Things to know about ear pressure

Ear pressure can be caused by an obstruction, such as earwax build-up or a foreign object,  inflammation, a perforated eardrum, psychological stress and tension in the neck or temporomandibular joint (TMJ). People who grind their teeth at night may experience ear pressure, headaches, and jaw pain.

Ear pressure, along with tinnitus or sudden hearing loss, may indicate an underlying ear condition that requires medical attention.

When traveling on express trains, many individuals may experience ear pressure, and in some cases, ear pain, particularly when entering a tunnel. This is due to the sudden and significant change in air pressure caused by the train's movement. As the train enters the tunnel, the air is compressed, leading to an increase in air pressure. However, the body may not have enough time to adjust to the change in pressure, resulting in a feeling of pressure in the ears.

Due to the rapid nature of pressure changes during flight, the body's automatic pressure equalization mechanism fails to function on an airplane. During takeoff in an airplane, the cabin pressure decreases as the plane gains altitude. This decrease in pressure can cause a build-up of pressure in the middle ear, leading to discomfort or even pain in the ears.

Upon landing, the external pressure rises again as the plane descends, which can cause a negative pressure in the middle ear if pressure equalization doesn't occur. This negative pressure can also result in discomfort or pain in the ears.

In the event of sudden ear pressure in one or both ears, simple techniques can often alleviate the discomfort. Try swallowing several times, chewing (like gum), or yawning, as these movements usually open the auditory tube, thereby equalising any negative or positive pressure in the ear. If these techniques prove ineffective, perform the Valsalva manoeuvre by pinching the nose and mouth closed while exhaling slowly, forcing air into the Eustachian tube and equalizing the pressure in the middle ear.

For individuals who frequently experience ear pressure before flights or while traveling with a cold, using a nasal spray beforehand can be beneficial. The decongestant properties of the spray helps air circulate better in the nasopharynx and auditory tube, thus preventing ear pressure. In such cases, it is best to use the spray again before landing.

If ear pressure persists despite attempts to alleviate it through chewing or similar techniques, seek medical attention to identify and relieve its underlying cause. In the simplest case, it may be due to earwax build-up in the ear canal, which can be removed by a doctor through a simple ear irrigation procedure. 

When fluid accumulation in the middle ear causes pressure on the eardrum and prevents drainage, minor surgical intervention may be necessary for long-term relief. This typically involves puncturing the eardrum to allow fluid to escape through a small opening.

In cases where this problem occurs frequently, a tympanostomy tube can be inserted into the eardrum to facilitate ventilation of the middle ear and allow fluids to drain more effectively.

When fluid accumulates or pressure imbalances occur in the ear, it is often due to illnesses like the common cold that can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes or swelling in the ear, nose, and throat areas responsible for regulating air pressure - such as the auditory tube.

Allergic reactions can also lead to swelling and pressure in the ears, and treating the underlying condition with medication is recommended in such cases. Depending on the cause, decongestant nasal sprays, antibiotics, or antiallergic agents may be useful.

Frequent ear pressure can be a result of tension in the muscles and incorrect strain on the vertebrae, which can affect the normal functioning of the ear and lead to pressure imbalances. In such cases, a doctor may recommend physiotherapy to address them. Physiotherapy is a treatment method that involves exercises, massages, and other techniques to improve the function of the affected muscles and joints, which can help relieve the ear pressure.

The Valsalva manoeuvre serves not only to balance ear pressure but also to remedy hiccups and alleviate tachycardia. It proves beneficial in situations involving sudden pressure changes, such as during descent while diving or in-flight aboard an airplane. In these instances, the pressure tends to close the Eustachian tubes, hindering the adjustment of pressure within the middle ear.The Valsalva manoeuvre serves not only to balance ear pressure but also to remedy hiccups and alleviate tachycardia. It proves beneficial in situations involving sudden pressure changes, such as during descent while diving or in-flight aboard an airplane. In these instances, the pressure tends to close the Eustachian tubes, hindering the adjustment of pressure within the middle ear.