Suggest Remedy For Clogged Sensation In The Ear

Posted on Wed, 16 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 Answered on

Mon, 5 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : about 3 times a week one of my ears goes deaf like clogged kind of and I hear a ringing sound it lasts for about 30 seconds and goes away, I panic and get alot of anxiety from it. is this normal? should I be worried?

Answered by Dr. Naveen (30 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube block...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query. I will try my best to help you with this query.

The symptoms described by you is due to blockage of the Eustachian tube (the tube connecting nose and the ear).

Whenever there is cold/nasal block/nasal congestion/allergy/acid reflux disease the nasal end of the Eustachian tube gets blocked. When this tube is blocked, negative pressure is created the middle ear. The negative pressure thus created in the middle ear reduces the mobility of the ear drum augmenting the inner ear sounds (tinnitus). Do not worry! It is a normal phenomenon and not a major issue.

My suggestions to you are:
1. Drink plenty of warm water.
2. Do steam inhalation 2-3 times a day for just 2 minutes.
3. Try using saline nasal spray. Saline causes nasal decongestion and helps in relieving the Eustachian tube block.
4. Avoid chilled food and beverages/coffee/smoking.

With the above measures, you will definitely feel better. Revert back to me if you have any follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N.
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj