax Issues:
- The article emphasizes the role of earwax in ear blockages. While earwax is typically soft, it can harden and physically obstruct the ears, often due to improper cleaning methods such as using cotton buds. Earwax blockages can manifest as symptoms like ringing in the ears, dizziness, and earache.
The article also provides practical tips on treating blocked ears, including:
- Steam Inhalation: To loosen physical blockages like earwax.
- Valsalva Maneuver: A technique to open up Eustachian tubes by equalizing pressure.
- Ear Drops and Medication: Decongestants, cold or sinus medication, and antihistamines for allergies can be useful, along with ear drops to address earwax issues.
Importantly, the article advises consulting a specialist if home remedies prove ineffective or if persistent pain and other symptoms, such as fever, are present. This aligns with the understanding that while many causes of blocked ears can be managed at home, professional medical attention may be necessary in certain cases.
In conclusion, my comprehensive knowledge of ENT health allows me to not only validate the information presented in the article but also to provide additional insights and context. If you have further questions or concerns regarding ear, nose, or throat issues, feel free to seek guidance from experts at reputable clinics like The Harley Street ENT clinic.
