Table of Contents
Are your sinuses connected to your ears?
The Sinus-Ear Connection Your sinuses and ears are connected inside your head. So sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears. Treating the congestion may help.
Can sinus issues cause ear problems?
Yes. A sinus infection can cause fluid to be trapped in the ear behind the eardrum. Bacteria and viruses can grow and can cause an ear infection. It’s especially important to get to the doctor if you’re feeling pain or pressure in the ear.
How do I drain my ear from a sinus infection?
The Valsalva maneuver is better known as “popping your ears” and helps open the eustachian tubes. An easy way to do this is to plug your nose and then blow out while keeping your lips closed (it will puff up your cheeks). It’s important not to blow your nose too hard, which could cause problems with your eardrum.
Can sinus infection cause inner ear problems?
It is not uncommon for people with sinus pressure to experience middle ear blockage due to congestion of the eustachian tubes. This swelling is most commonly caused by a sinus infection, a cold, or allergies. These conditions can cause the inner ear membranes to swell and block the tubes.
How do you clear your eustachian tube?
There are several techniques you can try to unclog or pop your ears:
- Swallowing. When you swallow, your muscles automatically work to open the Eustachian tube.
- Yawning.
- Valsalva maneuver.
- Toynbee maneuver.
- Applying a warm washcloth.
- Nasal decongestants.
- Nasal corticosteroids.
- Ventilation tubes.
How is the sinus connected to the ear?
Sinus connection: The nasal cavity and the ear are connected by a conduit called the eustachian tube. This tube helps drain ear contents and equalize pressure in the ear.
What is the sinus behind the ear?
Your sphenoid sinuses are located behind your nose and eyes. In fact, your sphenoid sinuses are the only sinuses located somewhat removed from your face, as they are located at the base of your brain, close to the ear. You have one sphenoid sinus for each side of your head and each sinus is about the size of a grape.
What causes sinus pressure in ears?
The most common causes of sinus pressure in the ears are sinus infections, cold, flu, ear infections, and allergies. Ear pressure is caused when the Eustachian tube, a narrow passage between the middle ear and the back of the throat, gets blocked by tissue swelling or from increase mucus productions.
What are the signs of a sinus infection?
Sinus Infection: Sinus infections and sinusitis is a condition in which the sinuses become inflamed and/or infected. Sinus infection symptoms and signs include bad breath, runny or stuffy nose, or nasal congestion, facial pain and swelling, tooth pain, ringing in the ears, sinus headache, fever, sore throat and cough.