If everything sounds like you’re underwater, there’s a lot of pressure in your ears, or like you have your hands over your ears, it can be really frustrating. If you’re wondering, “Why does my ear feel full or muffled,” there’s often a really simple explanation.
Why Does My Ear Feel Full or Muffled? Is It More Serious Than It Sounds?
The answer is often cerumen, commonly known as ear wax.
This feeling is often caused by a buildup of cerumen, which can block sound from reaching your eardrum, affecting both comfort and your hearing.
Ignoring it won’t make it go away. In fact, it usually makes it worse.
Common signs of ear wax blockage you shouldn’t ignore include:
- A constant feeling of pressure or fullness
- Muffled or reduced hearing clarity
- Ringing or buzzing in one or both ears
- Dizziness or vertigo when moving your head
- A sensation like something is stuck inside your ear
- Foul odor or discharge from the ear canal
- Difficulty hearing conversations or needing to turn the volume way up
Home Treatment Isn’t the Answer and Can Make Things Worse
Cotton tips, hairpins, keys, ear candles, and other tools that seem like they may help remove the wax can actually push it deeper, scratch your ear canal, or, in the worst case, damage your eardrum.
How Professionals Treat an Ear Wax Blockage
An ENT uses precise tools to gently remove the blockage and clear your ear canal completely.
The treatments available are quick and comfortable, and you’ll likely notice immediate relief once the cerumen impaction is gone.
Clogged Ears Disappear With the Help of Our ENTs
Don’t wait for this to resolve on its own when wondering, “Why does my ear feel full or muffled?” Professional care is just a call away!
At ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery, our team provides gentle ear wax removal safely and effectively so you can hear clearly and feel comfortable again.
For the quick relief you need, call our team at 703-448-0005 today!