Remedy for Ear Pressure

Ear pressure, also called ear barotrauma, is marked by a muffled feeling that can affect just one ear or both of them. For some people, this feeling lasts just a short period of time and goes away on its own. Other people need treatment in order to relieve symptoms.

Definition

• According to the Mayo Clinic, air pressure is usually the same both outside the body and in your middle ear. At times, however, something can happen that affects the pressure inside the ear. When this occurs, you may develop ear barotrauma. Your ear may feel stuffy and your hearing may be diminished. You may also note pain or discomfort that accompanies the muffled feeling. In severe cases, some people even develop vomiting and may bleed from the ear.

Causes

• Ear pressure changes often occur when an airplane or vehicle climbs or descends quickly or when a diver drops into the water or moves back towards the surface. According to MedlinePlus, you may be more vulnerable to ear pressure if you have an ear infection, allergies or a cold. Additionally, some people feel ear pressure when the wax in their ears builds up more than normal.

Airplane Ear Solution

• If you're experiencing ear pressure because of a change in altitude, often referred to as airplane ear, going back to a more standard level of elevation may remedy the problem. When the car or airplane you are riding in levels off, the abnormal pressure may disappear. However, in some cases, you may feel pressure long after an airplane has landed or the car has returned to more level ground. Chewing gum, drinking liquids, yawning or swallowing repeatedly may help both during and after elevation changes. Allergy medications may prove helpful as well.

Infection Treatment

• Ear pressure that is related to ear infections may dissipate when the infection is gone. Often, antibiotics are prescribed to treat ear infections, relieving the accompanying ear pressure at the same time. If chronic sinus problems or allergies are at fault, allergy medications and products used to rinse the nose may provide some relief by reducing inflammation and decreasing irritants.

Removing Earwax

• If earwax builds up in the ear and causes uncomfortable pressure, you can try one of the earwax cleaners found in pharmacies and some grocery stores. According to DrHoffman.com, such cleaners typically include a solution that flushes the wax out of the ear. You may be tempted to use a cotton swab or other object to remove wax, but doing so could push it further into your ear or even damage your eardrum.

See a Doctor

• You may not experience relief after treating ear pressure on your own. If you've tried the recommended treatments without relief, your doctor may recommend surgery to drain any collected fluid and equalize the pressure. Additionally, you should see a doctor right away if your ear pressure is accompanied by severe pain.