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What Causes A Plugging Sensation In The Ear?

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Posted on Mon, 18 May 2015
Question: My ears seem to be comfortable while sitting quietly, but as soon as I began getting busy, active, in motion, my ears again feel plugged and my hearing ability is more poor. I do not limit myself to quiet times but try to keep working and walking because it is healthy to do so. My plans are to have my ears cleaned by a medical doctor (no specialist), to try the tecniques of a physical therapist to shake up the crystals in the inner ear, and am trying Flonase decongestant hoping to reduce the blockage (if that is the area congested) of the Eustachian tube.
I want to learn how to counteract this condition as it seems to reoccur seasonally--spring and fall--because it affects my hearing, upsets my functioning with balance and with mental assuredness. Have you any additional suggestions to help me deal with this situation?
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Answered by Dr. Muhammad Ahmad (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
This might be blocked tube or wax

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Welcome to Health Care Magic, Thanks for writing to us,

I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad, I have read your question, I understand your concern and will try to help you in the best possible way.

You history and description about it being seasonal and temporary,

Tells me that it is allergic in nature. I am pleased that you actually know the possible mechanisms already, most common of which is blockage of Eustachian tubes after a throat infection or flu.

I would like to tell you that this is quite controllable and can be treated easily. There are some home remedies which can help.

1) Steam inhalation , this softens the mucous.

2) Using over the counter decongestants like Allegra-D.

3) Using OTC antihistamin pills once daily.

4) Steam warm bath does help in softening up the clogs, but it can't be taken everywhere due to weather differences.

5) You can do Valsalva maneuver thrice a day this will open up the blockage slowly. But this should not be done if there is a hole in your ear drum so you have to make sure it aint there.



6) Sipping in warm drinks helps too.

7) Some people get seasonal wax in ear and you gotta get it cleaned by a doctor till then save your ears from water, when water enters the ear while bathing or when one swims the wax swells up and blocks the ear.

I would suggest you to meet your doctor immediately and get to know if it's wax or blocked Eustachian, that can only be told after examination.



I Hope this answers your question, if your have more queries feel free to ask, otherwise close the discussion and rate it. Wish you the best of health.



Regards,

Dr.Muhammad Ahmad.

M.B.B.S.

Resident M.D.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. Muhammad Ahmad

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 1308 Questions

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What Causes A Plugging Sensation In The Ear?

Brief Answer: This might be blocked tube or wax Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Health Care Magic, Thanks for writing to us, I am Dr.Muhammad Ahmad, I have read your question, I understand your concern and will try to help you in the best possible way. You history and description about it being seasonal and temporary, Tells me that it is allergic in nature. I am pleased that you actually know the possible mechanisms already, most common of which is blockage of Eustachian tubes after a throat infection or flu. I would like to tell you that this is quite controllable and can be treated easily. There are some home remedies which can help. 1) Steam inhalation , this softens the mucous. 2) Using over the counter decongestants like Allegra-D. 3) Using OTC antihistamin pills once daily. 4) Steam warm bath does help in softening up the clogs, but it can't be taken everywhere due to weather differences. 5) You can do Valsalva maneuver thrice a day this will open up the blockage slowly. But this should not be done if there is a hole in your ear drum so you have to make sure it aint there. 6) Sipping in warm drinks helps too. 7) Some people get seasonal wax in ear and you gotta get it cleaned by a doctor till then save your ears from water, when water enters the ear while bathing or when one swims the wax swells up and blocks the ear. I would suggest you to meet your doctor immediately and get to know if it's wax or blocked Eustachian, that can only be told after examination. I Hope this answers your question, if your have more queries feel free to ask, otherwise close the discussion and rate it. Wish you the best of health. Regards, Dr.Muhammad Ahmad. M.B.B.S. Resident M.D.