pressure on the ears

Everyone knows the feeling when he has one pressure on the ears Has. There are many reasons. However, when the so-called pressure equalization does not work, other ear complaints also occur.

What are the characteristics of pressure on the ears?

If there is negative pressure in the ear, the eardrum bulges inwards; the affected person complains of pain and pressure on the ears.

The eustachian tube (also known as the tuba auditiva in medical terms) plays the greatest role in equalizing pressure on the ears. The eustachian tube represents the connection between the middle ear and the nasopharynx and ensures that the middle ear is "ventilated" so that pressure can be equalized. Furthermore, a secretion flows through the ear trumpet, which comes from the middle ear and is transported further into the throat. The eardrum is only unaffected in its vibrations when the middle ear is free of secretions.

causes

The pressure on the ears arises when the ventilation of the ear trumpet is impaired and thus pressure compensation to the middle ear cannot be given. Doctors repeatedly speak of "ventilation disorders" or "tube ventilation disorders". Problems arise when the Eustachian tube is blocked or swollen or cannot open properly.

If there is negative pressure in the ear, the eardrum bulges inwards; the affected person complains of pain and the familiar pressure on the ears. If the eustachian tube is closed in such a way that the secretion collects and presses against the eardrum, pain and pressure on the ear can also occur. If the secretion builds up, a middle ear infection can develop.

Children in particular often suffer from such inflammations, since the ear trumpet is not fully developed. Other causes of pressure on the ears are infections, allergies, too much ear wax, problems with the temporomandibular joint, muscle tension in the area of ​​the jaw and palate, a sudden hearing loss or a permanently open ear trumpet.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for earache and inflammation

Diseases with this symptom

• Pop trauma
• allergy
• Sudden hearing loss

• Tonsillar angina
• Otitis media
• Tubular catarrh

• Curvature of the nasal septum
• cold
• Sinusitis

Diagnosis & course

In order to find the cause, the medical professional has to do various tests. It is important that an ear, nose and throat doctor (ENT) is contacted here. Changes in the eardrum can be determined by means of otoscopy (otoscopy). Another method is pneumatic otoscopy. During the examination, the doctor uses an otoscope with which the external auditory canal can be closed.

Subsequently, air is introduced - directly into the ear canal - through a balloon and then released. During this process, the doctor can observe the eardrum and determine how the pressure ratio is developing. A rhinoscopy (nasoscopy) can diagnose any inflammatory processes that are predominantly present in the nasal cavity.

A hearing test can be used to determine whether there are any hearing problems. While the pressure - in many cases - subsides after a short time, the symptoms can sometimes be so severe that therapy is necessary.

Complications

Pressure on the ears can be a symptom of many causes. Possible complications depend on the underlying disease and range from simple side effects such as reduced hearing and ear pain to serious complications such as hearing loss. Depending on the causes, dizziness, abnormal sensations in the area of ​​the ears and auditory canal and phantom pain in the ear can also occur.

Often, as the disease progresses, there is a "feeling of fullness" in the ear and, as a result, difficulties in concentrating and other secondary symptoms. If ear pressure occurs as a result of an illness, it is often accompanied by a cold, allergies or an otitis media. In extreme cases, pressure on the ears is followed by sudden hearing loss, i.e. partial or complete hearing loss in one or both ears. If the cause is a damaged eardrum, hearing performance can also deteriorate.

The same applies to psychological causes such as stress, which can lead to further complications such as physical discomfort, insomnia or weakness. If the pressure on the ears is based on an injury or tension in the jaw or cervical spine, headache and jaw pain accompany it, while the ear pressure increases. Tinnitus can occur and in turn lead to far-reaching secondary symptoms and diseases. A doctor should clarify the symptoms due to the many complications and symptoms of ear pressure.

When should you go to the doctor?

If there is pressure on the ears, it is usually not necessary to consult a doctor. For example, if the pressure occurs during a cold or while staying at different altitudes, symptoms should subside after some time without treatment and a doctor's visit is not necessary.

However, in connection with other symptoms or if there is persistent pressure on the ears that cannot be compensated for, it makes sense to consult an expert to find the cause of the discomfort. Symptoms of concern in connection with ear pressure include severe pain in the ear or around the ear, general severe headache, and reduced hearing or even hearing loss. If one of these symptoms occurs, a doctor should be consulted immediately in order to rule out serious illnesses and to alleviate the symptoms.

Even if the pressure on the ears is accompanied by dizziness or visual disturbances, a visit to the doctor is inevitable, as in the worst case a tumor could be responsible for the symptoms.

Doctors can usually make a quick diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms and previous history. If this is not possible immediately, further tests will be carried out to find the cause. With the help of the diagnosis, suitable therapy can be initiated to protect the body from possible long-term effects such as hearing loss.

Doctors & therapists in your area

Treatment & Therapy

Classic measures are yawning, swallowing or chewing, whereby inhaling and slowly exhaling while the person concerned keeps their mouth closed and nose closed can lead to success (so-called Valsalva maneuvers). If there is pressure on the ears during air travel, decongestant nasal drops should be used before the aircraft takes off. In this way, the person affected can facilitate pressure equalization.

However, if diseases are responsible for the pressure on the ears, they must be treated. Different drugs are also used. Doctors mainly prescribe decongestant nasal sprays, antibiotics, antiallergic agents or glucocorticoids. If the cause is a build-up of fluid behind the eardrum, surgical intervention can help. The doctor inserts the ear tube into the eardrum, which ensures that the fluid can drain off. An exchange of air is made possible.

Anatomical conditions can also cause pressure on the ears. Above all, enlarged tonsils or a curvature of the nasal septum are classic anatomical causes that can be surgically corrected. For example, if the ear trumpet is narrowed so that newer methods such as balloon dilatation can also be used, the doctor will prefer this method.

As part of the treatment, the doctor inserts a balloon catheter into the ear trumpet. It is inserted through the patient's nose using a special endoscope. The balloon catheter is then inflated with a physiological saline solution and subsequently expands the narrowed passage. Experts believe that stretching leads to more space being created and the constriction to be eliminated.

That treatment may very well relieve the pressure in the ear. Sometimes, however, it cannot be said whether this is a long-term result; the procedure is still relatively new or is only actually carried out in a few cases. Another method that is also one of the new procedures is laser tubing. This is a surgical procedure.

The doctor uses a laser to remove tissue directly from the entrance of the ear trumpet and can thus increase the space that the ear trumpet needs. This gain in space should subsequently have a positive effect on the so-called ventilation disturbance. However, even with this method, one cannot speak of a long-term result, because here too there are insufficient studies in favor of laser tubing.

Outlook & forecast

Pressure on the ears is usually always associated with a specific situation that triggers it. It can only be treated generally in rare cases and usually disappears again relatively quickly. Therefore, the person concerned only has to consult a doctor or take medication with this complaint in very rare cases.

The pressure on the ears creates an uncomfortable feeling that can complicate everyday situations. This pressure also makes it harder for the person affected to hear, because the eardrum cannot be easily reached. This therefore leads to a reduced quality of life.

Pressure on the ears of most people only occurs for a short time and then disappears again when a certain situation or altitude is left again. Typical examples here are flying or diving. Likewise, the pressure on the ears can also occur with a flu or a cold and is not really treated specifically.

If the pressure on the ears appeared very spontaneously and does not go away on its own, a doctor can be consulted. An ear, nose and throat doctor who is familiar with these complaints and can help the patient is particularly suitable. In most cases, this complaint goes without special treatment.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines for earache and inflammation

prevention

If there are anatomical reasons, the pressure on the ears cannot be prevented. It is advisable that - for example, if there is too much ear wax - regular rinsing or medical cleaning of the ear canal is carried out.

You can do that yourself

Uncomfortable or even painful pressure on the ears usually indicates insufficient pressure equalization between the outer and inner ear and thus an insufficient function of the Eustachian tube, which connects the nasopharynx with the middle ear. The problem often occurs in the aircraft cabin, namely predominantly during descent and landing, when the pressure in the cabin rises to normal pressure again. Pressure on the ears becomes noticeable when the Eustachian tube is a little tight or prevents pressure equalization for other reasons.

A few everyday and self-help activities can help overcome the uncomfortable or even painful pressure. In many cases, a simulated violent yawn helps. This pulls the tissue in the nasopharynx apart a little so that the tiny amount of air that is necessary to equalize the pressure can pass through. This is usually noticeable by a slight cracking sound and by an immediate pressure relief in the ear. If yawning does not work, the more effective method is to hold your nose and, with your mouth closed, create some kind of positive pressure in the nasopharynx. As a rule, the pressure is then equalized with a felt violent crack. The procedure can be repeated several times. If the pressure in the middle ear is too high, it can easily be reduced by swallowing or yawning.