What causes blocked ears that worsen with cold and nasal blockage?

Question

Hello doctor,

Both my ears feel clogged. If I yawn, my left ear goes back to normal. My right ear does become normal on yawning but goes back to being plugged or clogged soon after. In addition, my right ear seems full every time I try to pinch my nose and exhale. The problem has always been there, and I have felt something in my ears in the past few months. However, it has worsened now due to cold and mucus buildup. I do not have symptoms other than my nose being blocked and sneezing. I do not take any medications and have no previous medical history. Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query. I understand your concern. Your problem is due to the eustachian tube (ET) blockage. The eustachian tube is a tube connecting the middle ear with the back of the nose and opens in the nasopharynx. It serves to equalize the air pressure inside and outside of the tympanic membrane (TM) so that the TM vibrates optimally. And also it serves to drain the fluid and secretions from the middle ear into the nose. Nasal blockage, allergy, sinusitis, and cold, cause inflammation of the eustachian tube opening in the back of the nose (in the nasopharynx). As a result, it leads to blockage of the eustachian tube. In addition, these lead to the build-up of secretions in the middle ear and the failure to equalize air pressure. The middle ear air gets absorbed and is not replenished back because of the blocked eustachian tube, and the tympanic membrane is drawn inside (TM retraction). The symptoms, such as ear blockage and decreased hearing, result from the eustachian tube blockage. I suggest you visit a specialist and get treated for the eustachian tube blockage. I hope this has helped you. Thank you.