Causes of blocked ears due to colds and possible solutions

When we have a cold, we often experience sneezing and runny nose, and blocked ears are also common. So, what are the causes of blocked ears?

Causes of blocked ears due to cold :

The ear is divided into three parts: inner, middle, and outer. The middle ear is connected to the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube is the only channel for the middle ear to communicate with the outside world through the nasopharynx. Under normal circumstances, the air pressure inside and outside the middle ear is basically equal, consistent with the atmospheric pressure. Under physiological conditions, the air in the middle ear will be continuously absorbed by the middle ear mucosa, but the intermittent opening of the Eustachian tube will allow fresh air to be continuously input into the middle ear, thereby maintaining the balance of pressure inside and outside the middle ear. However, when you have a cold, the Eustachian tube may also be blocked due to a blocked nose, which will cause the air in the middle ear to be absorbed but not replenished accordingly, forming negative pressure and causing a stuffy feeling in the ears.

Children are more likely to have blocked Eustachian tubes because their Eustachian tubes are not fully developed compared to adults and are short, flat and straight. Children also have adenoids (close to the Eustachian tubes), which are particularly enlarged, and are also factors that easily affect the Eustachian tubes. Therefore, after a cold, the function of the Eustachian tubes is more likely to be affected. Generally, the more severe the nasal congestion after a cold, the more likely it is to have stuffy ears; blowing your nose vigorously after a cold can also cause this.

Ways to solve the problem of blocked ears caused by colds:

1. If you have a blocked ear due to a cold, you can relieve the problem by gently pressing your ears with your palms, gently switching between pressing and releasing. This will effectively relieve the problem of blocked ears.

2. When you encounter the problem of blocked ears caused by a cold, you can try to take a deep breath and pinch your nose tighter. This will cause a "pop" sound in your ears. Doing this action a few times can solve the problem of blocked ears.