Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Otolaryngologist · Ear Nose Throat
This sounds like you may have Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). ETD is a disorder of the ear tubes that connect the middle ear space to the back of your throat and nose. Symptoms include feelings of fullness in the ears, hearing changes, ringing or popping sounds, and more. It can be caused by allergies, sinus infections, viral infections like common colds and flu , or other environmental factors that cause inflammation.
Treatment for ETD involves decongestants, antihistamines, nasal sprays to reduce inflammation in the eustachian tube; antibiotics if an underlying bacterial infection is present; and avoiding airborne allergens whenever possible. If these treatments aren't effective nearly 95% of patients improve with a non-surgical procedure called balloon dilation which opens up your eustachian tubes while preventing blockage from recurring long term.
The best thing you can do is contact an ENT specialist as soon as possible to get evaluated so they can determine whether or not you have ETD and provide proper treatment recommendations tailored specifically for your condition depending on its severity and other medical factors.