Why Do My Ears Feel Full?

We have all experienced the feeling of having “full” ears at some point. This sensation can feel like ears getting clogged on a flight, or water getting stuck from a shower or swimming. The worst part about it is the helpless feeling of discomfort. For some people, this feeling of fullness in the ears may not be from external water sources, or ears trying to stabilize internal and external pressure (the popping feeling when diving too deep underwater or flying in an airplane.) It is possible that this feeling may be coming from inside the sinuses.

Your Ears and Your Sinuses

The ears, nose, and throat are all connected. This means a problem in the sinuses may be felt in the throat or ears, as well as the nose and sinuses. When the sinuses are blocked and start to feel full, it can affect the throat by causing postnasal drip, where mucus tries to drain itself through the back of the throat. This can cause clearing of throat, coughing, and discomfort. The same principle applies to the ears. Since the sinuses and the ears are connected in the head through the eustachian tube, the congestion from the sinuses can make the ears feel muffled, full, and in some cases may cause dizziness

Symptoms and Actions to Take

To find out what you are dealing with – whether it be the ears, nose, throat, or a combination thereof – it is important to pay attention to all symptoms that are present. Although the problem may be primarily in the ears, one should pay attention to any feelings in their throat, if there are feelings of congestion or even facial pressure. It is also encouraged to visit an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, not just for diagnosis, but to assure that the right course of action is taken to encourage proper treatment. Some cases may just need medication or antibiotics to fix an infection, while others may need a procedure to provide more long-term results.

Visit a Specialist

The sensation of discomfort and fullness of the ears is never a pleasant feeling. However, it can be diminished by simply noting all accompanying symptoms and visiting an Ear, Nose, Throat specialist for proper diagnosis and treatment. Being uncomfortable is not something to “put up with.” Take the steps to feel better.