Aural fullness is a sensation of over-fullness or pressure in the ears. It can feel like your ears are plugged up or like you're underwater. This sensation can be accompanied by other symptoms like:
- Hearing loss: Difficulty hearing sounds clearly.
- Tinnitus: Ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears.
- Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or off-balance.
- Headache: Pain in the head, often around the ears.
Causes of Aural Fullness:
Aural fullness can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Ear infections: Infections in the middle ear can cause inflammation and fluid buildup, leading to a feeling of fullness.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause inflammation in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. This can lead to a feeling of fullness.
- Changes in air pressure: Sudden changes in air pressure, such as during airplane travel or scuba diving, can cause a feeling of fullness.
- Earwax buildup: Excessive earwax can block the ear canal, leading to a feeling of fullness.
- Tumors: In rare cases, a tumor in the ear or surrounding area can cause a feeling of fullness.
Treatment for Aural Fullness:
The treatment for aural fullness depends on the underlying cause. Some common treatments include:
- Medications: Antibiotics may be prescribed for ear infections.
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines can help reduce inflammation caused by allergies.
- Decongestants: Decongestants can help open up the Eustachian tubes.
- Ear drops: Ear drops can help soften earwax or treat infections.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a tumor or correct a structural problem in the ear.
If you experience aural fullness, it's important to see a doctor to determine the underlying cause and get the appropriate treatment.
