Aural Fullness

Aural fullness is the sensation of pressure, blockage, or congestion in the ear without a visible physical obstruction. It is a non-specific symptom that can accompany many audiological and otological conditions. People describe it as a feeling similar to being underwater, having just descended in an airplane, or having the ear plugged with cotton.

Common causes include Eustachian tube dysfunction, middle ear fluid, cerumen impaction, and sinus congestion. Aural fullness is also a hallmark symptom of Meniere's disease, where it often precedes or accompanies episodes of vertigo. It can occur with sudden sensorineural hearing loss and is sometimes reported during the early stages of acoustic neuroma. It may also accompany tinnitus.

Assessment begins with otoscopy and tympanometry to evaluate the outer and middle ear. If those findings are normal, further investigation including a full audiological assessment and possibly vestibular testing helps identify whether the cause lies deeper in the auditory system. Treatment depends entirely on the underlying diagnosis.