Clogged Ears
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There are many reasons ears can feel blocked including wax or fluid building up in the outer or middle ear. When fluid builds up in the middle ear it is often due to a temporary blockage of the eustachian tubes — which runs between the middle ear and the back of the nose (common during viral illnesses). It might cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears, and can even be painful. Outer ear infections (swimmer's ear) can also cause a clogged feeling. If pain, swelling, or redness are present, consider seeking advice from a medical professional to determine if treatment is needed.

Generally, Clogged ears can be related to:

• Ear Infection

  Infection of the middle ear (area just behind the eardrum) by bacteria or viruses. Contributing factors include nasal obstruction by adenoids and allergic rhinitis. The symptoms can include ear pain or fullness, fevers, and muffled hearing. This is more common in children but can also present in adults. In severe cases, the eardrum may rupture leading to drainage coming out the ear canal.

• Migraine

  A type of headache that typically presents as throbbing, pulsating pain on one side of the head, sometimes with associated nausea or sensitivity to light and sound. Sometimes, sensory disturbances, such as vision changes (seeing flashing lights or zigzag lines), can occur before the headache. The pain may worsen on exposure to bright lights or loud noise. Triggers for migraine include stress, poor sleep, caffeine, and hormonal changes in women.

• Sinusitis

  Infection of the sinuses, which are cavities around the nose and face. The infection can be acute (lasting about a week) or chronic (lasting more than three months). Most often infections start as a viral upper respiratory infection (URI) and then bacterial infection sets in. The symptoms include fever, facial pain or pressure, and nasal obstruction or drainage. Imaging including CT scans may be necessary.

Sometimes, Clogged ears may be related to these serious diseases:

• Perforated Tympanic Membrane

  A hole in the eardrum. It is typically caused by direct injury, but can also be caused by severe infections in the middle ear (otitis media).