The feeling of a blocked ear is commonly caused by blockage or dysfunction in the ear's anatomy or by external factors, with several potential reasons:
- Earwax buildup is the most common cause. Earwax can accumulate or become impacted, leading to a sensation of fullness, muffled hearing, or discomfort. Improper cleaning with cotton swabs may worsen this by pushing wax further in.
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat is blocked or fails to properly equalize pressure. This can happen during colds, allergies, sinus infections, or altitude changes (such as flying or scuba diving). It leads to a sensation of pressure or fullness and can affect hearing.
- Middle ear infections cause inflammation and fluid buildup behind the eardrum, resulting in blocked ear sensation along with pain, hearing difficulty, or even fever. These infections are often secondary to respiratory infections or allergies.
- Other less common causes include foreign objects in the ear canal, cholesteatoma (a non-cancerous skin growth behind the eardrum), or physical obstructions affecting the Eustachian tube.
Symptoms associated with a blocked ear include muffled hearing, fullness or pressure sensation, ear pain or discomfort, fluid drainage, ringing, and dizziness. If the blocked feeling persists, worsens, or is accompanied by severe pain or discharge, it is important to seek medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment.
In summary, a blocked ear often results from earwax buildup or Eustachian tube dysfunction related to infections, allergies, or pressure changes. Medical consultation is advised if symptoms persist or worsen.
