What Causes Ear Pressure and How Can I Fix It? | ENT Experts at SCENT Houston Explain
- Madeleine Herman
- Jun 23
- 3 min read
By: Dr. Madeleine Samuelson Herman, MD, MPH, FAAOA
That uncomfortable fullness or popping sensation in your ears—especially during a flight, allergy flare-up, or sinus infection—is a common issue we hear from patients at SCENT Houston – Sinus Center & ENT Specialists of Houston. While ear pressure is often harmless, it can sometimes signal an underlying condition that needs treatment.
In this post, our Houston ENT specialists explain what causes ear pressure, how to relieve it, and when to see a doctor.
What Is Ear Pressure?
Ear pressure occurs when there's an imbalance between the pressure inside your middle ear and the external environment. The Eustachian tubes—small passages that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat—help regulate this pressure. When they become blocked or inflamed, pressure builds up behind the eardrum.
Common Causes of Ear Pressure
1. Allergies
Houston’s high pollen and mold levels can cause nasal inflammation, which affects the Eustachian tubes and leads to ear pressure.
2. Sinus Infections or Congestion
Swollen sinuses can block the drainage pathways near your ears, causing that familiar full or “plugged” feeling.
3. Colds and Upper Respiratory Infections
Viruses that cause congestion can also cause your Eustachian tube to swell, creating pressure or muffled hearing.
4. Air Travel or Altitude Changes
Rapid elevation shifts (like on a plane or in the mountains) can overwhelm the Eustachian tube’s ability to balance pressure.
5. Earwax Buildup
A blockage in the ear canal from impacted earwax can also mimic ear pressure or fullness.
6. Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders
Jaw tension or dysfunction can radiate pressure to the ears.
Symptoms That Often Accompany Ear Pressure
Popping or crackling sounds
Muffled hearing
Pain or discomfort in the ear
Feeling of fullness or blockage
Dizziness or imbalance (in some cases)
How to Relieve Ear Pressure
✅ 1. Try the Valsalva Maneuver
Close your mouth, pinch your nose, and gently exhale—this can help equalize ear pressure, especially during flights.
✅ 2. Use a Nasal Decongestant
Sprays or oral decongestants can reduce swelling around the Eustachian tubes and allow pressure to normalize.
✅ 3. Try Steam or a Warm Compress
Moist heat can loosen mucus and relieve inflammation in the nasal passages and sinuses.
✅ 4. Stay Hydrated and Avoid Sudden Pressure Changes
Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can also help balance inner ear pressure.
✅ 5. Manage Allergies
If allergies are the root cause, consistent treatment with antihistamines, nasal sprays, or immunotherapy may help prevent flare-ups that affect your ears.
When to See an ENT for Ear Pressure
If you experience ear pressure that lasts more than a few days, worsens over time, or is accompanied by pain, hearing loss, or dizziness, it’s time to see a specialist.
At SCENT Houston, we offer:
Eustachian tube function testing
Sinus and allergy evaluations
Earwax removal
Medical and surgical treatment options for chronic pressure or fluid in the ear
Breathe, Hear, and Feel Better
Ongoing ear pressure can affect your comfort, hearing, and overall health. At SCENT Houston, our ENT experts get to the root of the problem—so you can get back to feeling like yourself.
📞 Contact us today to schedule your evaluation and start your path to relief.
📍 Conveniently located in Houston, serving Bellaire, River Oaks, Memorial, Tanglewood, West University, and nearby communities.
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