How to Relieve Ear Pressure pain?

Have you ever felt a slight loss in your hearing ability when you board long flights? We bet, all of us have faced that at some point in time.

It is because of a change in pressure that leads to ear congestion. Ear congestion is described as a blockage in the ear canal. A change in pressure is only one of the reasons that cause it.

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If you constantly suffer from ear congestion, then this article is for you. We discuss how pressure and a few other allergies can cause ear congestion and how you can relieve ear pressure. Take a look:

Ear Pressure

The pressure in ears is also called blocked ears or ear popping and it can occur due to a number of environmental and biological changes. Our ears are connected to our nasal cavity and also the esophagus. The tube that connects ears with these tracts is called the Eustachian tube. It is when this tube gets blocked, that we suffer from ear pressure pain and congestion.

Scientifically called ear barotrauma, it is a common occurrence, especially for young kids and infants. It doesn’t have any serious consequences. Now, that we know that ear pressure happens when the Eustachian tube gets blocked, let’s look at some of the main causes that block the tube.

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Ear Pressure Causes

Like we established before, ear pressure pain can happen due to several biological and environmental changes. Let’s look at some major causes of ear pressure pain.

#1. Change In Atmospheric Pressure

This is the one reason that we have discussed earlier. The Eustachian tube is physically blocked in this case. It happens because when in a flight, or on a mountaintop, the pressure of the middle ear is much lower as compared to the pressure of the outer ear. Due to this significant pressure difference, the Eustachian tube gets blocked, thus causing ear pressure pain, and giving you the feeling of pressure on the back of your head and ears.

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#2. Sinus Congestion

Apart from a change in pressure, there are certain biological causes of ear pressure pain. The most prominent ones being coagulated mucus or earwax in the Eustachian tube. The tube is responsible for draining out all the dirt out of the ears, but due to certain inflammations, it becomes extremely hard to push out the dirt. As a result, the tube gets clogged with mucus and wax, and can eventually cause ear pressure pain.

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#3. Cold

If you’re suffering from a cold, it might result in an inflammation of your Eustachian tube. So, if you happen to be suffering from cold, then it is highly likely that you are also suffering from ear pressure pain.

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How Can I Relieve Ear Pressure Pain?

Ear pressure pain feels chronic in nature, so, a lot of people ask their doctors as to how they can get rid of ear pressure pain. There are a lot of natural ways in which you can cure ear pressure pain, along with several free medications that you can take.

#1. Yawn A Lot, Drink A Lot

As bizarre as it might sound, yawning is perhaps the most effective natural way of treating ear pressure pain. When you yawn, it opens up your Eustachian tube, thus annulling any pressure difference. Similarly, if you drink a lot of water, it will open your Eustachian tube, and help in draining the mucus and earwax efficiently, thus relieving you of ear pressure pain.

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#2. Chew Gum

Your parents must have told you to chew gums when in a flight. It is because when you’re chewing gums, it constantly opens your Eustachian tube. As a result, there are fewer chances that a pressure difference is created.

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#4. Pinch Your Nose

If you’re suffering from ear pressure pain, simply pinch your nose and close it properly. Then, try exhaling with force out of your nose. This will put pressure on your Eustachian tube and can open your ears. However, don’t repeat this maneuver too often as it can end up hurting your ear drums.

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So, there you have it. The causes and cures of ear pressure pain. If you found this article informative, let us know in the comments below.

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