What is the treatment for aural fullness (feeling of fullness in the ears)?

From the Guidelines

To treat ears feeling full, start with simple home remedies like yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum to open the Eustachian tubes, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. The Valsalva maneuver (pinching your nose closed while gently blowing out with your mouth closed) can help equalize pressure. Over-the-counter options include pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) 30-60mg every 4-6 hours for adults to reduce congestion, or antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) 10mg daily if allergies are the cause. Nasal saline sprays can moisturize and clear nasal passages. For persistent fullness, try an over-the-counter nasal steroid like fluticasone (Flonase) - 1-2 sprays per nostril daily for up to 2 weeks. If symptoms are severe or last longer than 1-2 weeks, especially with pain, hearing loss, or fever, see a doctor as you may need prescription medications or have an ear infection requiring antibiotics. Ear fullness often results from Eustachian tube dysfunction, where the tubes connecting your middle ear to your throat become blocked, preventing proper pressure equalization between your ear and the environment.

Some key points to consider:

• Avoid inserting foreign objects into the ear canal, as this can cause injuries or worsen cerumen impaction 2, 3.
• Cerumen impaction can cause symptoms such as decreased hearing, fullness, tinnitus, and distortion/changes to hearing aid function 2, 3.
• If home remedies are unsuccessful, seek medical attention, as ear fullness can be a symptom of potentially serious conditions 4.
• A team approach to management, including familiarity with hearing aids, hearing-assistive technology, tinnitus management, and implantable hearing solutions, may be necessary for some patients 4.

It is essential to prioritize the patient's quality of life and address any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the ear fullness. By following these guidelines and considering the patient's individual needs, healthcare providers can help alleviate ear fullness and improve overall outcomes.

From the FDA Drug Label

Uses for occasional use as an aid to soften, loosen, and remove excessive earwax Directions FOR USE IN THE EAR ONLY adults and children over 12 years of age: • tilt head sideways • place 5 to 10 drops into ear • tip of applicator should not enter ear canal • keep drops in ear for several minutes by keeping head tilted or placing cotton in the ear • use twice daily for up to four days if needed, or as directed by a doctor • any wax remaining after treatment may be removed by gently flushing the ear with warm water, using a soft rubber bulb ear syringe The treatment for ears feeling full due to excessive earwax is to use carbamide peroxide (OTIC) as directed:

• Adults and children over 12 years: use 5 to 10 drops in the ear, twice daily for up to four days if needed.
• Children under 12 years: consult a doctor. [5] [6]

From the Research

Ears Feeling Full Treatment

• The treatment for ears feeling full can vary depending on the underlying cause.
• According to 7, patients who reported isolated ear fullness were more likely to be diagnosed with intermittent Eustachian tube dysfunction (iETD), whereas patients who reported pain were more likely to be diagnosed with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJD).
• Directing treatments toward these diagnoses may alleviate symptoms of ear fullness, as stated in 7.
• A study published in 8 found that Eustachian tuboplasty and balloon dilatation were associated with improved outcomes for Eustachian tube dysfunction.
• Another study published in 9 found that a combination of paracetamol and pseudoephedrine was effective in treating nasal congestion and pain-related symptoms in upper respiratory tract infection, which may also help alleviate ear fullness.
• It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of ear fullness and develop an appropriate treatment plan, as stated in 10.
• Treatment options may include medications, such as pseudoephedrine, or procedures like Eustachian tuboplasty or balloon dilatation, as mentioned in 11 and 8.
• In some cases, ear fullness may be a symptom of a more serious condition, and further evaluation and treatment may be necessary, as noted in 10.