The most common reason for the clogged-up feeling in your ears is a problem with the tiny canals that connect your ears, nose and throat. These tubes are called eustachian tubes and can get plugged by a buildup of fluid or a foreign object such as a piece of hard candy.
When this happens, the pressure in your ear can feel like it’s in a band-aid. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
Often, ear pain will go away within a couple of days on its own with home care. However, if the pain is severe, doesn’t improve after a few days or comes with a high fever or sore throat, you need to talk to your doctor about treatment options.
You can also try using a cold or warm compress to relieve the pain, alternately each time you rest for 20 minutes. Essential oils such as tea tree oil, oregano oil and basil oil are also good for ear pain relief because they have antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Another cause of ear pain when swallowing is tonsillitis, which occurs when your tonsils become infected. Tonsillitis can be viral or bacterial and may be treated with antibiotics.
Ear pain that gets worse when you swallow or opens your mouth can be a sign of a dental abscess, a problem with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), or problems with the glossopharyngeal nerve. These conditions can cause ear pain that extends into your throat and is felt at the back of your ear.
