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Ear pressure - pressure in the ear - causes and therapy
Pressure in the ear: causes and treatment
Ear pressure - who does not know the unpleasant feeling? A drive by car into the mountains and the further up it goes, the more the unpleasant pressure on the ears arises. It is also completely normal when landing and taking off the aircraft and can often be positively influenced by the chewing of chewing gum. In addition to the rather harmless symptoms of altitude changes, but can also be various diseases such as a middle ear infection cause. In these cases, a doctor should be consulted promptly to avoid serious illnesses or complications such as persistent deafness.
contents
- Pressure in the ear: causes and treatment
- Pressure in the ear due to earwax
- Pressure sensation with infections
- Ear pressure due to eardrum perforation
- Cause hearing loss
- Other reasons for pressure on the ears
- Treatment of ear pressure
- What to do with ear pressure in the plane?
- Naturopathy with pressure in the ears
Pressure in the ear due to earwax
Ear pressure is not a disease, but a symptom that accompanies various diseases, especially in the ear. Often an excess of earwax (cerumen) is the cause. This yellowish brown gland secretion is formed in the external auditory canal and secreted. It is used for cleaning and as protection against microorganisms. If it is too much produced, it may obstruct the ear canal and thus lead to an annoying feeling of pressure in the ear. Partly this also affects the hearing.
The unpleasant feeling of pressure can arise, for example, from an accumulation of earwax. (Image: underdogstudios / fotolia.com) Sometimes a Cerumenpfropf arises after bathing or swimming. The penetrated water in the ear forms in this case together with the earwax a plug, which moves the ear canal so that ear pressure develops.
Often a false ear hygiene is the reason for the complaints. Because if the cerumen is brought further in the direction of the eardrum by using a Q-tip, the ear canal becomes blocked. That is why cotton buds have nothing to look for in the ear and should absolutely be removed from an excessive cleaning of the ear.
Pressure sensation with infections
Reason for the complaints may be inflammation in the ear canal and / or the eardrum. As a trigger come here, for example, dirty bath water, mechanical irritation or pathogens into consideration. Affected individuals typically suffer from earache, ear pressure, and sometimes even tinnitus.
In a so-called "tubal catarrh," which occurs acutely or chronically, the mucosa of the Eustachian tube is swollen due to inflammation and thus restricted the function of the tube. The normal ventilation of the middle ear is hampered by this, causing the known pressure on the ears. The acute form usually occurs in conjunction with a cold. Other typical symptoms include pain and crackling in the ear and a possible hearing loss.
If the mucosa of the eustachian tube is inflamed (tubal catarrh), in addition to ear pressure, e.g. even a temporary hearing loss occur. (Image: Brian Jackson / fotolia.com) The chronic form affects mainly children, with those affected suffer from a significant impairment of hearing. In addition, there is a massive feeling of pressure in the ear, possibly associated with "gurgling" ear noises when eating, yawning or whining. Again and again, a delayed speech development is discovered in the small patients, triggered by the decreased hearing.
Ear pressure due to eardrum perforation
The reason for the ear pressure may be a tympanic perforation (a hole in the eardrum). This can be caused, for example, by an explosion, too rapid emergence after a dive (barotrauma) or an injury with objects such as knitting needles or hairgrips. The patients affected by a perforated eardrum complain of sudden hearing loss, ear pressure and severe pain. Danger: A hole in the eardrum must not use ear drops!
Cause hearing loss
In the course of what is known as a "hearing loss", sufferers often report a feeling of pressure that feels like cotton wool is in the ear. The hearing loss or "ear infarction" describes a sudden onset, usually one-sided hearing loss, which may extend to complete hearing loss.
The exact background for this phenomenon is not yet fully understood. Some scientists suspect a connection with circulatory disorders of the inner ear. Likewise, chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases are discussed as possible triggers, and stress is often considered the cause of hearing loss.
Other reasons for pressure on the ears
If nasal breathing is constantly obstructed, for example due to a nasal septal defect, a negative pressure is created in the middle ear, resulting in unpleasant pressure on the ears. In severe cases, only a surgical procedure can help here.
Furthermore, the cervical spine may be responsible for the discomfort. The topmost cervical vertebra, the atlas, carries the head. Many nerve tracts and blood vessels run in this area, and the ear is not far away either. Therefore, in diseases in this area, the emergence of ear pressure is possible.
The same applies to so-called craniomandibular dysfunction (CMD). The starting point is the temporomandibular joint, which is affected by an incorrect loading and / or misalignment. In addition to teeth grinding, headaches, dizziness and other symptoms, this can also cause an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in the ear.
For the treatment of inflammations of the Eustachian tube usually decongestant nose drops are used. (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com) Treatment of ear pressure
If an inflammation is the reason for the complaints, this is of course to treat. The transition to the doctor is therefore indicated in any case. In order to eliminate swelling in the connecting passage between middle ear and nasopharyngeal space ("Eustachian tube", also called "Eustachian tube"), mucosal decongestant nasal drops are usually administered. Especially with smaller children, it is recommended to use a suitable nasal spray for every cold, in order to prevent a tubal catarrh.
If a Cerumenpfropf the cause of the ear pressure, is removed with the physician with the help of a Ohrspülung. In the case of inflammation of the external auditory canal, the insertion of an ointment strip which has been soaked in alcohol, antibiotics or cortisone may help. Sometimes the use of appropriate ear drops is enough.
If conditions around the cervical spine (such as the cervical spine syndrome) are the trigger, drugs and / or physiotherapy are used, depending on the cause. The treatment of craniomandibular dysfunction is not a simple matter. Accordingly, the treatment should definitely be performed by specialized therapists.
Constant obstruction of nasal breathing, which leads to a permanent pressure in the ear or even in both ears, are - if no other therapy leads to success - eliminated by surgery.
In the case of a sudden loss of hearing, which often occurs in people who have great stress in their lives and do not master it, circulation-enhancing infusions and cortisone are used, although there is no clear evidence of the effect.
What to do with ear pressure in the plane?
When starting or landing by plane, the ear must - in view of the changes in air pressure - provide pressure equalization. Everyone knows the resulting, unpleasant pressure on the ear. To moisturize the mucous membranes during a flight, it is recommended to use a nasal spray (e.g., sea salt spray) prior to flight. It is also important to drink enough water during a flight.
Against pressure on the ears when flying, can e.g. a special breathing technique can be used. (Image: SI-Me / fotolia.com) In case of difficulties with the pressure equalization the so-called "Valsalva maneuver" can help. It is tried with the nose and closed mouth trying to exhale vigorously over the nose. This also apply to divers to prevent barotrauma. Yawning, chewing and swallowing can also help fight pressure.
Naturopathy with pressure in the ears
The feeling of pressure often occurs in connection with infections. Especially if these are relapsing, naturopathy can serve well. Danger: Any inflammation in the area of the ear, however, should first be clarified by a doctor.
The self-blood therapy is a suitable way to tackle an infection susceptibility and thus to combat the pressure on the ears. Guidance, such as a cantharp patch applied to the mastoid (bone behind the ear), can be an effective home remedy for otitis media.
The homeopathic remedy Pulsatilla helps with discomfort that feels like something is pushing out or the ear is blocked. Potassium bichromicum is used in chronic catarrhal inflammation and thus eliminates the discomfort. Luffa operculata and Ferrum phosphoricum are relatively well-known remedies that promise relief in tubal catarrh and glandular flu.
Some effective nasal drops containing plant extracts and / or sea salt are used to treat upper respiratory tract infections. Ear drops can soothe the mucous membrane in the ear canal, but should never be used if the eardrum is defective. Those affected are also advised to suck herbal sweets and chew chewing gum to stimulate the swallowing act. This can improve the ventilation situation and thus counteract the pressure.
Chewing gum can help get rid of the ear pressure. (Image: nyul / fotolia.com) Ear acupuncture and body acupuncture are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In children, the gentler version, laser acupuncture, is given preference.
Warm pads liquefy the secretion. Some home remedies for earache also show against ear pressure effect. Warm onion wraps, for example, often help relieve discomfort. In many naturopathic practices ear plugs are also used with appropriate impairments. These have anti-inflammatory, blood circulation and have a calming component.
Instructions for an Onion Pad:
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If the cause is to be sought in the area of the cervical spine, injections with remedies from anthroposophic medicine promise relief. In strong tension, the Baunscheidtherapie and cupping a positive effect is attributed.
If the sufferers are often tense, they should learn to deal better with stress. Relaxation exercises such as autogenic training or yoga help. Further effective help in reducing stress is offered by classical homeopathy and the Schüssler salts no. 7 magnesium phosphoricum and no. 5 potassium phosphoricum.
In case of constant tension, it is still advisable to rethink the diet. Because a strongly acidic diet may well cause acidification of the organism or an imbalance in the acid-base balance and in this way permanent, therapy-resistant tension.
To counteract this, animals should be reduced and often vegetables and fruits should be consumed. It is recommended to drink at least two to two and a half liters of still water a day. In addition, exercise in the fresh air can strengthen the immune system and thereby prevent recurring infections. (sw, nr, last updated on January 10, 2017)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor) 