Do you suffer with stuffy ears?

Do your ears often feel clogged up? It can start out as annoying, but can be painful in some cases. It can also make you wonder if there is some serious reason for it and if it is time to see your doctor. Here are some possible reasons why your ears may be stuffy.

Why do my ears feel clogged?

There are a few reasons why your ears may feel clogged and stuffy:

1. Ear wax. Ear wax is an important part of keeping our ears healthy; it helps to prevent infection in the ears. However, ear wax build up can make it hard to hear and can make your ears feel stuffy and clogged. If you try to get ear wax out yourself with a Q-tip, you may hurt the eardrum or ear canal. Your doctor can get excess ear wax out safely.

2. A problem with your eustachian tube. The eustachian tube runs from your nose to your ear and functions to drain fluid. It can easily become inflamed and swollen if you have allergies or a sinus infection. When it is swollen, fluid can build up and can make your ears feel like they are clogged. This fluid can become infected, which can be very painful.

3. Hearing loss. If your ears suddenly feel clogged and you aren’t hearing well, it could be a problem with your cochlea, a part of the ear that is key to hearing. You should see your doctor right away if you feel like you have suddenly lost your hearing.

4. Temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). This common condition involves pain and inflammation of the jaw joint, but it can also make the ears feel stuffy.

If the feeling of stuffy ears persists, if you have severe pain, if you develop a fever, or if you feel dizzy or lose your coordination, you should make an appointment with your doctor right away. The staff at Lakeside Allergy ENT can determine what is causing your ear stuffiness and then can help you to find relief! Contact Lakeside Allergy ENT at the Rockwall and Forney office. Call (972) 771-5443 today!