Ear fullness may relate to wax, Eustachian tube dysfunction or middle-ear fluid, but sudden hearing loss can feel the same. Do not wait days if hearing drops suddenly.
Flights, colds, allergy, pain and tinnitus help guide assessment. Otoscopy and hearing tests are selected as needed. Swallowing or gentle pressure equalisation may help some cases; do not force it if painful. Antihistamines and decongestants are used only for a suitable cause. Persistent one-sided fullness or recurrent adult middle-ear fluid requires further investigation.
The ear canal and eardrum are examined; hearing tests and tympanometry may be needed. Do not insert cotton buds or other objects. If you have a perforation, a tube or previous ear surgery, a clinician should choose drops or irrigation.
Sudden hearing loss, facial weakness, severe dizziness, swelling behind the ear or rapidly worsening pain require urgent assessment.
This information does not replace an individual consultation. Diagnosis and treatment depend on a medical assessment.
Consultation and treatment