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Ear Blockage - Causes and Diagnosis

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Ear Blockage - Causes and Diagnosis

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Ear blockage is a common problem, which can be caused by wax in the ear, fungal infection, trauma, etc. Read on to learn the other causes and treatments.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At September 13, 2014
Reviewed AtAugust 4, 2023

Introduction:

Blockage of the ear is a very common complaint. Since its onset is always sudden, individuals will feel very uncomfortable. In the resting phase, the ear keeps on sending sound impulses to the brain, and in this way, everyone remains aware of the surrounding atmosphere. Any situation which decreases the mobility of the eardrum may cause ear blockage.Earwax (cerumen), scar tissue, a tumor, a foreign object, or an insect can all obstruct the ear canal. When people, especially kids, insert foreign things like beads, erasers, and beans into the ear canal, blockages can result.

What Are the Causes of Ear Blockage?

The ears may clog up due to a number of circumstances, including:

1. Eustachian Tube Blockage:

A plugged ear can be caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD). The eustachian tube is a tube that links the middle ear to the throat. This tube transports fluid and mucus through the ear to the back of the throat, where it is swallowed.

However, instead of traveling down the throat, fluid and mucus might become caught in the middle ear and block it. This obstruction is frequently caused by an illness, which includes the common cold, the flu, or sinus infection. A blockage in the eustachian tube can also be caused by allergic rhinitis.

Other indications of an infection or allergies causing a blockage include:

  • Clogged nose.

  • Coughing.

  • Sneezing.

  • Throat pain.

In order to prevent an ear infection, which happens when bacteria or viruses enter the middle ear, the eustachian tube must be unblocked.

2. High Altitude:

The middle ear's pressure is balanced by the eustachian tube as well. It sometimes struggles to appropriately equalize pressure while ascending quickly. The effect is that the ears experience a shift in air pressure. The most frequent time for temporary ear clogging is during airplane takeoff or landing, while some people may experience it when scuba diving or traveling up a mountain.

Sometimes the sole negative consequence of an altitude change is a blocked ear. However, it is referred to as barotrauma or airplane ear if it is accompanied by discomfort, hearing loss, or vertigo.

3. Ear Infections:

Additionally, ear infections can cause clogging. Ear infections come in two varieties:

  • Swimmer's ear is frequently referred to as an outer ear infection. This happens when water remains in the ear after swimming. Bacteria and fungi flourish in this damp environment. Individuals probably also have a fever, ear pain, ear redness, and fluid discharge.

  • Otitis media is an inflammation of the middle ear. Microorganisms enter the middle ear, which is the area behind the eardrum, at this point. This typically results from a respiratory infection's complications. This infection can impair balance and hearing in addition to causing pain and fever.

4. Ear Wax:

By cleaning the ear canal and preventing foreign objects from getting inside the ears, earwax safeguards the ears. Although wax is often soft, it can solidify and clog the ear. Earwax blockages can also be brought on by having too much wax. Other signs of an ear blockage brought on by earwax include ear pain, ringing in the ears, muted hearing, and lightheadedness.

These obstructions can occasionally be caused by using a cotton swab to wipe the inside of the ear. Individuals should not put cotton swabs inside their ears. This approach of cleansing the ear canal can force earwax further inside.

5. Cholesteatoma:

The formation of skin behind the eardrum is known as a cholesteatoma. It could be inherited or brought on by middle ear infections. It is not malignant.

The primary sensation of a cholesteatoma is pressure in the ear, which can also resemble an obstruction. Other signs include hearing loss that gradually worsens and smelly ear discharge.

How Is Ear Blockage Diagnosed?

By checking inside the ears, a medical professional can determine if one has an obstruction from earwax. The medical professional looks into the ears using an otoscope, a specialized instrument that magnifies and lights up the inside of the ear.

What Are the Treatment Options Available for Clogged Ears?

A blocked ear can be a bothersome distraction, but depending on the cause, it may be rectified at home.

  • Discharge Stagnant Fluid: One can gently glide the index finger up and down into the impacted area to see if the reason is trapped ear canal fluid. It might also be possible to remove the fluid in the ear by holding a hairdryer at a low heat setting a few inches away from the ear.

  • Warm Compress: One of the natural remedies for clearing the ears of the mucus that is frequently brought on by a cold or sinus congestion, as well as for receiving immediate relief from earaches, is to use a warm compress. Warm compresses will relieve pain while also helps to relieve congestion and clear the ear. Hold a washcloth over the ear for about 15 minutes after soaking it in warm water and wringing away the excess. This lessens the discomfort and facilitates the simple evacuation of fluid from the ear canal.

  • Valsalva Maneuver: Anyone can use this highly beneficial approach to unclog their ear canals of blockages brought on by earwax buildup or when tiny quantities of water or other liquids become stuck inside. This straightforward technique involves closing the mouth while pinching the nose and exhaling air. This works well and provides immediate relief after a few minutes. When journeying and there is a shift in either altitude or velocity, this strategy is useful.

  • Use Over-The-Counter (OTC) Drugs: OTC medications can be used to relieve plugged ears brought on by nasal discharge, colds, or allergies. One may consider consuming an antihistamine or a decongestant-containing cold or sinus medicine. Ensure to adhere to the label's instructions.

  • Ear Drops: A kit for removing earwax from the ears can soften and remove it. Using a medicine dropper, one can also put a couple of drops of warm mineral oil, baby oil, or hydrogen peroxide in the ear. After applying the drops, bend the head for a few seconds to flush wax from the ear. To remove earwax, avoid using a cotton swab or any other item. Additionally, if individuals have ear drainage, an eardrum puncture, or ear tubes, they should not remove their earwax.

Conclusion:

Most people can successfully self-treat clogged ears with common household treatments and over-the-counter drugs. If the ears are still blocked after attempting home remedies, see a doctor immediately, especially if individuals are experiencing discomfort, ringing, or hearing loss. They might require manual wax removal, or ear drops with prescription strength.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

What is medical oncology?

The type of oncology (the branch that treats cancer) that deals with the diagnosis and medical treatment (mainly chemotherapy) of cancer is called medical oncology. A doctor who is trained in medical oncology and forms the medical treatment for cancer patients is called a medical oncologist.

2.

What is the role of a medical oncologist?

A medical oncologist treats cancer patients using:
- Chemotherapy - Anti-cancer medicines are used in the treatment.
- Immunotherapy - These medicines boost the immune system to fight off cancer.
- Hormone therapy - Medicines are used to block the production or lower the levels of certain hormones to prevent cancer growth.

3.

What is the difference between a clinical and medical oncologist?

Clinical oncologists use chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and other treatment options for cancer (apart from surgery). While a medical oncologist treats cancer with only medicines.

4.

Can a medical oncologist perform surgery?

No, a medical oncologist does not usually perform surgeries. Surgery to treat cancer are only performed by surgical oncologists.

5.

What to expect during the first visit to a medical oncologist?

You would have to consult a medical oncologist if you are diagnosed with any type of cancer that needs treatment with medication. On your first visit, the oncologist will take a complete medical and personal history and will look at all the preliminary test reports. If needed, he or she will tell you to undergo some more tests or will tell you all the treatment options and prescribe medications.

6.

What are the types of oncology?

The common types of oncology are:
- Medical oncology.
- Surgical oncology.
- Radiation oncology.

7.

What is immunotherapy?

A type of cancer treatment called immunotherapy or biologic therapy is the use of medicines to boost the immune system, which will help the body help fight off cancer naturally. Some examples of the drugs used are Ipilimumab and Nivolumab.

8.

What are the most commonly used chemotherapy drugs?

Methotrexate, Cytoxan, Fluorouracil, Adriamycin, Taxotere, etc., are the most commonly used drugs alone or in combination to treat cancer.
Source Article IclonSourcesSource Article Arrow
Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava
Dr. Ashok Kumar Srivastava

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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