What Causes Congestion in the Ears?

Congestion in the ears interferes with normal hearing, and can make it difficult to speak and join in on conversations. Ear congestion can develop in anyone, although babies and young children might not be able to explain what is bothering them.

Fortunately, most causes of ear congestion are not serious medical problems, and are often preventable or treatable with lifestyle changes, home remedies and medical care.

Ear Disorders

• Ear infections are a common cause of ear congestion, especially among babies and children. Disorders of the Eustachian tube, such as middle ear fluid, can result in ear congestion. Ear congestion also can result from thick or excessive buildup of mucus in the Eustachian tube.

  Sudden changes in air pressure while flying or traveling to a high elevation can cause congestion in the ear. Excessive earwax or earwax that becomes thick and blocks the ear canal can result in ear congestion.

  Water can enter the ear canal while bathing or swimming, which can result in a feeling of ear congestion, and a foreign object in the ear, such as an insect, dirt or piece of cotton can also produce congestion in the ears.

Illnesses

• Viral, bacterial or fungal infections can cause congestion of the ears. The common cold can result in excessive mucus production, which can build up in the Eustachian tube, middle ear and sinuses, resulting in ear congestion.

  Sinus infections can also result in ear congestion, as well as congestion in the nose. Other respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis, influenza and pneumonia can also cause ear congestion and aching or pain in the ears.

  Blowing the nose too hard as a result of an illness is another cause of ear congestion. Using nasal sprays for longer than three days to relieve nasal congestion during an illness can sometimes lead to congestion of the ears as well.

Medical Conditions

• People with seasonal allergies to tree, grass or weed pollen might develop ear congestion, especially during the late spring until the first frost of the fall. Hay fever, which is also referred to as allergic rhinitis, is a medical condition that can cause ear, nasal and sinus congestion, which can last for several weeks during the late summer and fall.

  Inflamed blood vessels from an infection or a blow to the head or ear can cause swelling that leads to ear congestion. People with nasal polyps might develop ear congestion in addition to nasal congestion as a result of their condition. Women who are pregnant frequently experience increased congestion for the duration of pregnancy, and the congestion can occur in the ears, nose or sinuses.