Conditions: Ear Fullness

Ear fullness, often described as a sensation of pressure or blockage in the ear, can occur due to various reasons. It may feel similar to the sensation one experiences when ascending or descending in elevation, such as during a flight, while driving in mountainous areas, or swimming deeper than a few feet under water, as with SCUBA diving.

what are some potential causes of ear fullness?

The sensation of fullness in one or both ears is non-specific and may relate to one of the several possible causes listed below. Associated symptoms such as hearing loss, ear drainage, vertigo, and tinnitus, and signs noted on physical exam will help the physician with diagnosis. Management of ear fullness often involves addressing the underlying cause.

1. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

   • Commonly caused by allergies, sinusitis, or upper respiratory infections, leading to improper pressure regulation in the middle ear.

2. Barometric Pressure Changes

   • Pressure changes, often experienced during air travel or diving, can lead to discomfort and fullness in the ear. Eustachian tube dysfunction lessens one’s ability to accomodate barometric pressure changes.

3. Otitis Media

   • Inflammation or infection of the middle ear, which can cause a sensation of fullness, along with pain and potential hearing loss.

4. Otitis Externa

   1. Otitis externa can cause a feeling of fullness in the ear due to inflammation and swelling of the ear canal, which can lead to a buildup of fluids or pressure.

5. Cerumen Impaction

   • Accumulation of earwax that can obstruct the ear canal, resulting in feelings of fullness and diminished hearing.

6. TMJ Disorders

   • Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can also cause a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.

7. Meniere’s Disease

   • A disorder of the inner ear characterized by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness.

8. Allergic Rhinitis

   • Allergies can lead to congestion and Eustachian tube blockage, resulting in a feeling of fullness.

9. Cholesteatoma

   • An abnormal skin growth in the middle ear that can develop due to chronic ear infections, causing fullness and potential hearing loss.

10. Temporal Bone Fracture

    • Trauma to the skull can affect the structures of the ear, leading to fullness along with other symptoms like hearing loss and facial nerve deficits.

11. Acoustic Neuroma

    • A benign tumor on the vestibulocochlear nerve may cause fullness, hearing loss, and balance disturbances.

12. Meningioma

    • Meningioma, a benign tumor of the tissue around the brain, if located near the auditory nerve, may create pressure that leads to a sensation of fullness in the ear.

13. Neurological Causes

    • Conditions such as multiple sclerosis may present with ear fullness as part of a broader spectrum of neurological symptoms.