![]() ![]() This is a condition known as otitis media and is often associated with ear pain and pressure. Further, a bacterial sinus infection can spread to the middle ear causing swelling, fluid buildup, and infection. Sometime a sinus congestion (resulting from illnesses, sinus infections, and allergies) can cause the eustachian tubes to block, leading to fluid buildup in the middle ear and inflammation. ![]() This is where three incredibly small and sensitive bones called the hammer (malleus), the anvil (incus) and the stirrup (stapes) transmit vibrations into sounds waves that travel into the inner ear. The middle ear is located between the eardrum and the oval window and is responsible for transmitting sound from outer ear to inner ear. The middle ear is a sensitive region of the overall ear. If you’re experiencing frequent ear blocks that may be attributed to ETD, it’s a good idea to get your ears checked out by a qualified hearing health specialist. This could cause further complications leading to infection if not treated (though this is rare). However, if the blockage does not clear, there is a dysfunction in the tube. Often, for sinus congestion resulting from colds and flues, nasal sprays are also prescribed. If you’re experiencing an infection, antibiotics are usually prescribed to help fight off the infection. Opening the eustachian tube allows for the release of pressure. A ruptured eardrum can make your ears even more vulnerable to infections which may further block eustachian tubes. This can be caused by a buildup of fluids, loud sounds, foreign objects in the ear, severe head trauma, severe changes in air pressure, and ear infections (see next section). A ruptured eardrum (perforated eardrum) – this is a hole or tear in the thin tissue that separates your middle and inner ear.In rare cases, there may be tumor growth. Physical blockage – in some cases, an overgrowth of tissue in the back of the nose (such as nasal polyps or the adenoids) can block the opening of the eustachian tubes.As the eustachian tubes cannot drain mucus and circulate air, they disrupt the function of the inner and middle ear. Swelling-induced blockage – congestion and swelling in the eustachian tubes caused by sinus infections and illness (colds and flus most of the time) cause the tubes of the inner ear to swell and become blocked.Sometimes, however, the tubes cannot perform this function, and there are a few reasons why. Generally, a clogged or muffled sensation occurs when the pressure in each middle ear is uneven or when the pressure inside your middle ears is inconsistent with the pressure of the air this is when your eustachian tubes work to equalise pressure. Another function of the eustachian tubes is to drain built-up mucus into your nose or throat. These tubes are responsible for equalising the pressure from the inner ear to the outside world to ensure they are the same. Most of the time the eustachian tubes remain closed however, they will open as a person chews, yawns, or swallows. The eustachian tube is a small canal (about one and one-half inches long and only a few millimeters in diameter) that runs from either ear (from the middle ear) to the back of the nose and upper throat.Although there are many reasons an ear can be blocked, we highlight the five most common reasons your ears are blocked. There are many causes of a blocked ear surprisingly, it’s not always the case of ear wax buildup. When a blockage occurs, especially if it seems out of the blue, you may wonder why your ear is blocked. Having blocked ears is not only irritating, but usually comes with other symptoms such as ear pain, itchiness, or dizziness. Blocked ears can muffle and distort sounds, reducing your capacity to hear your surroundings. Having a blocked ear (or sometimes, even more annoyingly, blocked ears) can be a serious inconvenience, and at times, a health risk. Five reasons your ears could be blocked and how to unblock them ![]()
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