Ear Fullness / Blocked Ear: Causes and When to See an ENT Specialist
Ear fullness is a sensation of pressure, blockage, or “cotton stuck in the ear.” Many patients describe it as a blocked ear or feeling like water is trapped inside. While this symptom is often temporary, persistent ear fullness may indicate an underlying ear or nasal condition that requires ENT evaluation.
As an ENT specialist, I frequently see patients who ignore this symptom or try home remedies, only to discover later that proper diagnosis was needed from the start.
What Does Ear Fullness Feel Like?
Patients commonly describe:
- Pressure inside the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Feeling of fluid or water in the ear
- Popping or crackling sounds
- Discomfort during swallowing or yawning
- Temporary hearing reduction
Ear fullness may affect one or both ears.
Common Causes of Ear Fullness
1. Earwax Impaction
The most common cause. Wax blocks sound transmission.
2. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Occurs when pressure equalisation between ear and nose fails.
Triggers include:
- Flu or sinus infection
- Allergy
- Air travel
3. Middle Ear Fluid
Often follows upper respiratory infection.
4. Sudden Hearing Loss
May present as sudden ear blockage sensation.
5. Ménière’s Disease
Associated with:
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
- Hearing fluctuation
6. Rare Causes
Tumours or inner ear disorders (usually one-sided fullness).
🚨 When Should You Worry About Ear Fullness?
Seek urgent ENT assessment if:
- Fullness is sudden and persistent
- There is hearing loss
- Associated with vertigo or tinnitus
- Only affects one ear
- Lasts more than 2 weeks
Early evaluation prevents permanent damage.
How an ENT Specialist Evaluates Ear Fullness
ENT assessment includes:
- Detailed symptom history
- Ear examination
- Microscopic ear assessment
- Hearing test (audiometry)
- Tympanometry
- Imaging if indicated
This ensures accurate diagnosis, not guesswork.
Treatment Options for Ear Fullness
✅ Medical Treatment
- Wax removal
- Nasal sprays for Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Treatment of infection or allergy
✅ Procedural Treatment
- Middle ear ventilation tube (selected cases)
✅ Lifestyle Measures
- Avoid forceful nose blowing
- Pressure equalisation techniques
Treatment depends on exact cause.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can blocked ear clear on its own?
Sometimes, but persistent blockage needs assessment.
Q: Is ear fullness always wax?
No. Pressure problems and inner ear issues are common.
Q: Should I use cotton buds?
No. They push wax deeper and worsen blockage.
When Should You See an ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur?
Consult an ENT specialist if:
- Symptoms persist
- Home remedies fail
- Hearing is affected
- You feel dizzy
ENT evaluation ensures safe and effective treatment.
👨⚕️ ENT Specialist’s Perspective
From an ENT perspective, ear fullness is often underestimated. Many serious ear conditions present initially as “blocked ear.” Proper microscopic examination and hearing tests allow accurate diagnosis and prevent complications.
Dr. Ameen, ENT Specialist in Kuala Lumpur 