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What Causes Pressure In Ears?
Question: I want to know why I get these episodes of pressure in my ears that make me extremely dizzy. When I went to an ENT a few years ago and they did the test where they blow the air into your ears, I got dizzy and almost fell over, and I was sitting down! The lady said it was normal, but I don't believe that. I would like to know where the pressure is coming from and what I can do to help it.
Brief Answer:
PTA, I/A, Endoscopic eardrum images, clinical examination notes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Pressure or fullness in the ear is usually due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). The Eustachian Tube connects the ear to the back of the nose and helps equalize pressure on both sides of an intact ear drum. It also helps drain the normal middle ear secretions into the nose.
2. ETD can be tested by simple test known as an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram or I/A). Fluid build-up or a negative pressure can be easily detected. Get this test done along with a Pure Tone Audiogram (PTA).
3. As far as the Caloric Test is concerned, the dizziness (vertigo) is normal, within the onset and duration for a normal person.
4. There are also conditions such as Meniere's Disease, where ear fullness occurs and the PTA shows a slope to left (lower frequency hearing loss) in the early stages. There is a fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus (abnormal ear sounds), in addition.
5. Vertigo has many causes and ETD is a common but complex problem. Start by first ruling out these common, treatable reasons. If these tests are normal, you may require direct balance tests and imaging studies. Certain signs can only be detected during direct examination.
6. Further treatment can be discussed after you upload these basic tests. It would also be great if you could upload endoscopic images of the eardrums and clinical evaluation notes, if any.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
PTA, I/A, Endoscopic eardrum images, clinical examination notes.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Pressure or fullness in the ear is usually due to Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). The Eustachian Tube connects the ear to the back of the nose and helps equalize pressure on both sides of an intact ear drum. It also helps drain the normal middle ear secretions into the nose.
2. ETD can be tested by simple test known as an Impedance Audiogram (Tympanogram or I/A). Fluid build-up or a negative pressure can be easily detected. Get this test done along with a Pure Tone Audiogram (PTA).
3. As far as the Caloric Test is concerned, the dizziness (vertigo) is normal, within the onset and duration for a normal person.
4. There are also conditions such as Meniere's Disease, where ear fullness occurs and the PTA shows a slope to left (lower frequency hearing loss) in the early stages. There is a fluctuating hearing loss and tinnitus (abnormal ear sounds), in addition.
5. Vertigo has many causes and ETD is a common but complex problem. Start by first ruling out these common, treatable reasons. If these tests are normal, you may require direct balance tests and imaging studies. Certain signs can only be detected during direct examination.
6. Further treatment can be discussed after you upload these basic tests. It would also be great if you could upload endoscopic images of the eardrums and clinical evaluation notes, if any.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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