What Causes Clogged or Ringing Ears

Have you noticed a ringing or buzzing sensation in your ears, or feel as if one or both of your ears feel clogged? Clogged or ringing ears can be caused by a number of conditions and lead to discomfort and pain in the ears, as well as tinnitus and hearing loss. In some cases, individuals may develop tinnitus due to issues within the ear’s nerves or structures. These symptoms may be temporary, but depending on the cause of the clogged or ringing ears, hearing loss may be permanent.

Understanding Clogged Ears

Clogged ears, also known as ear congestion, occur when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, becomes blocked or swollen. This can cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear, muffled hearing, and even ringing in the ears. The symptoms of clogged ears can vary from person to person, but common complaints include a feeling of blockage or fullness in the ear, hearing loss, and a sensation of pressure or discomfort in the ear. If these symptoms persist, it is important to see a healthcare provider for a hearing test, as it can help identify potential hearing damage and guide appropriate treatment options.

Definition and Symptoms

Clogged ears can be quite bothersome, making everyday sounds seem distant or muffled. This condition occurs when the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, becomes blocked or swollen. This blockage can lead to a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear and, in some cases, ringing in the ears. Many people describe the sensation as if their ears are filled with water or as if they are hearing through a thick wall. Common symptoms include muffled hearing, a sensation of pressure or discomfort, and sometimes even temporary hearing loss. If you’ve ever experienced these symptoms, you know how disruptive they can be to your daily life.

Causes of Clogged Ears

Ear Infections

One of the most common causes of clogged or ringing ears is an ear infection. Outer ear infections, commonly called swimmer’s ear, are caused by a bacterial or viral infection in the outer ear canal that leads to a buildup of fluid and pressure in the ear.

Middle ear infections, known as otitis media, are an infection in the middle ear that affects the ear drum, and fills the middle ear with fluid. Ear infections are most common in children and babies, but can occur at any age. Symptoms include ear pain, irritability, nausea, insomnia, or even a fever.

Treatments for ear infections are effective and will usually clear the infection in just a few days. Antibiotics that attack the bacterial or viral infection can be taken orally or as drops in the ear, relieving the clogged or ringing in the ear.

Cerumen Impaction

Cerumen, commonly called ear wax, is vital for the health of the ear. While you may think this substance is sticky or even gross, it protects your ear from damage by trapping dirt, dust, and moisture in the ear canal, keeping the eardrum and inner ear safe. When earwax builds up, it can block sound waves from reaching the eardrum, leading to a clogged feeling and muffled hearing. Cerumen impaction, or a buildup of hard, dry wax in the ear canal, is quite common.

Earwax normally dries out when it traps dirt and dust and slowly works its way out of the ear canal to fall out of the ear or be flushed away during a shower. However, due to improper ear cleaning or even the shape of the ear canal, earwax can build up in the ear canal, leading to a clogged feeling, ringing in the ears, and the feeling that all the sounds around you are muffled.

Don’t try to remove cerumen impaction by yourself, since this can just force the earwax further into the ear. The best treatment option is to visit your doctor or ENT specialist for an irrigation treatment, where the ear is flushed out with warm water, loosening the ear wax and flushing it out of the ear.

Airplane Ear: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Airplane ear describes the temporarily clogged ears or ringing in the ears that some people will experience during airplane take-off and landing. This can also occur when diving underwater or even riding up a very fast elevator. Symptoms may affect one or both ears, and you may feel as though sounds are faint or muffled. You’ll also experience a clogged feeling in the ear or even vertigo.

The airplane’s ear is caused by abrupt changes in air pressure. When air pressure changes slowly, the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, can easily regulate the air pressure in the middle ear. When changes occur very quickly, the added pressure in the ear may cause the eardrum to pull inwards or push outwards, leading to a feeling of pain or discomfort in the middle ear.

If you experience an airplane ear, it’s important to regulate the pressure in your ear as soon as possible to prevent a ruptured ear drum. You can:

• Yawn
• Chew gum or swallow
• Avoid flying when you have a cold, allergies, or congested sinuses
• Stay awake during take-off and landing to manually regulate your ears

Meniere’s Disease: An Inner Ear Disorder

Meniere’s disease is an illness that affects the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss. Age-related hearing loss is another factor that can contribute to the symptoms of Meniere’s disease, as the natural aging process leads to deterioration in the inner ear’s cells and nerve fibers. As the cells in the inner ear are damaged, you’ll experience a clogged or ringing feeling in the ears and struggle to follow conversations or make sense of the sounds around you.

There is no cure for Meniere’s disease, but treatment options do exist. Surgery can drain fluid from the middle ear, and some medications or changes in diet could slow the progress of the illness. Treating hearing loss will help you hear the sounds around you and overcome the clogged or ringing feeling in your ears.

Allergies and Sinusitis

Allergies and sinusitis are frequent culprits behind clogged ears. When your nasal passages and sinuses become inflamed due to allergies or an infection, the Eustachian tube can become blocked, leading to ear congestion. Sinusitis, in particular, can cause fluid buildup in the middle ear, which exacerbates the feeling of clogged ears. If you suffer from allergies or sinusitis, managing these conditions is crucial to preventing ear congestion. This might involve using antihistamines, decongestants, or other treatments to keep your nasal passages clear and reduce inflammation.

Temporomandibular Joint Disorders (TMD)

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) can also be a surprising cause of clogged ears. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is located near the ear and is essential for jaw movement. When the TMJ becomes inflamed or irritated, it can lead to ear pain, a feeling of fullness, and congestion. TMD can result from various factors, including teeth grinding, jaw misalignment, and arthritis. If you experience symptoms of TMD, such as jaw pain or difficulty chewing, it’s worth considering that these issues might also be contributing to your clogged ears.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or flu, are notorious for causing clogged ears. When you catch a cold or the flu, your nasal passages and sinuses can become congested, leading to Eustachian tube dysfunction. This dysfunction can cause pressure to build up in the middle ear, resulting in that all-too-familiar feeling of clogged ears, ringing ears, and muffled hearing. In more severe cases, these infections can escalate to middle ear problems like otitis media, which can bring about further complications. So, the next time you’re battling a cold and notice your ears feel clogged, it’s likely due to the congestion affecting your Eustachian tubes.

Middle Ear Problems

Middle ear problems, such as otitis media or Eustachian tube dysfunction, are common culprits behind clogged ears. The middle ear plays a crucial role in transmitting sound waves to the inner ear, and any blockages or issues in this area can lead to hearing loss, ringing ears, and that uncomfortable clogged feeling. These problems can arise from various factors, including ear infections, allergies, and even the common cold. When the middle ear is affected, it can disrupt the normal flow of sound waves, making it difficult to hear clearly and causing a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear.

Ear Canal Issues

Issues within the ear canal, such as earwax buildup or swimmer’s ear, can also lead to clogged ears. The ear canal is essential for protecting the eardrum and inner ear, but when it becomes blocked, it can result in hearing loss, ringing ears, and a clogged sensation. Earwax, while beneficial in trapping dirt and moisture, can sometimes accumulate excessively, leading to blockages. Similarly, swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear canal, can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, further contributing to clogged ears. These conditions highlight the importance of maintaining ear hygiene and seeking medical advice when necessary.

Hearing Loss and Other Factors

Hearing loss, whether age-related or due to other factors, can significantly contribute to the sensation of clogged ears. When the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged, it can affect how the brain processes sound, leading to clogged ears, ringing ears, and muffled hearing. Age-related hearing loss, in particular, is a common issue as the cells and nerve fibers in the inner ear deteriorate over time. Additionally, factors such as neck surgery or certain medications can also cause clogged ears. In some instances, clogged ears may signal a more serious underlying condition, such as a growth or tumor in the Eustachian tube or surrounding nerves, necessitating prompt medical attention.

Treatment and Relief

Home Remedies

If you’re dealing with clogged ears, there are several home remedies that can provide relief. Here are a few methods you can try:

• Chewing gum: Chewing gum can help stimulate the muscles in the jaw and throat, which can help open the Eustachian tube and relieve ear congestion.
• Inhaling steam: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus and reduce congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses.
• Popping your ears: Popping your ears by pinching your nose shut and blowing gently can help equalize the air pressure in your ears and relieve congestion.
• Warm compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help loosen earwax and reduce congestion.
• Over-the-counter medications: Over-the-counter medications such as decongestants and antihistamines can help relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure, which can contribute to clogged ears.

It’s essential to note that if your symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Persistent clogged ears could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention.