Ear Fullness After Sinus Infection

Common sinus infection symptoms are headaches, ear pain, runny nose and excessive congestion, but even after the infection is cured, residual effects can occur. One of those effects is ear fullness. Ear fullness is the feeling of clouded hearing, like having cotton in the ear.

Facts

• Sinus infections cause pressure to build up in the head. The pressure can press on the inner ear, causing minor damage to the eardrum, resulting in ear fullness.

Symptoms

• If you've diagnosed and treated for a sinus infection and you've been on antibiotics for at least 4 days, you may feel cloudy in your hearing do to a damaged ear drum. You may have mild or dull aching in the inner ear as a result.

Prevention

• To prevent ear fullness from a sinus infection, take an over-the-counter decongestant at the fist signs of nasal congestion. Also, maintain a healthy immune system by eating a well-balanced diet, drinking at least six 8-ounce glasses of water and getting 8 hours of sleep a night.

Treatment

• Taking an over-the-counter decongestant and mucus expeller will help the body drain out any excessive mucus that caused the issue in the first place. Taking a common pain reliever will help with the pain in the ear but nothing will cure the damaged ear except time.

Time Frame

• The dull to mild pain in the ear should subside within 1 week. If it persists or worsens after you've taken antibiotics, see your doctor, who will determine potential complications.