Although anyone can get a middle ear infection, it is more common in infants. A fungal ear infection occurs when fungi inside the ear proliferate. Such infections are more likely to occur in people who have a reduced amount of earwax due to an overuse of Q-tips. The infection typically occurs when water becomes trapped inside the ear.
The excess moisture can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria and fungi. Rapid changes in altitude and pressure can block the eustachian tube. As a result, the tube will be unable to equalize pressure inside the middle ear with the pressure outside of the body.
The difference in pressure causes a vacuum that stretches out the eardrum. This may lead to the following symptoms:. Earwax helps clean, protect, and lubricate the ear canal. However, earwax can occasionally build up and cause a blockage against the eardrum. This can result in the following symptoms:. Earwax buildup is often due to a person using Q-tips or similar items to try to remove their earwax. This process actually pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal. Occasionally, objects can become trapped inside the ear canal.
Children are particularly likely to insert items into their ears out of curiosity or as a means of exploration. Such items commonly include:. Objects stuck in the ear will require removal. A doctor can usually remove objects in one of the following ways:. The condition typically affects only one ear, but it can sometimes affect both. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Most people have had the painful and annoying sensation of their ears feeling full or clogged and needing to pop.
The medical term for this is ear barotrauma. Ear barotrauma usually happens when a person is sick or changing altitude, such as when they are flying on an airplane, driving up a mountain, or descending at the beginning of a scuba dive.
What is this sensation and how can a person make their ears pop? Read on for more information about this common experience. Yawning helps to open the eustachian tubes. Try forcing a yawn several times until the ears pop open.
Swallowing helps to activate the muscles that open the eustachian tube. Sipping water or sucking on hard candy can help to increase the need to swallow. If yawning and swallowing do not work, take a deep breath and pinch the nose shut. Keeping the mouth closed, try to blow air through the nose gently. It is best to be cautious when performing this maneuver because there is a small risk of rupturing the eardrum. To do the Toynbee maneuver, pinch the nose closed and close the mouth, then try swallowing.
Having a mouthful of water may make it a little easier. Chewing gum helps increase swallowing because it stimulates saliva production. Also, the chewing motion can also help to open the eustachian tubes. There are devices available that can help to clear the ears. If you have ear pain when swallowing, it can make eating, drinking, and talking very difficult.
Find out what could be causing your discomfort so you can get relief. When germs enter your nose and throat, small pads of immune tissue in the back of the nasal passage called adenoids grow larger to keep you from getting sick.
Sometimes, especially in children, adenoids grow so large that they block the eustachian tube which connects the middle ear to the upper throat, leading to a painful ear infection. If adenoid problems lead to ear infections often, your doctor may recommend removing the adenoids. Another technique involves trying to blow out forcefully while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed.
This technique is called a Valsalva Maneuver and is often used on airplane flights to clear the ears when flying at high attitudes. As a last resort, a small pressure equalizing tube can be temporarily placed in the eardrum to equalize middle ear pressure. More long-term treatment may involve allergy testing by an Ear, Nose and Throat or Allergy physician and if appropriate, allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy.
If left untreated, eustachian tube dysfunction can lead to recurring ear infections, hearing loss and even chronic dizziness. If you are experiencing ear pressure or are having trouble swallowing, call Lexington Clinic at to schedule your appointment with an ENT specialist. Request an Appointment.
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