What causes the sensation of something blocking the ear?

 A sensation of blockage or fullness in the ear may result from conditions such as otitis media with effusion, impacted cerumen (earwax impaction) in the external auditory canal, or pre-existing hearing impairment.

 1. Otitis Media with Effusion

 When patients develop upper respiratory tract infections due to viral or bacterial infection and fail to receive timely treatment, otitis media with effusion may be triggered. In such cases, not only does a sensation of ear blockage occur, but patients may also feel as though their ears are plugged with cotton, causing sounds to seem muffled and distant.

 2. Impacted Cerumen (Earwax Impaction)

 Neglecting ear hygiene—such as infrequent ear cleaning—can lead to prolonged accumulation of cerumen within the ear canal, potentially forming a hardened plug. This impaction may obstruct the external auditory canal, producing a sensation of ear blockage and impairing sound conduction.

 3. Pre-existing Hearing Loss

  If a patient experiences abnormal changes in auditory nerve function, hearing may be compromised, leading to a subjective sensation of ear fullness or blockage due to underlying hearing impairment.