Plugged ears: What is the remedy?

My ears have been plugged for more than a week. I'm just getting over a bad cold, so I've been taking an oral decongestant. But this hasn't helped. What causes this? Is there any remedy for plugged ears?

- Doug / Canada

Answer

CLICK TO ENLARGE

Inside your ear

Plugged ears are usually a mild, temporary problem — most commonly due to allergies or a cold. Often, no treatment is needed. However, if symptoms are severe or last for an extended period, you may want to have the problem evaluated by a doctor.

The eustachian tubes connect your middle ears to the back of your nose. The air pressure in your middle ear usually is the same as that in your outer ear. When you swallow or yawn, your eustachian tubes normally open and allow air to flow into or out of your middle ear, equalizing the pressure.

If your eustachian tube is obstructed (eustachian tube dysfunction), the air pressure in your middle ear can't be equalized with the pressure in your outer ear. When this happens, your eardrum can't vibrate normally, so sounds are muffled. You may also have ear pain.

Symptoms typically last from a few hours to several weeks — depending on the cause — and usually go away without treatment. When needed, treatment is directed at getting air to flow into the eustachian tube. Oral decongestants, nasal spray antihistamines and topical nasal steroids may help. You can also try to forcibly open your eustachian tube by taking a deep breath and trying to blow out while pinching your nostrils closed and closing your mouth. If you feel a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.

Occasionally, people with severe symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction that last longer than a few weeks need to seek care from an otolaryngologist — also known as an ear, nose and throat doctor. He or she may recommend inserting a ventilation tube into the eardrum to drain any fluid and relieve the pressure.

MORE ON THIS TOPIC

• Airplane ear
• Nasal congestion? Here's what to do

RELATED

• Common cold