Situations like diving and air travel can make underlying ETD worse.Īnd then there are causes that have nothing to do with the eustachian tube at all. Hormones can also cause swelling, like during pregnancy or with some hormonal medications. But these are less common.Ĭolds, allergies, and infections can all make the tubes swell. Growths can also narrow the eustachian tube, or it may have an abnormal shape. Most commonly, inflammation causes swelling of the eustachian tube lining, which narrows it. 10 Common causes of plugged earsĪnything that irritates, inflames, or narrows the eustachian tube can cause problems with the eustachian tube. You can also fill out the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) to help figure out the chances that you may have ETD. Your healthcare provider can perform an exam to check your ears, nose, and throat. Symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunctionĪ blocked eustachian tube can cause the following symptoms:Īutophony (the loud hearing of your own voice) When the eustachian tube doesn’t work, the ears can’t equalize. Usually that’s because the eustachian tube is either too narrow or too floppy. “Eustachian tube dysfunction” (ETD) is the medical name for a eustachian tube that doesn’t open and close as it should. If your symptoms aren’t settling, a healthcare provider can check for the common causes of plugged ears and recommend treatment (more on this below). Sometimes they may last longer - especially if the cause is allergies or infection. In most cases, clogged ears get better within a few days. Earwax buildup is just one example of another common cause of plugged ears. Your ears might feel full for reasons that have nothing to do with your eustachian tubes. People who smoke are more likely to get a buildup of mucus in the eustachian tubes. And a shorter tube is more likely to get blocked or infected. For example, children have shorter eustachian tubes than adults. Some people are more likely to get problems with their eustachian tubes than others. Examples include allergies, head colds, and pregnancy. But when the tube is swollen or narrowed, it can’t do its job as well.Īnything that causes the eustachian tube to narrow can cause clogged ears. And it’s what stops pressure from building up inside the middle ear. This tube is open when you yawn, sneeze, and swallow. The middle ear is the part of the ear between the brain and the eardrum. The eustachian tube is the connection between the middle ear and the back of the nose and throat. Many are related to problems with the eustachian tube. There are several reasons your ears may feel clogged. So why are your ears clogged, and what can you do about it? Why do I have a feeling of fullness in my ear, like I’m under water? Besides ETD, there are other causes of clogged ears that can cause discomfort and ear fullness. It’s often related to allergies or upper respiratory infections. ETD can affect up to 90% of children before they start school, and it affects 1% of adults. But if your ears feel clogged more often than not, then there may be an underlying reason.Įustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common reason why people may have pressure buildup in their ears. It’s a common problem, and most people have it at one time or another. Have you ever had that uncomfortable feeling when your ears can’t pop? You swallow and yawn repeatedly, but your hearing still feels muffled.
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