Ear and sinus congestion can be quite uncomfortable, often leading to a feeling of pressure or fullness in the ears. This can happen due to various reasons such as sinus congestion, altitude changes, middle ear issues, wax buildup, and more. If you're experiencing ear congestion along with pain, balance problems, or hearing loss, it's important to consult a doctor to diagnose the underlying cause.

Here are some general tips to relieve ear and sinus congestion:

• Sinus-related issues: Conditions like the common cold, flu, allergies, or sinusitis can cause sinus congestion, which in turn can lead to ear congestion. To alleviate this:

  Take a nasal decongestant for up to 3 days.
  Blow your nose gently.
  Use a nasal rinse or nasal irrigation system.
  Use a humidifier to moisten the air.
  Avoid tobacco smoke and other irritants.
  Drink plenty of water to thin nasal mucus¹.

Fluid buildup: Water trapped in your ear from showering or swimming can cause congestion. To remove water:

Tilt your head and jiggle or tug on your earlobe.
Lie on your side with the affected ear facing downward.
Apply a warm compress to your ear in intervals¹.

Wax buildup: Earwax is naturally produced to protect your ears but excessive buildup can cause congestion. To manage wax buildup:

Soften the wax with a few drops of olive or mineral oil.
Use over-the-counter ear drops or an earwax removal kit.
Gently flush your ear using an ear syringe with lukewarm water or saline solution¹.
Allergies: Allergic reactions can lead to mucus backing up in your eustachian tube or middle ear, causing congestion. Antihistamines and decongestants can help, as can nasal sprays containing steroids or antihistamines¹.

Travel: Rapid air pressure changes during flights can stress your middle ear. To prevent or relieve ear congestion during air travel:

Chew gum or suck on hard candy.
Swallow frequently.
Yawn to help equalize the pressure in your ears¹.