Ear pressure, accompanied by pain could be an outcome of a number of factors. For some, it may be self-resolving, while for others, it may require medical help.
Ear pressure may feel like something is clogging the ear canal, and is worsened by a stinging pain. This condition is mainly associated with the eustachian tube. This structure is in charge of equalizing the air pressure on the two sides of the eardrum. So any malfunctioning with this particular structure may result in the impairment of the regulation of the ear pressure thus, causing pain. The pressure and pain may be accompanied by a slight hearing loss. And as I have said this condition could be the result of various factors; which would be briefly discussed below.
What Causes Pain and Feeling of Pressure in the Ears?
- A common cause is traveling in airplanes. This is due to the difference created in the air pressure inside the middle ear and the atmospheric pressure. During the quick ascent and descent of airplanes, this difference occurs rapidly. And the eustachian tube fails to respond to it immediately. So what happens is, this keeps the eardrum from vibrating. And this is what causes the muffled feeling in the ear thus, the pain.
- Other causes of the same can be a middle ear infection, allergies of different kinds, and build up of too much wax in the ear canal. Ear pressure is also common with people suffering from a chronic form of sinus infection.
How to Relieve Ear Pressure and its Pain?
If you can deal with the factors causing the ear pressure, then the pain will resolve automatically. Here are some easy tips you can exercise.
- If you are prone to ear pressure while flying, then try yawning, swallowing something or chewing a gum. All such activities help in correcting the differences in air pressure and reduce the pain.
- Another method that you can use while flying is, hold your nostrils shut and close your mouth. Now, gently try to blow air from your nose. This may reduce some of the pressure. Be careful not to blow it too hard, as it may damage your ears.
- If the cause is a middle ear infection, then antibiotics is usually good enough to treat the problem.
- If in case, sinus infection is the cause, then you may avail nasal decongestants, and nasal sprays. Along with these, you can try a few home remedies which would not only help in reducing the symptoms of the infection, but would also reduce the pain.
- Soak a cloth in hot water, and squeeze out the excess. Now place the cloth near the bad ear and wait for sometime. The heat will help in relieving the pressure and reducing the pain.
- Fill your bathroom with steam by running hot water. Thereafter, stay inside the room and breathe in the steam. This will help in increasing the moisture in the nasal passages, which would also relieve the pressure.
- Antihistamines are recommended for relieving ear pressure caused by allergies.
- And to get rid of build up of wax, do not go for cotton swabs. Instead go for products which are specially designed for this purpose. There are cleaners which help in breaking up the build up, and for cleaning the ear canal.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or analgesic pain reliever also helps in easing discomfort.
Mild cases of ear pressure and pain can be easily dealt with the help of the above remedies. However, for severe cases, you may have to seek help from a medical expert.
