2023-05-22 16:11:09
The sensation of having a “clogged” ear is more common than it seems, more than one of us has experienced it, but we have all wondered:why do they cover and uncover their ears? We tell you everything.
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Why are the ears covered?
According to the Institute Mayo Clinic and with the United States National Library of Medicinethere are different factors that cause the ears to clog.
It can be from an occlusion by cerumen (“match” plug), by a cold or by some difference in pressure in the environment or place where you are.
When the ear is covered by pressure, it is due to the differences in pressure between the internal and external part of the eardrum, for this the eustachian tube is used, a connection between the middle ear, the back of the nose and the upper part of the throat.
When this connection is obstructed, there is a pressure difference between the air in the middle ear and the air outside the eardrum, which causes barotrauma (the classic clogged ear).
This usually appears when doing activities such as traveling by plane or road or while diving. Someone prone to allergies or colds is more likely to experience barotrauma (clogged ear).
Photo: iStock
Why do they cover and uncover their ears throughout the day?
As we already explained to you, the obstruction of the eustachian tube is responsible for the feeling of clogged ears. And if you feel that throughout the day your ears are covered or uncovered, it may be because when we swallow saliva or some food, this connection opens and makes those pressure differences felt.
This can also happen when yawning and can even happen more frequently if you have any allergies or if you start out with cold symptoms.
Photo: iStock
What are the consequences of clogged ear?
Since we talked about why do they cover and uncover their earsyou may want to know the consequences of this because you have probably experienced more than one but you did not know that it was due to having your ears covered:
- Dizziness
- Pain or discomfort in one or both ears
- mild hearing loss
In some more serious cases, symptoms such as:
- moderate or severe pain
- Feeling of pressure as if you were underwater
- Moderate to severe hearing loss
- Nose bleed
In these cases, you must go for review immediately.
Photo: iStock
How to remove pressure from the ears?
Experts recommend carrying out the following measures to unclog the ears.
- Chewing gum or gum
- Yawn
- Suck on some candy or sweets
- When traveling by plane, do not fall asleep when it is preparing to land
- Drinking some liquid can also help unclog the ears.
Photo: iStock
How long is it normal for a clogged ear to last?
Although most of us have experienced the famous “clogged ears”, it is normal for these symptoms to last a maximum of two to three days.
After this time, if the discomfort continues, it is essential that you go to the doctor to avoid complications such as acute ear infection, hearing loss, rupture or perforation of the eardrum, vertigo.
now that you know why do they cover and uncover their earsas well as some tips to solve it, we remind you that it is important that in case of any complication or if the symptoms persist, you seek medical attention immediately.
If your ears are not covered but you feel a ringing, we explain what it is in the following video.
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