Experiencing a feeling of pressure or ringing in your ears is disconcerting and can be a sign of a more serious issue. Many individuals experience this sensation when their ears won’t pop, a condition known as eustachian tube dysfunction. Read on to learn more about the causes and treatments of unpopped ears.
Causes of Unpopped Ears
Eustachian tube dysfunction is caused by an imbalance between the pressure in your middle ear and the pressure in the environment. This pressure imbalance can occur due to a variety of causes, such as allergies, colds, sinus infections, and even changes in altitude. If the eustachian tube becomes blocked, it can cause a sensation of pressure and ringing in your ears.
Treatments for Unpopped Ears
Fortunately, there are several treatments available for unpopped ears. One of the most common treatments is the Valsalva maneuver, which involves taking a deep breath and then gently blowing your nose while pinching your nostrils shut. This helps to open the eustachian tubes, allowing the pressure to equalize. Other treatments include using nasal sprays or decongestants to reduce inflammation, as well as using a humidifier or saline nasal spray to increase air moisture.
If you’re experiencing a feeling of pressure or ringing in your ears and your ears won’t pop, it’s important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can get relief from the discomfort of unpopped ears.
If you are in a situation where your ears are impacted and will not pop, you may have noticed a certain type of pressure or ringing sound lasting throughout the entire day that is difficult to ignore. A common ailment, this is typically due to inflammation within the middle ear, known as Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Although generally not serious, Eustachian tube dysfunction can present various discomforts for those who experience it. The pressure and ringing may be mild to moderate in severity, and may change over time. The primary cause is a disruption to air pressure on either side of the eardrum, which can be attributed to things such as allergies, congestion, sinus infections, and more.
The best way to reduce the pressure and ringing is to attempt to unblock the Eustachian tube. Common treatments, when combined with various preventative measures, have proven to be quite effective. This includes irrigating the ears to clean out any debris, using a decongestant or nasal spray, and mantaining good hygiene. If the symptoms persist, then a visit to an ear, nose and throat doctor may be required.
Other forms of therapy to help with symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction can include swimmer’s ear drops, ear plugs while swimming, or even jaw exercises. It is also important to remain hydrated, and avoid smoking and secondhand smoke.
Although the pressure and ringing that come along with Eustachian tube dysfunction can be bothersome and distracting, it is important to understand that with proper treatment, it can be managed. If any symptoms become worse, then it is advised to contact a health professional immediately.
