Symptom 5. Feeling of Fullness in the Ear: An Unsettling Sensation in ETD
A sensation of fullness in the ear is a common symptom of ETD. It is as if your ear is stuffed with cotton, creating a sense of pressure or blockage. This symptom is directly linked to the inability of the malfunctioning Eustachian tube to equalize the pressure within the middle ear.
This fullness is not always painful but can be quite unsettling. The pressure in your ear can distract you from your tasks and make you feel generally uncomfortable. Moreover, this sensation might be accompanied by a mild form of hearing loss, further adding to the discomfort.
Certain activities, such as yawning, swallowing, or lying down, may intensify this feeling of fullness. These activities typically help equalize the pressure in your ear, but when ETD is present, they instead draw attention to the existing imbalance.
Interestingly, individuals with this symptom often report a constant need to “pop” their ears. While this might provide temporary relief, frequent manual equalization can potentially lead to further complications.
A feeling of fullness in your ear could be more than a harmless after-effect of swimming or flying; it might be a sign of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. This sensation is not just a minor inconvenience – it is your body telling you that something is not quite right. Don’t overlook this unsettling sensation; understanding it could be the path to restoring your comfort. (5)
