The feeling that water is trapped inside the ear, commonly known as aural fullness, is a frequent and often frustrating sensation. It is characterized by muffled hearing, a sense of pressure, or a physical blockage within the ear canal or behind the eardrum. This discomfort originates from either a physical obstruction or an imbalance in air pressure within the middle ear space. Understanding the cause helps determine the appropriate action for relief.
Temporary and Mechanical Causes of Aural Fullness
The most straightforward cause of the “water in the ear” feeling involves liquid temporarily trapped in the external ear canal, often after swimming or showering. To help drain this trapped water, tilt the head to the side and gently pull the earlobe, using gravity to encourage the liquid to exit. Applying a hair dryer on a low, warm setting a foot away can also assist in evaporating the moisture.
Another mechanical obstruction is the excessive accumulation of cerumen, or earwax. While earwax normally migrates out, it can become impacted, fully blocking the canal and leading to fullness and muffled hearing. Over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften the wax can be used. However, objects like cotton swabs should be avoided, as they often push the wax deeper.
Minor changes in ambient air pressure, such as during air travel or driving in mountains, can also produce a temporary feeling of fullness. This barotrauma occurs when the pressure outside the ear changes faster than the middle ear can equalize. Actions like chewing gum or swallowing repeatedly can help alleviate this temporary pressure difference.
Understanding Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
When ear fullness persists beyond simple mechanical causes, the issue often stems from the body’s internal pressure regulation system. The Eustachian tube is a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat. Its function is to ventilate the middle ear, ensuring the air pressure behind the eardrum matches the outside atmosphere, which is necessary for proper hearing.
Normally, this tube remains closed but opens briefly when swallowing, yawning, or chewing to equalize pressure. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) occurs when this tube becomes blocked or inflamed, usually due to swelling from a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection. When the tube cannot open, the air trapped in the middle ear is absorbed, creating a vacuum of negative pressure that pulls the eardrum inward.
This negative pressure causes the characteristic feeling of a plugged or full ear, sometimes accompanied by a popping or clicking sound. Prolonged ETD can lead to the accumulation of sterile fluid in the middle ear, a condition called serous otitis media, which intensifies the feeling of blockage. To relieve this pressure, perform the Valsalva maneuver by taking a deep breath, pinching the nostrils shut, and gently blowing air while keeping the mouth closed.
Nasal decongestant sprays or oral decongestants can help reduce the swelling of the nasal and Eustachian tube linings, promoting their function. Nasal sprays should be used cautiously and only for a few days to avoid rebound congestion. Consistent management of underlying conditions, such as using antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays for allergies, can also prevent the recurring inflammation that leads to ETD.
Recognizing Symptoms That Require Medical Attention
While many causes of aural fullness resolve with home care, certain symptoms indicate a more serious condition requiring professional medical evaluation. A persistent feeling of fullness lasting longer than 48 to 72 hours, despite home remedies, warrants a consultation. This is true if the symptom is accompanied by moderate pain that does not improve with over-the-counter medication.
Discharge from the ear, particularly if it is thick, yellow, green, or bloody, is a sign of a potential infection or a perforated eardrum. Symptoms of an active middle ear infection (otitis media) can include a fever above 100.4°F, suggesting a process that may need specific treatment. Any sudden, significant loss of hearing in one ear, or the onset of severe vertigo, should be considered an immediate concern.
These severe signs suggest complications beyond simple pressure imbalance, such as an active infection or an inner ear disorder. Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious issues, including permanent hearing damage or the spread of infection. A healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the underlying cause, differentiate between sterile fluid buildup and an active infection, and recommend targeted treatment.