What Causes Constant Pressure In Ears And Popping?

Posted on Tue, 14 Oct 2014

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

Tue, 14 Oct 2014 Answered on

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 10 yr old has constant pressure in his ears that he alleviates by 'popping' his ears by stretching his jaw. A visit to the Dr. showed clean ear canals and eardrums looked good. He has no fever. Allergy medications and decongestants have not helped. This problem has existed for over 3 months now. What should I do?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Could be a Nasopharyngeal growth

Detailed Answer:
Hi...this symptom usually occurs when the eustachian tube connecting the nasopharynx (inside of throat and the respective side middle ear) gets blocked either by congested or by a growth at the Nasopharyngeal side opening. It could be adenoids too.

I have a few questions for you -
1. Does he have mouth breathing?
2. Does he snore a lot during deep sleep?
3. Is he overweight?
4. Is there any complaint from school about daytime sleepiness?
5. How is his academic performance?

Kindly get back with answers and I will be glad to help further.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar