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What Causes Plugged Ears?
Question: my ears have been blocked 4 sometime . 1 specialist put grommets in my ears and after 3 weeks I had them removed because they hurt more . humidity rain and ducted air also makes them worse
Brief Answer:
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to healthcaremagic,
Blocked ears are usually due to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tubes connect the nose to the ears and help to ventilate the ears.
Common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction are allergies of the nose, infections of the nose, growths like polyps or tumours of the nose.
Allergies , infections and growths in the nose need to be ruled out in your case. You will also need to undergo a nasal endoscopy to see the opening of the tube. Any block there can be seen clearly on endoscopy. Many times the cause for the block cannot be ascertained inspite of all investigations.
Till you see the specialist again, you can use decongestant nose drops like otrivin. These drops help to keep the tubes patent and hence ventilate the ears. Instill 3 drops in each nostril 3 times daily and follow it up with steam inhalation for 5 days.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids and avoid using air conditioner and fan.
Feel free to follow up,
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi (MS ENT)
Eustachian tube dysfunction
Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome to healthcaremagic,
Blocked ears are usually due to Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tubes connect the nose to the ears and help to ventilate the ears.
Common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction are allergies of the nose, infections of the nose, growths like polyps or tumours of the nose.
Allergies , infections and growths in the nose need to be ruled out in your case. You will also need to undergo a nasal endoscopy to see the opening of the tube. Any block there can be seen clearly on endoscopy. Many times the cause for the block cannot be ascertained inspite of all investigations.
Till you see the specialist again, you can use decongestant nose drops like otrivin. These drops help to keep the tubes patent and hence ventilate the ears. Instill 3 drops in each nostril 3 times daily and follow it up with steam inhalation for 5 days.
Remember to drink plenty of fluids and avoid using air conditioner and fan.
Feel free to follow up,
Regards,
Dr Rajkishori Godhi (MS ENT)
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Shanthi.E
Answered by
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