Imagine you are driving to a high mountain area like Nuwara Eliya, or you are going on a flight. After a while, your ears feel a little heavy, like something is filling them, like your ears are 'locked up', right? Sometimes with a little pain. This is actually a slightly annoying experience for many people. But this is nothing to be afraid of. This is temporary and we can easily alleviate this. Today, let's talk about why this happens, and what you can do to get rid of it.
Why do our ears get blocked like this?
To understand this story, we first need to know a little about the structure of our ears. Simply put, there is a very small tube that connects our middle ear to the back of our throat. In medical terms, we call this the Eustachian tube . The main function of this tube is to keep the air pressure on both sides of our eardrum equal.
Imagine that you suddenly go to a higher place, for example, climbing a mountain, boarding a plane, or riding in an elevator in a tall building. Then the air pressure around you decreases. But the air pressure inside your middle ear does not decrease immediately. Then the pressure inside the ear is higher, and the pressure outside is lower. This pressure difference pushes the eardrum outward. That's why our ears feel 'blocked', like they're full.
The other side of this is also true. When you descend suddenly, for example when scuba diving or landing in an airplane, the air pressure outside increases. Then the eardrum is pushed inward. Either way, it feels the same discomfort.
So what does 'ear popping' mean? It's when your Eustachian tube opens, the pressure inside and outside your ear equalizes, and the eardrum returns to normal. That's when you hear a 'pop' sound and feel your ear free.
What are some simple ways to unclog your ears?
Fortunately, there are some very simple ways to relieve this pressure and unclog your ears. You can try one or more of these.
| Method | How to do it and important points |
|---|---|
| Swallowing, jaw movement, and jaw opening | This is the easiest and safest way. Keep a bottle of water nearby when you are flying or climbing a mountain and drink water in small sips. Chewing gum or chewing a piece of candy will help to open the Eustachian tube, as saliva production increases and you will swallow more often. Also, opening your mouth wide and taking a deep breath is a very effective way. |
| Nose pinching and blowing (Valsalva Maneuver) | This is a somewhat powerful method that many people know. First, take a deep breath in. Then, close your mouth and pinch both nostrils shut with your fingers. Now, try to blow air slowly without exhaling through your mouth or nose . You will then feel your ears pop open. Warning: Don't do this loudly. Also, don't use this method if you have a cold, flu, or a runny nose. Doing so can push germs from your nose into your middle ear, causing an ear infection. |
| Inflating a balloon | This may seem like a strange method, but it works most of the time. The pressure you apply to inflate a balloon helps to open the Eustachian tube. There are special types of balloons made for this purpose. They are designed to be blown through the nose. These are most often used for young children who often have pressure in their ears. This is also not a good idea when they have a cold. |
When is the best time to use these methods?
The most important thing is to start these things early, without waiting until the pressure in the ear increases and becomes difficult.
For example:
- As soon as a plane starts taking off or landing, start chewing gum or sucking on a toffee.
- If you're climbing a hill, start drinking water as soon as you start climbing .
- When you feel like your ears are going to pop while riding in an elevator in a tall building , open your mouth wide and try to open a mouth .
If you act early in this way, you can control it before it becomes a major problem.
When should we see a doctor?
Earwax can usually be relieved with the above remedies. However, sometimes it can be a symptom of another underlying health condition.
If you have frequent earwaxing, or if you constantly feel a fullness, heaviness, or 'dimness' inside your ear, it could be due to 'Eustachian tube dysfunction.' Simply put, it means that your Eustachian tube is not able to properly equalize pressure. This condition can be made worse by things like allergies and colds .
If you continue to have one or more of the following symptoms, be sure to see your doctor without wasting any time.
- Severe or persistent earache .
- The feeling of ringing in the ears may last for hours or days .
- Fluid or pus- like discharge from the ear.
- Hearing loss or constant ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
- Vertigo occurs with falling out of the eardrum.
Your doctor will examine you and, if necessary, prescribe decongestants, antihistamines , or other treatments. In severe cases, they may even recommend minor surgery, such as making a small hole in the eardrum and inserting a tube. So, don't hesitate to seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe.
Take-Home Message
- Earwax falls out due to the difference in air pressure inside and outside the ear. This is very common and normal during flights and mountain climbing.
- This can be easily avoided by simple things like swallowing , opening the mouth, and chewing gum. These are most effective when started before the pressure builds up.
- Although the Valsalva maneuver is effective, avoid doing it when you are sick, such as with a cold.
- If you have symptoms such as ear pain , persistent stuffiness, hearing loss, or fluid draining from the ear, do not ignore it as normal and definitely see your doctor for advice.
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