Pressure on the ears – causes, symptoms & therapy

Ear pressure is a subjective feeling; each patient perceives it differently. It is best defined by the symptoms. It manifests itself in the aforementioned feeling of pressure, a feeling of cotton wool in the ear and occasionally in dizziness. The location of the discomfort is perceived by some sufferers as the area deep in the ear; others feel the source of pain in the slightly curved bone behind the pinna. The causes are different. Sometimes the symptoms are intermittent (temporary), others last longer, and still others are irreversible (irreversible).

causes

Avoidable causes: If ears are exposed to excessive noise, there is also a feeling of pressure. Listening to music too loud or working without hearing protection is often the trigger for this.The most common cause: A temporary feeling of pressure in the ear occurs when a person is exposed to a large fluctuation in the surrounding air pressure in a relatively short period of time. Almost everyone feels pressure on their ears when taking off or landing, or on a cable car ride.

The sensation of pressure can also be caused by a plug of earwax that has formed in the external auditory canal. Other causes are of a pathological nature, i.e. they belong to a clinical picture. The feeling of pressure often arises in connection with colds , for example . It can occur with a middle ear infection, after or through a tympanic effusion, or with hearing loss . Hearing loss is always accompanied by a feeling of pressure in the ear area. In addition, such pressure can be triggered by inflammation in the parotid glandor in the temporomandibular joint if they radiate towards the ear. Movement problems from the cervical spine or nervous causes can also cause a feeling of pressure in the ear.

When to the doctor?

Pressure on the ears usually indicates an inflammation in the ear canal, so urgent medical treatment is required. In most cases, such an inflammation in the ear is caused by bacteria and viruses, which of course is also associated with serious complications. If you want to avoid serious complications, you shouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor. At the first signs of inflammation, a visit to the doctor can no longer be avoided. With appropriate medication, an inflammation in the ear can be combated very effectively and quickly. If you do not seek professional treatment from a doctor at this point, you are exposing yourself to great danger.

It is not uncommon for pus to form in this context . At the latest when pus forms, a visit to the ENT doctor is unavoidable. In some cases, an abscess can form. This is a cavity filled with pus fluid. If the bacteria and viruses in it get into the human bloodstream, acute blood poisoning will result . For this very reason, a visit to the doctor should not be put off. Anyone who seeks medical treatment early on can feel a significant improvement after just a few days.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of pressure on the ears:

• dizziness

• pressure in the ear

• earache

Temporary Symptoms: Most people have experienced ear pressure at some point, such as during a plane takeoff. After some time, the pressure in the inner ear adjusts; the unpleasant feeling then disappears of its own accord. When the cold subsides, slight ear problems also disappear. Permanent symptoms: If a feeling of pressure in the ear persists regardless of the surrounding situation, this should be treated by a doctor.

With an earwax plug, the feeling of pressure often builds up gradually. It remains until the cause, i.e. the blockage caused by the lard, is removed. During the course of a cold, it can really hit your ears. That is, the feeling of pressure turns into massive pain. This often results in a middle ear infection. It definitely belongs in medical treatment.

Hearing loss or inflammation radiating to the ear also require medical treatment. In the event of sudden hearing loss or hearing loss, irreversible, i.e. incurable damage of varying degrees remains.

Diagnose

The diagnosis of the cause of pressure sensation or pressure pain in the ear definitely belongs in the hands of a specialist. Since there are many triggers for the symptoms, a layman cannot make a decision with certainty.

complications

Pressure on the ears can occur for a variety of reasons, but in most cases an inflammation in the inner ear is responsible for the pressure. Of course, an inflammation in the inner ear is associated with various complications, so that treatment by a doctor is highly advisable. Otherwise there is a risk of serious consequences and complications, which can often lead to permanent consequential damage. If an inflammation in the ear is left untreated, it is not uncommon for pus to form. Pus leaks out of the ear canal and there is considerable pain.

Under certain circumstances, an abscess can even form, so that there is a risk of blood poisoning. An abscess is a cavity filled with pus. Such an abscess should definitely be treated by a doctor, otherwise various complications can arise. The pain increases immensely if it is not treated and the formation of pus also increases.

If the bacteria from the abscess get into the bloodstream, a bacterial infection can also develop. In such a case, affected persons complain of headaches, an increased temperature, nausea or even vomiting. If you want to avoid these complications, you should definitely consult a doctor at an early stage. The above-mentioned complications can be avoided or treated effectively by treatment and by taking appropriate medication.

treatment and therapy

If pressure problems occur in an airplane or cable car, those affected can easily help themselves: in healthy people, a few swallowing movements are enough to counteract this feeling of pressure. The inner ear is ventilated via the Eustachian tube, a kind of tunnel connection between the inner ear and the ear, nose and throat; in this way a pressure equalization is brought about. Drinking a few sips or chewing gum has a similar effect. Everyone has to experiment a bit to find the best way to relieve the inner ear.

In the event of a cold, it is important to avoid swelling of the Eustachian tube – if it remains open, it is difficult for germs to settle in a way that causes an otitis media. When the Eustachian tube is open, pressure can constantly equalize between the inner ear and the ear, nose and throat. It is therefore important to do everything possible in the early stages of a cold so that the irritated mucous membranes go down. Nasal rinses with salt water, nasal sprays (sea water or decongestant pharmaceuticals) and steam baths help.Only a doctor should remove earwax plugs. Inflammatory diseases that lead to a feeling of pressure in the ear can be treated with antibiotics by an ear, nose and throat specialist . If there is a mechanical problem that affects the ear from the jaw joint, a bite splint can help. Hearing loss must be treated immediately! In order to minimize damage, medical treatment is required within 24 hours of the onset of symptomatic complaints, such as a feeling of pressure in the ear. Hearing loss is treated with haemolytics (blood liquefiers), if necessary cortisone and vitamin B preparations.

prevention

A few basic rules are required to prevent ear pressure. Ears should be regularly cared for and not overloaded with noise and loud music. The ears should be kept free by measures to reduce swelling in the mucous membranes in the event of a cold. A use of a chewing gum for takeoff and landing in the airplane is important. In general, if you have unclear symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.