Ear pressure can be caused by altitude, scuba diving, and ear infections due to the vulnerability of the pressure regulating system in the ear. Eustachian tubes are responsible for maintaining pressure balance and removing bacteria from the middle ear. Middle ear infections are a common cause of ear pressure, as are colds, allergies, and the flu. Fluid accumulation in the ear due to Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause pressure imbalance. Barotrauma from scuba diving can also cause ear pressure.
There are many factors that can contribute to ear pressure. The pressure regulating system inside the ear is quite vulnerable to the environment and viruses, making altitude, scuba diving and ear infections the leading causes of pressure in the ear. When the pressure regulator becomes blocked for any reason, pressure builds up in the ear.
The Eustachian tubes are what connect the middle ear to the throat. These tubes are responsible for removing bacteria from the middle ear and also for maintaining equal pressure between the middle ear and the outside of the ear while allowing air to flow. Pressure balance is what can be heard when a person swallows or yawns and there is a crackling or popping sensation in the ear.
A middle ear infection, also called otitis media, is one of the most common causes of pressure in the ear. Ear infections are usually caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction. When the tubes are blocked, they can’t properly remove bacteria from the middle ear. Bacteria multiply very quickly inside the middle ear, which leads to infection.
Eustachian tubes sometimes become blocked during colds, allergies, or the flu. During upper respiratory tract diseases, mucus production is increased and the sinuses and, nearby, the Eustachian tubes often become inflamed. Blocked tubes create an imbalance in ear pressure, which can be severely painful.
The airflow inside the Eustachian tubes keeps the middle ear from accumulating fluid. Fluid left in the ear due to Eustachian tube dysfunction causes a pressure imbalance. The fluid in the ear can take several weeks to completely dissipate, which is why the pressure in the ear can take so long to adjust.
Altitude is another common cause of a feeling of pressure in the ears. Almost everyone has experienced uncomfortable ear pressure during a flight or while driving on a mountain road. Normally, the pressure can be regulated by chewing, yawning, or swallowing, but sometimes the pressure isn’t released properly. This results in very painful pressure in the ears, called barotrauma.
Pressure in the ears and barotrauma can also be caused by scuba diving. Again, swallowing or yawning can usually equalize the pressure in the ear with the surrounding water pressure. Unfortunately, the pressure equalization system isn’t perfect and can fail, causing discomfort. Divers can avoid some cases by not diving while congested, but there is no safe way to maintain the same pressure.
Occasionally, small tumors at the base of the skull can block the Eustachian tubes. This is a rare enough place for tumors to develop. It happens, but it’s a relatively rare cause of ear pressure.
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