Why Your Ears Feel Blocked – Common Causes and When to See an ENT
Blocked or “full” feeling in the ears is incredibly common. For some people it comes and goes, while for others it becomes a daily frustration, affecting hearing, balance, concentration, and even comfort when flying.
At Hampshire ENT Clinics and Medicana Winchester, our consultants assess and treat all causes of ear blockage for patients across Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Salisbury, and the wider region.
Whether it’s due to wax, sinus problems, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or something more complex, most cases can be easily diagnosed and treated.
👂 Common Causes of Blocked Ears
1. Earwax Build-Up
One of the most common and treatable causes.
May cause muffled hearing, discomfort, or ringing
Often worsened by cotton buds or in-ear devices
Safely removed with microsuction at Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester
2. Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD)
The Eustachian tube equalises pressure between the ear and throat. If it stops working properly, you may feel:
Blocked or “popping” ears
A pressure sensation
Difficulty flying, diving, or during colds
Severe cases may benefit from Eustachian Tube Balloon Dilation, available locally.
3. Glue Ear (Otitis Media with Effusion)
Common in children, but adults get it too.
Fluid collects behind the eardrum, causing hearing loss and muffling
Often follows colds, sinus infections, or allergies
May require nasal treatment or grommet insertion
4. Sinus and Allergy Problems
Hay fever, nasal congestion or chronic sinusitis can cause swelling around the Eustachian tube opening.
Common in Hampshire’s high-pollen seasons
May respond to sprays, antihistamines, or sinus treatment
5. Ear Infection
Outer or middle ear infections may cause:
Blockage
Pain
Discharge
Temporary hearing loss
6. TMJ (Jaw) Dysfunction
Jaw tension can refer symptoms to the ear, causing blockage or fullness.
7. Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
A rare but serious cause.
If your hearing drops suddenly, seek urgent ENT assessment at Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester. Early treatment is essential.
🔍 When Should You See an ENT Specialist?
Book an ENT review if you have:
Ear blockage lasting longer than 2–3 weeks
Recurrent blocked ears or hearing changes
A blocked ear after a cold that doesn’t clear
Difficulty equalising when flying
Tinnitus or dizziness with blockage
Sudden hearing loss (urgent, within 24 hours)
At Hampshire ENT Clinics and Medicana Winchester, we offer:
Consultant-led ear examination
Microsuction ear cleaning
Hearing tests
Nasendoscopy for Eustachian tube and sinus issues
Balloon dilation, grommets, and medical management
🌟 Local Expert Care Across Hampshire
You don’t need to travel far for specialist ear care. We provide modern ENT treatment at:
Hampshire ENT Clinics (Portsmouth, Winchester, Salisbury & surrounding region)
Medicana Winchester
Our fully consultant-led service ensures fast, accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment for all ages.
👉 If your ears feel persistently blocked, book an appointment with Hampshire ENT Clinics or Medicana Winchester for expert assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Blocked or “Full” Feeling in the Ears
What does a blocked or “full” ear usually mean?
A blocked or full sensation usually means sound or pressure is not being transmitted normally through the ear. This can be due to wax, pressure problems, fluid behind the eardrum, or less commonly inner-ear conditions.
What is the most common cause of blocked ears?
Earwax build-up is the most common and easily treatable cause. Impacted wax can cause muffled hearing, fullness, tinnitus, and discomfort.
Should I use cotton buds to clear a blocked ear?
No. Cotton buds often push wax deeper into the ear canal and can cause injury. Professional removal with microsuction is the safest option.
What is Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD)?
ETD occurs when the tube that equalises pressure between the middle ear and the throat does not function properly. This can cause pressure, popping, discomfort when flying, and a blocked sensation.
Can colds or sinus problems block my ears?
Yes. Colds, sinus infections, allergies, and hay fever can cause swelling around the Eustachian tube opening, leading to pressure and fluid build-up behind the eardrum.
Is glue ear only a childhood problem?
No. While common in children, adults can also develop glue ear, particularly after infections, sinus problems, or during allergy seasons.
Why do my ears feel blocked when flying?
Changes in air pressure during ascent and descent can overwhelm the Eustachian tube, especially if it is inflamed or blocked. Persistent problems should be assessed.
Can jaw problems cause ear blockage?
Yes. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction can refer sensations of fullness, pressure, or discomfort to the ear, even when the ear itself is healthy.
When is a blocked ear an emergency?
You should seek urgent ENT assessment if:
Hearing loss comes on suddenly (within hours or a day)
The blockage is associated with dizziness or imbalance
There is sudden tinnitus with hearing drop
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss is rare but time-critical.
How is ear blockage investigated?
Assessment may include:
ENT examination of the ear
Microsuction if wax is present
Hearing tests (audiogram)
Tympanometry to assess middle-ear pressure
Nasendoscopy if Eustachian tube or sinus problems are suspected
Investigations are tailored to symptoms.
Will blocked ears go away on their own?
Some causes do, especially after colds. However, blockage lasting more than 2–3 weeks or recurring frequently should be assessed to prevent ongoing hearing or balance problems.
What treatments are available?
Treatment depends on the cause and may include:
Microsuction wax removal
Nasal sprays or antihistamines
Treatment for sinus disease
Grommets for persistent fluid
Balloon dilation for Eustachian tube dysfunction
Reassurance and monitoring where appropriate
Where can I be assessed?
Consultant-led assessment and treatment are available at Hampshire ENT Clinics and Medicana Winchester, serving patients across Winchester, Southampton, Portsmouth, Salisbury, and the wider Hampshire region.