Blocked ears and tinnitus: causes, treatment

Mechanism of occurrence

Why are my ears clogged?
An unpleasant phenomenon occurs due to impaired conduction or perception of sound signals by the auditory analyzer. Malfunctions in the operation of the components of the sound-conducting circuit inevitably lead to distortion or weakening of sounds, as a result of which the patient notes the fact of hearing loss. The eardrum not only conducts sound signals, but also amplifies them many times over. Through the auditory ossicles, sound penetrates the auditory receptor center, where it is modulated and converted into an electrical impulse. The presence of obstacles in the path of the sound wave contributes to its weakening, which leads to a decrease in the threshold of auditory sensitivity.

Much less often, a feeling of fullness in the ear occurs due to dysfunction of the main parts of the sound-receiving system. Damage to the ear labyrinth, auditory nerve and hair receptors contributes to hearing impairment and the development of sensorineural hearing loss. If you do not consult a doctor in a timely manner, the problem can only be eliminated through surgery.

https://youtu.be/8MzJIcZyvOs

Ear noise and fullness without pain

A clogged ear can occur for various reasons. Some cases when a noisy headache and heaviness bother you do not require seeing a doctor - the body recovers on its own

If tinnitus appears, you first need to figure out why the stuffy ear is bothering you.

Reasons why a headache may begin:

1. Being in a place where the volume of ambient sounds is above average.
2. Listening to loud music on headphones.
3. Stress.
4. Traveling by plane.
5. Traveling by water and land transport.
6. Climbing the mountains, taking an elevator to the top floors of a high-rise building.
7. Diving.
8. Skydiving.
9. Overwork.
10. Time zone change.
11. Sulfur plug.
12. A foreign body that has entered the ear.
13. Various ENT diseases.

The ear canal or tympanic cavity may be blocked for any of these reasons.

If there is no serious pathology, the symptoms of tinnitus and headaches go away on their own after some time. All that is required is to be in a quiet place and rest. Wax plugs and foreign objects must be removed as soon as possible.

It is better not to remove it yourself, as it can seriously injure the hearing organ, primarily the eardrum. To restore the patency of the ear canal, consult a doctor.

Other reasons

Why is my left ear stuffy? Hearing loss associated with a feeling of fullness in the ears is not always associated with dysfunction of the auditory analyzer.

Malfunctions of the hearing organ may be associated with diseases of other organs and systems, which include:

• Cholesteatomas are benign neoplasms consisting of keratinized epithelial cells, cholesterol crystals and keratin. Occur mainly with the development of chronic purulent otitis, accompanied by otorrhea;
• Meniere's syndrome is an otolaryngological disease characterized by the accumulation of endolymph in the cavity of the inner ear. Excessive fluid creates pressure on the hair cells, resulting in decreased hearing and a feeling of congestion;
• dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint - inflammation of the joint capsule, accompanied by damage to the neurovascular bundle that provides innervation to the middle ear;
• otosclerosis is a pathology characterized by the proliferation of bone tissue in the mastoid process; leads to damage to the structures of the sound-conducting system, which can lead to hearing loss and blocked ears;
• skull injuries - contact damage to soft tissues and the chain of nerves in the auditory analyzer, which leads to the development of auditory dysfunction.

If your ear is blocked and does not go away, you need to seek help from an ENT doctor to undergo a differential diagnosis. An audiological examination will allow you to accurately determine in which link of the sound-conducting chain the disturbances have occurred, which will facilitate the correct choice of the appropriate course of therapy.

The symptoms in question are characteristic of high blood pressure, which is also quite often accompanied by pulsation and spasm of the posterior auricular artery. Various factors can trigger the development of hypertension. The most common is a deficiency of oxygen in the body and a reduced level of hemoglobin, as well as a narrowing of the lumen of the arteries.

Atherosclerosis, in which so-called cholesterol plaques form on the walls of blood vessels, can also cause noise and congestion in the ears. These plaques lead to narrowing of the lumen of blood vessels and poor circulation. With atherosclerosis, blood moves unevenly through the vessels, which is detected by the inner ear and is manifested by these symptoms.

On this topic

• Natalia Sergeevna Pershina
• March 26, 2020

It is worth noting that tinnitus and congestion can occur against the background of the development of cardiac pathologies. This is due to the fact that when the heart malfunctions, blood circulation suffers, to which all tissues and organs react. Impaired blood flow is the result of the accumulation of toxic substances and lack of oxygen, resulting in unpleasant symptoms.

The appearance of an incomprehensible hum in the ears may also indicate the development of pathologies of the endocrine glands, which produce hormones. And most often, such a symptom occurs against the background of decreased functionality of the thyroid gland, as a result of which the hormonal balance in the body is disrupted, which also affects the functioning of all internal organs and systems.

But it must be said that noise due to thyroid pathologies is not the only symptom. As a rule, it is accompanied by a decrease/increase in appetite, changes in body weight, changes in the menstrual cycle, etc.

Accompanied by the appearance of tinnitus and congestion without pain can be impaired functioning of the adrenal glands, which also produce hormones necessary to maintain blood pressure, heart function, and control glucose and insulin levels.

However, despite the fact that tinnitus and congestion appear for various reasons, most often the occurrence of such symptoms occurs against the background of osteochondrosis, which affects the cervical spine.

With the development of this syndrome, a change in the location of the vertebral discs occurs, as a result of which they begin to compress the nerve endings. This, in turn, negatively affects the flow of blood to the brain, which causes symptoms such as buzzing, ringing or tinnitus.

Perception by the body

In the case of pain in the ears after each blowing of the nose, it can be assumed that these are symptoms of a number of diseases:

• tubootitis;
• otitis media;
• myringitis;
• tympanitis.

The actual presence of any pathologies can be confirmed by observing the following symptoms:

• sensations of tissue ruptures;
• clicks;
• gurgling;
• pain radiating to the jaw or head;
• stuffy ears for a long period without relief;
• discomfort when touching the ear.

Painful sensations that can be felt while blowing your nose indicate harm to the auditory organ caused by the applied effort. Inflamed tissues under pressure from blowing your nose and stuffy ears that feel painful are the effects of overexposure.

A similar symptom also appears with a sudden force that exceeds the load limit. This can cause damage to your hearing. In addition, pressure promotes the flow of nasal mucus into the Eustachian tube, where it often triggers inflammation and leads to the development of infection in the middle ear cavity.

Natural causes

What should you do if your ears are blocked? First you need to find out what factors contributed to the problem. Experts include the following natural causes of discomfort:

• wax plugs - an excess amount of wax in the external auditory canal contributes to the formation of dense plugs that prevent the sound signal from penetrating into the ear;
• pressure changes - a sharp change in pressure on the eardrum leads to its stretching and decreased elasticity. Congestion often occurs during air travel, diving, traveling on a fast train, etc.;
• moisture in the ear canal – the entry of water into the external auditory canal contributes to the formation of a barrier to the passage of sound, as a result of which the audibility of surrounding sounds is reduced.

If your ear does not hurt, but is blocked and has difficulty hearing, it is advisable to undergo examination by a specialist. In approximately 15% of cases, the symptom signals the development of cardiovascular diseases, such as arterial hypertension, vegetative-vascular dystonia, hypotension, etc.

Video about ear congestion

Hearing loss can be caused by various factors. The most common cause is a pressure difference at depth or height. This is also possible with inflammation directly in the ear or organs adjacent to it. But the feeling of discomfort sometimes manifests itself in different ways, so it is worth studying separately the most common causes that provoke it.

In the external passage of the organ of hearing there are glands that produce sulfur. It dries quickly and turns into crusts under normal conditions. In the future, they are eliminated independently during chewing.

When this natural process fails, the wax is not removed from the ear canal, but becomes compacted and hardened. This prevents the passage of sound to the membrane, which negatively affects hearing. The feeling of discomfort may be on one or both sides.

This infectious disease is characterized by damage to the external canal of the hearing organ as a result of the penetration of pathogens into the upper layer of the skin during the formation of microtraumas. As a result, an inflammatory process develops, accompanied by swelling that blocks the lumen of the auditory canal, which disrupts sound perception.

In the absence of timely treatment, otitis media acquires a purulent form, and exudate pours out, which also reduces hearing.

Inflammation develops in the area of ​​the eardrum. The provoking factor is dysfunction of the auditory tube. It is responsible for the coherence of the structural components of the organ and the ventilation of the canal, which prevents the proliferation of pathogens.

There are 3 forms of pathology:

• Spicy. Inflammation develops with infection of the upper respiratory tract. The eardrum is significantly strained, so it loses the ability to perceive sound waves, and this negatively affects hearing.
• Exudative. It is characterized by a large accumulation of mucus inside the ear, which fills the tympanic cavity and disrupts the functionality of the auditory ossicles.
• Purulent. It develops when pathogens enter the tympanic cavity and rapidly multiply there. The immune system activates the production of leukocytes to fight them. This provokes the formation of pus, which fills the tympanic cavity.

Inflammation in this case is characterized by swelling of the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract. This causes blockage of the ear canal, which impairs ventilation. But in this case, there is a temporary feeling of congestion, which goes away after the main cause of inflammation - the cold - is eliminated.

Impaired sound perception can be felt in advanced forms of the disease, when purulent exudate extends beyond the maxillary sinuses. This provokes further spread of the infection, which affects the nasopharynx and hearing organs. To eliminate congestion, you need to cure the underlying disease.

The pathology is characterized by inflammation of the pharynx. The provoking factor is an infection, a chemical agent. Their negative effect leads to swelling of the mucous membrane, which blocks the lumen of the auditory tubes, and in both at the same time. In addition to impaired sensitivity to sound, the patient develops hoarseness and pain when swallowing.

The pathology is characterized by an infectious lesion of the palatine tonsils. The main pathogens are staphylococci and streptococci. This causes a response from the immune system, which leads to active production of leukocytes, and is expressed by increased swelling of the glands and the formation of purulent exudate.

A high degree of severity of the immune response during angina provokes further spread of inflammation to adjacent organs. This leads to congestion, hoarseness, and pain.

The body's response to an allergen can also interfere with the perception of sound, which is often one of many symptoms. The irritant is pollen, smell or food. The discomfort is felt temporarily and disappears on its own after the allergen is neutralized.

The development of the disease occurs against the background of thinning of the vertebral discs in the neck area. This provokes compression of the nerve endings of the spinal cord and disrupts nutritional processes.

The relationship between the appearance of congestion and the development of cervical osteochondrosis has not been thoroughly established, but in patients suffering from this disorder, the pathological condition is diagnosed much more often. This occurs against the background of a malnutrition of the vessels of the auditory organ. Sound perception is fully restored after the underlying disease is eliminated.

This reason is common and not dangerous. During immersion, the liquid enters the auditory canal and is retained due to its structural features. As a result, the eardrum is temporarily unable to respond to sound waves.

You can remove water using a simple method. To do this, you need to hop on your leg, tilting your head towards the stuffy ear. These simple manipulations will help quickly restore lost hearing.

The disruption is caused by changes in atmospheric pressure as the plane climbs or descends. For some, congestion disappears immediately after takeoff, while for others it continues until landing. Recent illnesses in which inflammation spreads to the hearing organs can affect its duration.

Sound perception is restored independently and no medical procedures are required.

Discomfort in this case is felt when there is a significant difference between atmospheric and ear pressure. This type of congestion occurs during diving. Diving every 10 m increases the pressure level by 1 atmosphere. The feeling of discomfort is felt at 2-3 m depth and continues to intensify.

After surfacing, the difference between atmospheric and ear pressure remains for another 2-3 minutes, and then hearing is completely restored.

When injured, congestion can cause hemorrhage in the area of ​​the eardrum. This disrupts the functionality of the auditory ossicles and significantly reduces sound perception. In case of a fracture of the head bones, cerebrospinal fluid may also leak. This condition is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.

Increased sound load also provokes congestion. This triggers a protective mechanism that reduces the sensitivity of the middle ear. After eliminating the stimulus, the functionality of the hearing organ is restored.

The auditory tube in a baby at an early age is short and wide, which leads to the regular development of otitis media. The child’s immune system also develops as it grows, so it is not able to fully resist infections.

This also provokes the development of diseases such as:

• angina;
• allergy;
• sinusitis;
• cold.

At an early age, babies also often stick various small objects into their ears. Therefore, if hearing loss occurs, you should initially examine the ear canal and, if necessary, consult an otolaryngologist.

Often, a woman feels a decrease in sound sensitivity during pregnancy. This symptom is not characteristic of pregnancy, but appears against the background of the development of concomitant diseases. Its regular occurrence is explained by reduced immunity, which increases the body’s susceptibility to the effects of pathogens. Eliminating congestion requires eliminating the underlying cause.

Morning discomfort can be caused by excessive wax build-up in the ear canal. Against the background of immobility at night, it partially blocks its lumen, which prevents the passage of auditory waves. Carrying out morning procedures helps remove sulfur reserves, which helps restore hearing.

The appearance of congestion in the morning can be caused by a sluggish infectious process. This contributes to swelling of the nasopharynx, which intensifies at night and blocks the auditory canal. Morning yawning and swallowing help restore the patency of the auditory canal.

Ear congestion, the causes and treatment of which may vary in severity, is only a symptom of other, more serious diseases. Therefore, it is worth considering additional signs, the presence of which helps in establishing a diagnosis.

Sound disturbance, not accompanied by pain, occurs during flights and after swimming. Also, this symptom is possible at the initial stage of the formation of wax plug, but subsequently a slight tingling sensation is felt inside the ear.

A mild form of a cold can also be characterized by the absence of pain, despite congestion. Timely treatment is required so that the inflammation does not progress further.

Congestion in the ears, the causes and treatment of which may vary depending on the triggering factor. most often occurs against the background of an infectious lesion. When the external canal is inflamed, which provokes otitis media, pain is felt when trying to clean the ear. When the middle section is affected, pain appears 2-3 days after hearing loss.

This accompanying symptom is also possible due to injury to the ear or the presence of a foreign object in it. The pain is felt instantly.

The presence of an additional symptom indicates increased sound load on the ear. This may cause a loud noise that can cause irritation. That's why a person hears a ringing. This condition disappears on its own, but if the process is prolonged, it requires the help of an otolaryngologist.

Sometimes noise is a sign of otitis media of the auditory canal, which disrupts the functionality of the eardrum, inner ear, and auditory ossicles. Periodically appearing ringing is a sign of cervical osteochondrosis.

The combination of symptoms is a sign of an infectious lesion of the upper respiratory tract - sore throat, pharyngitis, colds. Pain is felt when swallowing, because swelling of the mucous membrane increases sensitivity.

The simultaneous appearance of these symptoms is a sign of the initial stage of colds, when cough receptors are affected as a result of inflammation of the respiratory mucosa.

This additional symptom may indicate the formation of sulfur plug at the initial stage. A dry cough occurs as a result of irritation of nerve fibers. It may intensify during ear canal cleaning.

The cause of the combination of these symptoms is rhinitis. Its development can be triggered by an infection, virus or allergen. Congestion in this case appears against the background of increased swelling of the nasopharynx, which blocks the lumen of the auditory tube.

Pathological causes

Congestion in the ears, accompanied by dizziness or pain, most often signals the development of inflammation in the parts of the hearing organ. Ear pathologies occur due to decreased reactivity of the body or infection of the upper respiratory tract.

The appearance of discomfort may be associated with the development of pathologies such as:

• Otitis is an ENT disease characterized by the occurrence of foci of inflammation in the middle, outer or inner ear. As a rule, it develops against the background of general diseases (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, scarlet fever). Swelling of the affected tissues interferes with the conduction and normal perception of sound signals, which leads to congestion, tinnitus and heaviness in the head;
• perceptual hearing loss is an ear pathology that occurs as a result of damage to the main parts of the sound-receiving apparatus (hair receptors, vestibulocochlear nerve, ear labyrinth);
• tubotympanitis - inflammatory processes in the mucous membranes of the Eustachian tube and tympanic cavity. Swelling of the tissue leads to blockage of the ear canal, resulting in a vacuum in the middle ear. This creates excess pressure on the ear membrane from the external auditory canal.

Perceptual hearing loss is practically not amenable to drug treatment, which is due to the inability of hair cells (auditory receptors) to regenerate.

If ear congestion does not go away within a few days, you need to be examined by a specialist. As a rule, ear pathologies develop against the background of common infectious diseases (flu, measles, colds, sore throat), the progression of which is fraught with serious complications.

Ear noise and congestion: what to do?

Hearing aid-related problems affect most of the middle-aged and older population. The ear is connected to the body and therefore reacts even when the disturbance does not directly affect its structure. Identifying possible diseases will help you understand why your ears are blocked and tinnitus occurs. If the symptom persists for a long time, you should consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

What types of examinations do you need to undergo if your ear is blocked? First of all, the specialist will examine the external auditory canal for the presence of perforations in the eardrum and tissue hyperemia. If ear diseases are suspected, the patient will be offered the following types of diagnostics:

• audiometry – determination of the threshold of auditory sensitivity in relation to sound signals of varying intensity and frequency;
• videoendoscopy - examination of the cavity of the outer and middle ear using an endoscope, which allows you to determine the presence of foci of inflammation in the soft tissues;
• tympanometry - a study of the functions of the middle ear, during which a specialist assesses the degree of mobility of the auditory ossicles and eardrum;
• computed tomography is a method of obtaining layer-by-layer images of the brain and temporal bones, thanks to which it is possible to determine the presence of mechanical damage and tumors in the hearing organ.

What to do if your right ear is blocked after a cold? Post-infectious complications accompanied by hearing loss most often signal the development of pathogenic flora in the main parts of the auditory analyzer. If otorrhea is present, the specialist must culture the discharge from the external auditory canal. In this way, it is possible to determine the degree of sensitivity of pathogens to the components of antifungal and antibacterial agents.

Congestion in the ears (the causes and treatment are related, since therapy directly depends on the type of concomitant disease), which is felt for several days, is treated under the supervision of an otolaryngologist. This will avoid serious complications.

Basic diagnostic methods:

• Visual inspection. Helps identify signs of inflammation in the outer ear.
• Palpation. The sensation of pain when pressing on the posterior region, as well as when pulling back the auricle, indicates a problem in the outer region.
• Otoscopy. The study is carried out using a metal funnel. After inserting it into the ear, the doctor examines the organ from the inside, while turning the device. This helps to identify the presence of swelling, suppuration and perforation.
• Study of the functionality of the auditory tube. For this purpose, a special tube is used, at the ends of which there are funnels. It is used to analyze the sounds released when the patient swallows and takes a deep breath.
• Determination of the level of sound perception. This study is carried out using a tuning fork.

If necessary, the doctor uses the audiometry method, which includes a set of studies using electronic and computer devices. Based on the data obtained, a diagnosis is made and therapy is prescribed.

Ear congestion is an indication for visiting an otolaryngologist, who conducts a full examination of the hearing analyzer in order to determine the cause of the unpleasant symptoms. Laboratory and instrumental studies are aimed at studying the degree of hearing impairment and morphofunctional changes in various parts of the ear. The following have the greatest diagnostic value:

• Instrumental examination of the external ear. During otoscopy, inflammatory changes, pathological discharge, cracks or ruptures of the eardrum are detected. To clarify the cause of congestion, microotoscopy is additionally prescribed.
• Audiometry. The degree of dysfunction of the auditory analyzer is assessed using a special device that produces sounds of varying frequencies and volumes. To detect damage to the middle and inner ear, impedance audiometry and tuning fork tests are used.
• Assessment of patency of the auditory tube. Excluding eustachitis involves performing special tests: with an empty throat, Toynbee maneuver or Valsalva maneuver. To objectively study the patency of the Eustachian tube, it is blown through, followed by otoscopy or audiometry.
• Laboratory methods. Discharge from the external auditory canal is collected for bacteriological culture and identification of pathogenic microorganisms. A general blood test is indicative of identifying signs of inflammation. In the presence of a general infectious syndrome, serological diagnostics (ELISA, RIF, PCR) can be used.

For suspected vascular disorders in the organ of hearing, Dopplerography and rheoencephalography are recommended. The presence of neurological symptoms serves as the basis for a CT scan of the skull, MRI of the head, and electroencephalography. If an allergic nature of the disorder is suspected, allergy tests are performed. Patients are also referred for a comprehensive examination to a neurologist and for consultations with other specialists.

Since there are many reasons for the occurrence of these symptoms, it is almost impossible to independently determine the exact factor that provoked them. It is imperative to consult a doctor and undergo a comprehensive examination.

On this topic

• Editorial office of Neuralgia.ru
• March 26, 2020

Sometimes one visit to an otolaryngologist is sufficient. He will examine the ear canal and, if inflammatory processes occur in it, prescribe conservative treatment. If during the examination a cerumen plug is discovered, he will immediately remove it, and the patient’s condition will improve significantly.

However, in some cases, just visiting an otolaryngologist is not enough. In severe situations you may need:

• consultations with specialized specialists (neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist, etc.);
• X-ray examination;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• CT;
• echography;
• blood and urine tests.

Only a complete examination of the patient will allow us to establish the exact cause of discomfort in the ears.

Stuffy nose, tinnitus, headache

All phenomena, except for acute processes, usually do not cause pain symptoms - pain begins only when injury or inflammation occurs. In this case, the ear may become blocked due to swelling or purulent masses accumulated in the tympanic cavity.

A clogged nose indicates the presence of a cold - acute respiratory infection or acute respiratory viral infection. The latter is characterized by a severe runny nose, fever, severe malaise, sore throat and other symptoms of general intoxication.

Ear discomfort in the form of organ congestion may appear at the beginning of the process or as a residual phenomenon if the disease has not been completely cured.

Why does the ear become inflamed if the disease concerns the nasopharynx? The fact is that it is connected to the nasal cavity by the Eustachian tube. Through it, from the nasopharynx, mucus with microbes enters the inner ear - this causes inflammation, the formation of purulent masses in the area of ​​the inner and middle ear.

The disease is called internal otitis and, if treatment is not started on time, it is fraught with complete, irreversible hearing loss. The pathology is accompanied by fever and shooting ear pain. Accumulating pus has a very bad effect on the condition of the eardrum - it can melt and rupture.

General symptoms

In addition to tinnitus and congestion, the following symptoms usually appear:

1. Dizziness.
2. Headache.
3. Slight or severe increase in temperature.
4. A feeling of tingling, heaviness, or pain in the ear.

Based on the symptoms, you can make an initial diagnosis - already at the first appointment with a specialist it can become clear what happened and how to treat it.

Diagnostics

Why can the ear area become clogged? To determine an accurate diagnosis, an examination by a specialist is necessary. Sulfur plugs, foreign bodies and ENT diseases can be accurately determined already at this stage.

The doctor examines the patient using a special device - an otoscope, which allows a good examination of the inside of the ear cavity.

If the initial examination does not produce results, the patient is sent for general tests and hardware examination for internal diseases.

Treatment

Treatment procedures depend on what problem is identified:

1. Sulfur plug. It is removed with a saline solution drawn into a medical syringe - under pressure it washes out the accumulated sulfur masses. If necessary, the procedure is repeated; upon completion, the ear canal is closed for some time with sterile cotton wool.
2. Foreign body. The specialist removes it using thin curved tweezers. The ear cavity is treated with an antiseptic.
3. Otitis. The patient is prescribed ear drops, anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, and vitamins. A home regime is required, no drafts, drinking plenty of fluids, and strict adherence to recommendations.
4. Acoustic trauma or sound overload. The patient is prescribed sedatives and home regimen in a quiet and calm environment.
5. Stress, overwork. If tinnitus does not go away, the doctor may prescribe vitamins, antidepressants, and sedatives to the patient, which will help the patient return to normal faster.
6. ARZ, ARVI.

Qualified help

Our specialists create a treatment plan individually for each patient.

As a rule, anti-inflammatory and antiviral drugs are required. At critically high temperatures - antipyretics. You need to drink more, take vitamins - preferably in their natural form (citrus fruits, currants, sea buckthorn, rose hips, etc.).

Effective elimination of tinnitus and all types of ear discomfort is offered by a team of specialists from the Tinnitus Neuro Restorative Neurology Clinic.

During pregnancy

Most women during gestation, approximately in the 2nd trimester of pregnancy, periodically experience ear congestion. The occurrence of the problem is often caused by hormonal changes and a decrease in the body's resistance. The production of excess amounts of progesterone and estrogen leads to malfunctions of the detoxification organs. For this reason, excess moisture accumulates in the tissues, as a result of which the mucous membranes of the ENT organs begin to swell.

Tissue swelling helps to reduce the internal diameter of the auditory canal, which prevents normal ventilation of the tympanic cavity. Due to low pressure in the middle ear, the eardrum is pulled inward, which leads to discomfort.

Treatment

Ear congestion that occurs when the pressure changes can be eliminated on your own - to do this you need to make several swallowing movements and blow your nose. To open the lumen of the Eustachian tube, you need to close your nose and try to exhale intensely. If the discomfort is caused by a runny nose, it is recommended to drip vasoconstrictor nasal drops into the nostril on the side where the congestion is felt, then lie on your side. To identify the cause of discomfort in the ear and select a treatment regimen, you should contact a specialized specialist.

Therapeutic measures for a stuffy ear are primarily aimed at eliminating the cause of the symptom. To increase the effectiveness of therapy, several drugs are combined that affect different parts of the mechanism of development of the disorder. Etiotropic and pathogenetic therapy involves the use of the following groups of drugs:

• Antibiotics. Medicines are prescribed for purulent processes in the middle and inner ear. The otolaryngologist selects medications that do not have ototoxic properties. For mycoses, specific antifungal agents are used.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs. Usually, medications from the NSAID group are recommended, which effectively relieve swelling of the mucous membrane and eliminate congestion. The drugs have an analgesic effect, therefore they are also indicated as symptomatic therapy for severe pain.
• Antihistamines. Prescribed for proven allergic causes of discomfort in the outer ear. In addition, antihistamines, which relieve swelling and restore the patency of the auditory tube, are included in the treatment regimen for eustachitis.
• Immunomodulators. They are used to increase local and general protective functions of the body, accelerate regenerative processes in the epithelial cells of the hearing organ. Immunostimulants are especially effective for otitis of a bacterial and viral nature.

Physiotherapy

As a rule, the treatment plan for congestion and other unpleasant symptoms of the hearing organ includes physiotherapeutic techniques. Blowing the auditory tube according to Politzer is effective, aimed at improving the outflow of exudate from the tympanic cavity and reducing discomfort in the patient. To stimulate blood circulation and reparative processes, pneumomassage of the eardrum is performed. Complex treatment involves the use of UHF, laser effects, and microwave therapy.

In some situations, effective therapy for ear congestion is possible only after surgical elimination of the cause. For massive purulent otitis, drainage operations are indicated to facilitate the outflow of pus and speed up the recovery period. In cases of significant enlargement of the adenoids, a tonsillectomy is performed. According to indications, correction of nasopharyngeal pathologies is prescribed - septoplasty, removal of polyps and other benign tumors, conchotomy for hypertrophic rhinitis. In some cases, reconstructive interventions in the inner and middle ear are required.

Treatment of tinnitus and congestion should only be carried out by an experienced doctor after receiving all the results of the patient's examination. If inflammation of the ear canal has been detected, the use of local anti-inflammatory drugs is mandatory. If purulent processes occur in the ear canal, antibacterial agents are used.

If hypertension has led to this condition, medications are prescribed to help normalize blood pressure levels. If cardiac pathologies are noted, then a cardiologist is already involved in their treatment. If the functioning of the adrenal glands or thyroid gland is disrupted, hormonal therapy is performed.

It should be understood that there is no single tactic for treating tinnitus and congestion, since various factors can provoke their occurrence. And here it is very important to determine the exact cause of the appearance of such symptoms, since only by establishing it, the doctor will be able to prescribe treatment that will be as effective as possible.

What to do: your ears are blocked and noisy?

If an infection occurs, inflammation develops and pain occurs, the development of harmful bacteria and microorganisms must be prevented. It is not recommended to choose medications for treatment on your own, since there are many types of infectious agents. For example, for bacterial otitis, antibiotics are usually prescribed, while for fungus they can significantly aggravate the healing process. Even seemingly harmless heating of the ear can lead to the formation of purulent accumulations. In some cases, to treat ear congestion, medications are used to eliminate hormonal imbalances and stimulate the immune system, which can also provoke the spread of pathogens in the ear.

The feeling of congestion is undoubtedly familiar to everyone. If there is noise in the head and stuffy ears, but no discomfort is felt, then treatment can be performed at home. But if this condition occurs as a result of a certain disease, or if congestion occurs for no reason and suddenly, it is better to consult a specialist to prevent the development of a serious disease. So, if you have a stuffy ear and it’s making noise, you already know what to do.

Symptoms, signs of ear congestion

Ear drops

This treatment method is effective for the formation of sulfur plugs, mycoses, otitis media and changes in atmospheric pressure. The duration of use of the drops is discussed with a specialist.

Vitamins

Treatment for ear congestion may include B vitamins and zinc supplements, regardless of the cause. It is worth taking the medications regularly until their deficiency in the body is eliminated. Vitamins have a strengthening overall effect, which reduces the likelihood of relapses.

Homeopathy

This type of treatment is used as an adjunct to the main therapy. It is effective if hearing loss is caused by colds. The drugs can be purchased at any pharmacy, but their choice is made by the doctor, depending on the individual characteristics of the patient and the form of the pathology.

Massage

This treatment method is very effective for otitis media of various etiologies, as well as congestion due to a cold. A daily morning massage will help quickly restore lost hearing.

Technique:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Heat them by rubbing them with your palms.
3. Squeeze your ear with both hands.
4. Massage in a circular motion, warming it up.
5. Place your index finger in the middle and pull the upper edge of the auricle.
6. Gradually change the vector of movement, moving towards the lobe.

Massage is recommended to be used not only for treatment, but also as a preventive measure.

It is acceptable to prescribe physiotherapy for otitis, although according to international standards it is not included in the list of mandatory treatment procedures. Its use is especially effective for frequent sensations of congestion.

Types of physiotherapy:

• UHF;
• electrophoresis;
• microwave treatment;
• ultraviolet irradiation.

Acute and chronic forms of inflammation in the outer and middle sections of the ear can be treated using folk remedies. They help significantly reduce symptoms and speed up recovery.

Common types of home remedies:

• Propolis. Tincture is used as a therapeutic agent. To prepare it, you need to pour 15 g of the component into 100 ml of alcohol with a strength of 70%. Pour the mixture into a glass container and keep in the dark for 10 days, shaking occasionally. Place cotton wool in the resulting medicine and insert it into the ear canal for 5 minutes. twice a day.
• Aloe. Cut a leaf from the plant, wash it and put it in the refrigerator for 24 hours. After a while, chop it and squeeze out the juice. Instill 2 drops of it into the ear canal, or insert moistened turundas for upper lesions.

Medicinal herbs can be used as an auxiliary treatment. Their use is possible after consultation with an otolaryngologist.

Effective types:

• Chamomile. Pour 50 g of collection into 1 liter of boiling water. Leave for 2.5 hours, clean. Use for rinsing 3 times a day.
• Sage, lemon balm. This recipe is used for a combination of congestion and ringing in the ears. Pour 15 g of dried ingredients into a glass container. Pour 500 ml of boiling water over the mixture and leave for 40 minutes. Take orally 4 times a day in equal portions.

Drug therapy

To eliminate the vacuum in the ear, a specialist may prescribe medication, physiotherapy or surgery. The principle of therapy directly depends on the factors that provoked the problem. As part of pharmacotherapy, the following types of medications are used to relieve an unpleasant symptom:

• vasoconstrictor drops (“Nazol”, “Snoop”) - reduce vascular permeability, which leads to an increase in the internal diameter of the auditory canal and restoration of ventilation of the tympanic cavity;
• anti-inflammatory drops (“Otipax”, “Sufradex”) - contribute to the regression of foci of inflammation in the mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and Eustachian tube;
• antiviral drugs (“Kagocel”, “Remantadine”) – kill pathogenic viruses that provoke the development of bullous and diffuse external otitis;
• antifungal agents (“Candibiotic”, “Amphoglucamine”) - inhibit the activity of mold and yeast-like fungi that cause the development of otomycosis;
• antibacterial drugs (Dexon, Amoxicillin) - destroy aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that lead to the development of purulent otitis media.

Important! During antibacterial therapy, it is advisable to use probiotics to prevent dysbiosis.