When ear problems already exist, even a shift in position or a change in muscle tension can cause pain and the feeling of a "full" or blocked ear. Minor inflammations of the Eustachian tubes may linger after an illness and signal that you haven't completely recovered. Many medical conditions with these symptoms require a physician's attention.
Pressure Changes
For physical balance and clear hearing, the air pressure in the middle ear must equal the atmospheric pressure on the ear drum. Air pressure balances when the Eustachian tube leading to the throat opens, equalizing pressure in the middle ear. When tissues in the Eustachian tube swell due to inflammation, or the tubes fill with mucus from infection, the ear feels full and even a change in posture could trigger ear pain. Abrupt changes in air pressure when Eustachian tubes remain closed could cause genuine damage called barotrauma but usually cause only temporary discomfort.
Inflammation
Inflamed tissues near the ear as well as infections within the ear could cause blocked Eustachian tubes. Mild inflammation could seal the tubes during exercise as activity swells nearby muscles with more blood. Dental problems including bad teeth and temporomandibular joint syndrome could swell the Eustachian tubes to the brink of closure. Serious infections causing dramatic symptoms such as redness and swelling around and within the ear, pus drainage and intense pain call for an immediate visit to the doctor. Mild symptoms usually clear up spontaneously in 3 to 5 days. Exercising while ill could complicate recovery, according to Dr. Michael Cannon, a specialist in sports medicine at St. Louis University.
Waxy Buildup
Blockage may occur in the outer ear canal instead of the Eustachian canal, especially if you wear earplugs or earphones while exercising, according to Dr. Celeste Robb-Nicholson, Editor in Chief of "Harvard Women's Health Watch." Wax normally works out of the ear canal without special cleaning. Ill-fitting earphones might damage the ear canal and push ear wax back toward the eardrum. Hardened wax building up within a swollen ear canal could cause an external blockage.
Congestion
Irritants which cause inflammation in the nose and sinuses could also cause the openings of the Eustachian canals to swell and close. Indoor pollution as well as seasonal outdoor problems might trigger the reaction. Even small amounts of dust or fumes generated by poorly maintained exercise machines may bother some people. Cleaning the exercise room could help. Seasonal allergies often respond to over-the-counter decongestants. Chronic nasal problems could result in ear infections, says Dr. Hector N. Hernandez, a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology. If symptoms persist, see your doctor.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Ear Barotrauma - Overview
- Family Doctor.org: Ear Problems
- Saint Louis University: Tip Sheet: Tips for Surviving -- Achoo -- Cold and Flu Season; Sara Savat; January 11, 2008
- "Harvard Women's Health Watch"; What Can I Do About Earwax Buildup?; Celeste Robb-Nicholson; February 2008
- Hector N. Hernadez: How Allergies Affect Your Child's Health; Hector N. Hernandez; 2004
