Discomfort courtesy of an increase in the ear pressure preponderantly occurs due to malfunctioning of the Eustachian tube -- a channel that connects the nasopharynx to the middle ear. It opens and closes while we swallow, or yawn. This movement helps equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the external environment.
Pressure buildup in the middle ear -- also regarded as ear barotrauma in medical nomenclature -- may lead to a blocked ear, pain, and a borderline degree of hearing loss. Besides, sinus infection is a common cause of ear pressure problem. Sinus pressure builds up when the cavities endure an inflammation, become infected, or occluded with mucus. Remedies to relieve ear pressure are elucidated herein.
Consider These Measures
✔ Yawn. It will help in opening the Eustachian tubes, hence allowing the pressure in the middle ear to equalize with the air pressure in the environment.
✔ Eat a chewing gum or hard candy. This will allow some movement of the Eustachian tubes, thereby relieving ear pressure.
✔ Close one of your nostrils with your finger, and blow your nose gently. Don't blow with force, as this may lead to severe ear pain.
✔ Fold a few paper towels together, wet them with warm water, and place them over your ear. Sleep on your side, with the affected ear facing upward. Now, place a small cup over the towel placed on your ear. The heat from the paper towels will force your ears to open up.
✔ Buy a decongestant or nasal spray. These will help release ear pressure caused due to sinus infections.
✔ A warm compress is another method to combat the problem. Place a cloth soaked in hot water over your ear. The heat penetrates from the cloth, thus releasing ear pressure.
✔ Keep your head elevated, using two or three pillows while you sleep.
✔ Take a hot shower, or steam for at least 15-20 minutes. Steam is quite helpful in relieving this problem and reducing the constant discomfort caused due to ear pressure.
✔ As mentioned above, over-the-counter nasal decongestants should help relieve sinus pressure. You can also opt for a saline nasal spray. It is a mixture of water and salt, which helps moisturize and relieve sinus problem. It also helps get rid of allergens. A saline nasal spray, usually is available in an easy-to-use bottle.
✔ Another solution to relieving ear pressure is to lie down on your side, or in what is termed the right/left lateral recumbent position, depending on the ear that is affected. For instance, if you endure the discrepancy in the left ear, sleep in the right lateral recumbent position; i.e., lie on your right, for your left ear to face upwards. Now, carefully shift yourself toward the sides of your mattress, in such a way that the axial portion of your body -- i.e., the head and shoulder -- suspend over the bedstead. The change in position may help relieve the pressure.
✔ Simple methods, sometimes, may be considered run-of-the-mill quirks; however, more often than not, they are the only ones to come to our rescue. Well, the word is swallow. Gulping water intermittently is most likely to unclog your ear.
✔ Close your nose by pinching it between your fingers, and try to exhale. Excessive force or pressure exerted on the nasal cavity may lead to headache. This should help open your ear, if not completely, at least partially.
✔ Massaging the periphery of the ear with a potion made of garlic and olive oil may soothe the ache. Glide the oil starting from the otic to the cervical region to facilitate lymphatic drainage.
✔ Do this only when you have no plans to engage in any activity, at least for 10 to 15 minutes. Place a garlic clove over the intertragic notch -- the U-shaped groove that follows the tragus or the fleshy projection you have at the entrance of the ear. Let it rest on site for sometime. You may feel the warmth penetrating; however, if you feel even the slightest of discomfort, withdraw the garlic clove. Drizzle the surface of the clove -- one that comes in contact with the ear region -- with olive oil, and put back the garlic clove onto the region.
✔ Onions may be considered the lesser-known, medieval cousins of the urban hot water bottles; however, there is no compromise on the relief it delivers to the region. Chop an onion, and heat it for a few seconds, or until it reaches body temperature. Wrap the onion in a cotton cloth, and place it over the ear. Needless to say, it works as a hot compress. Know that you may repeat the procedure, but not the onion. Chop a fresh one every time.
You must try the remedies given above for curing ear infections and relieving ear pressure problems. While some of you may experience quick relief, others may not record any improvement in the condition. In case you don't get relief and the condition worsens, it is best to consult a doctor. He/she will prescribe you the right medication considering the severity of your problem.
Disclaimer: The article published herein, is meant to accomplish pedagogical purposes only. The recommendations mentioned hereby may not be generically applicable. The information, by no means, intends to supplant the diagnosis and advice imparted by the medical practitioner.