What causes blocked ears after a COVID-19 infection?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My left ear feels blocked. I recently had a COVID-19 infection and in about three days, my ear began to feel muffled. There is nothing in my ear but when I look up it unblocks but if I look forward or bend down it gets blocked again. I experienced a similar issue about seven months back but last time my ear was just blocked, and I was not able to unblock it even if I looked up. Now, I have tried popping it, but it has been of no use. Please help.

Answered by Dr. Murari Kaimal

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am here to extend a helping hand to you.

This seems to be a eustachian tube dysfunction. In this, the ventilation to the ear is interrupted due to the blockage of a small tube that connects the ear to the back of the nose known as the eustachian tube.

The reasons could be as follows:

An upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) which is very common.
Allergy or rhinitis.
Growth in the postnasal space such as in case of a nasopharyngeal cancer (especially if unilateral).

This can usually unblock by itself, and you will feel ventilated within a few weeks.

I suggest you do the following:

Use a decongestant nasal spray or drops for five days like Xylometazoline. Use two puffs twice a day for five days.
Do the Valsalva maneuver (ear popping).

Kindly follow up in a week to reassess the symptoms and if you do not get better, please do the suggested investigations.

I hope I have resolved your queries. Do get back if you have any further queries.

Thank you.

The Probable causes

The probable causes could be due to an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI which is very common), allergy or rhinitis, or growth in the postnasal space like the presence of nasopharyngeal cancer (especially if unilateral).

Investigations to be done

Hearing and middle ear function studies and endoscopy must be planned if the condition does not improve during follow-up.

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis could be a Eustachian tube dysfunction secondary to an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI which is very common), allergy or rhinitis, or growth in the postnasal space like the presence of nasopharyngeal cancer (especially if unilateral).

Preventive measures

Kindly do the Valsalva maneuver.

Regarding follow up

Please follow up within seven days.

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Answered by Dr. Murari Kaimal

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team

November 4, 2023

July 19, 2024

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Murari Kaimal

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

Consult this doctor

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