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What are the Most Common Causes of Ear Pressure?
There are many factors that can contribute to ear pressure. The pressure regulation system within the ear is quite vulnerable to the environment and viruses, making altitude, diving underwater, and ear infections prime causes of pressure in the ear. When the pressure regulator becomes blocked for any reason, pressure builds in the ear.
The Eustachian tubes are what connect the middle ear to the throat. These tubes are responsible for removing bacteria from the middle ear and also for maintaining equal pressure between the middle ear and outside of the ear by allowing airflow. The pressure balance is what can be felt when a person swallows or yawns and there is a crackling or popping sensation in the ear.
A middle ear infection, also called otitis media, is one of the most common causes of pressure in the ear. Ear infections are usually caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction. When the tubes are blocked, they can't properly remove bacteria from the middle ear. Bacteria multiplies very quickly within the middle ear, which leads to infection.
The Eustachian tubes sometimes become blocked during a cold, allergies, or flu. During upper respiratory illnesses, mucus production is increased, and often the sinuses and by proximity, the Eustachian tubes, become inflamed. The blocked tubes create an imbalance in ear pressure, which can be severely painful.
The airflow within the Eustachian tubes keeps the middle ear from fluid buildup. Fluid left in the ear due to Eustachian tube dysfunction causes an imbalance in pressure. Fluid in the ear can take several weeks to completely dissipate, which is why the pressure in the ear can take so long to regulate.
Altitude is another common cause of feeling pressure in the ears. Just about everyone has experienced uncomfortable ear pressure on a flight or driving on a mountain road. Normally, pressure can be regulated by chewing, yawning, or swallowing, but sometimes the pressure isn't released properly. This results in very painful pressure in the ears, called barotrauma.
Pressure in the ears and barotrauma can also be caused by diving underwater. Again here, swallowing or yawning usually can equalize the pressure in the ear with the pressure of the surrounding water. Unfortunately, the pressure equalization system isn't perfect, and it can fail, causing discomfort. Divers may avoid some instances by not diving while they are congested, but there's no sure way to maintain equal pressure.
Occasionally, small tumors at the base of the skull can block the Eustachian tubes. This is a fairly uncommon place to develop tumors. It does happen, but it is a relatively rare cause of ear pressure.
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![Yawning can relive ear pressure.]()
By: MaridavYawning can relive ear pressure. -
![Divers experience a buildup of ear pressure as they ascend or descend.]()
By: eothmanDivers experience a buildup of ear pressure as they ascend or descend. -
![Ear pressure may be the result of an ear infection.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiEar pressure may be the result of an ear infection. -
![Ear pressure is often caused by middle ear infections.]()
By: Alila Medical MediaEar pressure is often caused by middle ear infections. -
![Common causes of ear pressure may include an ear infection, which may require medical attention.]()
By: giorgiomtbCommon causes of ear pressure may include an ear infection, which may require medical attention. -
![Ear pressure can sometimes be relieved by holding the nostrils closed and blowing.]()
By: Piotr MarcinskiEar pressure can sometimes be relieved by holding the nostrils closed and blowing.
Discussion Comments
For whatever reason, some people produce more ear wax than others and these people have to be more conscious of the potential for ear infections.
Washing and cleaning your ears everyday is one of the best ways of treating ear infections before they happen in many cases. Wax buildup can lead to pressure and infection, so a wash cloth and soap and water can go a long way in treating potential ear problems.
As the article alludes to, yawning can actually be good for relieving some of that inner ear pressure. When I yawn I can feel fluid draining and eventually it will begin to drain from my nose. This may not work for everyone.
I know several people who have to go to the doctor regularly and have the fluid sucked out of their ears. It's a quick and easy procedure, but it would be so much easier if they could figure out what was causing the pressure and prevent it from happening in the first place.
I have regular bouts with sinus infections and fluid build up in my sinuses. When I begin to feel a slight earache this is a sign that I need to rev up on the various treatments I use.
At one time, I was taking antibiotics and other medicines for sinus issues, but nothing worked long term. The sinus problems would always return shortly after I stopped taking the drugs. Some of the remedies I turn to now include, saline solutions that I pour into my nose in an attempt to clean out my sinuses. I also take several herb supplements that are said to be good for ear and sinus health.
Even with all of my little remedies, I cannot say that I am cured, but when I stick to my treatments I am able to do as well as I was doing with all of the prescription medicines I was taking to treat the sinus and ear infections.
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