Pressure on the ears is harmless, but annoying. Here you can find out how the phenomenon can arise and how to get rid of the unpleasant ear pressure.
How does pressure develop on the ears?
The ear is an extremely sensitive organ and accordingly reacts sensitively to fluctuations in air pressure. But how does classic pressure come about on the ears? First, you should look at the structure of the ear to answer this question: The elastic eardrum, which lies deep in the ear canal and seals the ear airtight, transmits sound vibrations to the organs of the middle and inner ear. If the air pressure changes (e.g. when an airplane takes off), the pressure conditions in the ear and outside are no longer the same. This causes the eardrum to bulge and press against the inner ear – it feels like the ear is closing.
Pressure on the ears is not dangerous, but it is often perceived as uncomfortable. Ear pressure is more common in children, but it can also develop in adults. In order to get rid of the ear pressure again, pressure compensation is necessary.
What is the cause of pressure on the ears?
There is various causes of pressure on the ears. These include:
- Changes in air pressure (e.g. when flying or diving)
- Infections (e.g. with cold germs)
- Plug formation in the ear (often accompanied by deteriorating hearing performance)
- Stress – this cause can lead to sudden hearing loss or tinnitus
- Beginning hearing loss (e.g. age-related)
Pressure on the ears as a symptom
The feeling of pressure in the ear is also common a symptom of other diseases. These include:
- cold
- Otitis media (you can find out everything about otitis media symptoms here)
- Sudden hearing loss
- Ear canal inflammation
- Tympanic effusion (in children, often accompanied by poor hearing. Fluid collects in a cavity in the middle ear.)
How do I get rid of pressure on my ears?
The ear trumpet ("Eustachian tube" or "Tuba auditiva"), which connects the middle ear with the pharynx, is responsible for ventilation and pressure equalization in the ear. For example, when we swallow or yawn, it opens and lets air through. If the external pressure changes, however, the Eustachian tube has difficulties with pressure compensation. So in order to get rid of the pressure on the ears, we have to support the work of the ear trumpet – this works best depending on the cause.
Pressure equalization for colds
The swelling of the mucous membranes with colds causes pressure on the ears. This should be treated as quickly as possible – because Once the ear is closed, viruses and bacteria can more easily trigger otitis media. To get rid of ear pressure, the mucous membranes in the nose need to swell. The best way to do this is to use a decongestant nasal spray or inhale the steam of chamomile tea.
Pressure equalization in the aircraft
Sensitive ears can be protected from changes in pressure with ear plugs, because these gently reduce the pressure on the eardrum. This also prevents earache after landing. Otherwise, there are different techniques to relieve the pressure on the ears:
- Valsalva maneuvers:The mouth is closed, the nose is held shut. You try to breathe out.
- Tonybee maneuver: the mouth is closed, the nose is held shut. You try to swallow several times.
- The mouth is opened wide and the jaw is moved.
- You swallow or chew (e.g. chewing gum) consciously.
Through these techniques, the ear trumpet opens and the eardrum moves – which can be perceived as a slight cracking in the ear. This should ease the pressure on your ears.
Constant pressure on the ear – which treatment helps?
If the ear trumpet is very narrow, the ventilation of the ear is disturbed, which can cause permanent ear pressure ("tube ventilation disturbance"). The ENT doctor can and should make a corresponding diagnosis through examinations. Because the poor ventilation ensures a warm, humid climate in the inner and middle ear – the perfect breeding ground for viruses and bacteria, that can cause otitis media. To reduce the risk, the ear trumpet can be enlarged with a small intervention as a therapy.
Reading tip: Here we reveal what helps against water in the ear, what noise means in the ear, what an effusion is and the best tinnitus treatment.
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