How can you tell if your ears are blocked for seemingly no reason?

by Abhinav G. Movie Enthusiast

Your ears may feel plugged more often than in acute situations. Eustachian tube dysfunction can become a chronic issue, but it is uncommon in adults.

People who have this type of chronic fearfulness without having allergies or something like that, it's probably NOT Eustachian tube [dysfunction]

It could also be your jaw. Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJD) is the most common reason for ear pressure. This causes pain and inflammation at the joints that connect your jawbone to your skull.

On each side, your temporomandibular bones are situated directly in front of your ears. They are just millimeters away from your ears. These allow your jaw to hinge open or closed.

You may have a headache. He said the most common reason for fearfulness he sees is jaw clenching. This condition has been made more common by the COVID-9 pandemic.

Your inner ear may be leaking. This is a sign of superior canal disease. Dr. Kaylie states, "This is a more common condition than we thought. We are seeing it more often." Superior canal dehiscence, first discovered in the 2000s, is caused when the pressure around the brain erodes a small bone in your inner ear responsible for detecting head movement and helping you balance.

This disruption causes your inner ear to feel full, even though it is normal for Eustachian tubes to function. Superior canal dehiscence can cause you to hear your voice in your ear, even when you talk or chew. Many patients with this condition report hearing their footsteps.

How can you safely pop your ears?

You may experience ear pain when sick, traveling by air, or having seasonal allergies. You can either make your ears pop or equalize the pressure.

If this doesn't work, Dr. Ward states that "the safest and most effective way to pop your ears" is to use a modified Valsalv pop your ears a maneuver. It is basically what divers use when trying to pop their ears.

This is a modified way to clear the inner ear. It was first described in 1704 by Antonio Valsalva (a researcher who studied ear anatomy). You will need first to close your mouth and plug your nose.

Dr. Ward suggests holding your nose and blowing on your closed nostrils to generate pressure. Next, swallow hard. "This combination of positive pressure and that swallow allows Eustachian tubes to open up.

You can do this without swallowing. However, if you do so, you could put too much pressure on your ears. Dr. Ward says it's possible. It is best to be gentle when performing this task safely.

He states, "You shouldn't be delivering too much pressure. Just enough to boost the swallow so your Eustachian tubes can open."

There are other ways to clean your ears.

Not only is it possible to poke your ears, but there are other options. You can also use antihistamines or nasal sprays to reduce the sensitivity of your ears. (View The best allergist medications.

Dr. Kaylie recommends using Afrin nasal spray before you board and again 30 minutes before you land if you have ear problems. Afrin is an effective decongestant that can open the Eustachian tube. If used correctly, it's safe and effective.

Dr. Kaylie explains that Afrin nasal spray can cause rebound congestion if used regularly for over three days. If they plan to use it, I suggest they only use it for the flight. It would be best if you didn't use it every day.

Pseudoephedrine is also available as Sudafed. This powerful decongestant can also be used, but you should consult your doctor first. Sudafed can cause high blood pressure and raise the heart rate.