- Blocked or full-feeling ears can be caused by the ear not equalising pressure properly behind the eardrum, fluid behind the eardrum, a build-up of ear wax, or other ear or hearing issues.
- Treatment depends on the cause, ranging from simple GP management to a specialised audiologist or ENT assessment.
- Fullness alongside pain, hearing changes, tinnitus or dizziness is worth a proper medical examination; a sudden drop in hearing in one ear needs urgent medical care.
- If wax is the likely cause, a ClearEars appointment with Resonate can check for and remove it.
What can cause it
- How the ear equalises pressure. The ear has a way of balancing pressure behind the eardrum. When that isn't working well, the ear can feel full.
- Fluid behind the eardrum.
- Ear wax. A build-up can block the canal.
- Other ear or hearing issues.
What to do
Treatment depends on the cause. It can range from simple medical management through your GP to a more specialised assessment with an audiologist or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist.
See your doctor or an audiologist for a proper examination if you have fullness along with pain, hearing changes, tinnitus or dizziness. They can work out the cause, talk through your options and tell you whether you need a specialist.
If the fullness came on suddenly with a drop in hearing in one ear, read our guide on sudden hearing loss and seek medical care as soon as possible.
If you wear hearing aids
If your ears feel blocked, it is worth checking whether wax is the cause. Our guide on what to expect at a ClearEars appointment explains how we can help.
Need a hand?
Call us on 0800 737 662 or pop into your local studio and we will take a look.
Resonate. The Podcast
Hi, I’m Craig, one of the audiologists at Resonate Health Milford.
