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Last update on Feb 19, 2025

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure in Ears

Treatments, home remedies, and over-the-counter solutions.

If you’ve had a cold, traveled on an airplane, or suffered from allergies, chances are you’ve encountered pressure in your sinuses that affected your ears. That’s because the sinuses and the ears are connected by the Eustachian tubes, which help regulate air pressure.

When the sinuses become inflamed or congested, blocked Eustachian tubes can mean a sensation of fullness, muffled hearing, or even discomfort or pain in the ears. Luckily, there are multiple remedies to combat this sensation and get back to feeling better.

In this article we’ll look at:

What causes sinus pressure in the ears
What helps ear pain from sinus infection
The best over-the-counter medicine for sinus and ear pressure

Common Causes of Sinus and Pressure

Here are a few scenarios that can cause sinus and ear pressure to disrupt your life:

Sinus infections (sinusitis). Inflammation and mucus buildup can create ear pressure.
Allergies. Seasonal allergies can lead to congestion and ear discomfort.
Air travel. Changes in altitude can exacerbate sinus-related ear pressure.
Colds and flu. Increased mucus production and swelling can block the Eustachian tubes. Learn how the common cold and flu can affect your hearing.

Learn more about clogged ears from cold Read article

How to Remove Sinus Ear Pressure

If you’re looking for sinus ear pressure relief, here are a few effective methods to try:

Use a Saline Rinse

Nasal irrigation with a saline solution can reduce ear pressure from congestion. Use a neti pot or saline spray to flush out mucus and open nasal passages.

Drink Plenty of Water

Staying hydrated helps thin mucus, making it easier to drain from the sinuses.

Use a Warm Compress or Steam

Placing a warm compress over the sinuses or around the ears can promote circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pressure. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or a warm shower can help loosen mucus and ease congestion.

Chew Sugar Gum or Try Yawning

This technique can help open blocked Eustachian tubes and balance pressure.

Elevate Your Head While Sleeping

Elevation can prevent mucus buildup and promote sinus drainage.

Steer Clear of Irritants

Smoke, pollution, and strong fragrances can worsen sinus congestion. Try to avoid these triggers to keep your sinuses clear.

If your sinus pressure in the ears is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, it may be a sign of an infection that requires medical attention.

How to Relieve Sinus Pressure in Ears Massage

Massaging certain areas around your ears, face, and neck can help relieve sinus pressure and improve drainage. Here are some effective massage techniques:

Sinus Drainage Massage

Use your fingertips to apply gentle pressure to the sides of your nose, just below the bridge.
Move your fingers in small circular motions for 30 seconds.
Slowly move your fingers toward your cheeks and continue massaging to encourage drainage.

Neck Lymphatic Drainage Massage

Place your index and middle fingers behind your earlobes, where your jaw meets your skull
Apply gentle downward pressure while moving your fingers in circular motions.
Continue this motion down the sides of your neck to promote lymphatic drainage.

Tragus Pumping Massage

Press lightly on the small cartilage flap (tragus) in front of your ear canal.
Move your finger in circular motions for 20-30 seconds.

Scalp & Temple Massage

Use your fingertips to apply circular motions on your temples and above your eyebrows.
Massage from the temples down to the jawline to encourage drainage.

You can also perform these massages while applying warm compresses or using steam inhalation for added relief.

The Best Over the Counter Medicine for Sinus and Ear Pressure

The best over-the-counter medicines for sinus and ear pressure typically include decongestants, antihistamines, and pain relievers. Here are some of the top options:

Decongestants

Decongestants can help reduce nasal swelling and improve drainage. Here are two examples:

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed). A strong oral decongestant that helps relieve sinus and ear pressure. Note that pseudoephedrine, a common decongestant found in many cold medications, can significantly increase blood pressure, making it a risky choice for individuals with high blood pressure (hypertension).
Oxymetazoline (Afrin nasal spray). Provides fast relief but should not be used for more than 3 days

While cold medicine may provide some temporary relief from cold symptoms, its effectiveness is questionable. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any cold medicine, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications

Antihistamines

These can work if your sinus congestion is the result of allergies.

Loratadine (Claritin). Non-drowsy relief from allergy-related sinus pressure
Cetirizine (Zyrtec). Effective for allergies and sinus congestion
Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Helps with sinus pressure but may cause drowsiness

Pain Relievers

Pain relievers can reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Helps with pain and inflammation from sinus pressure
Acetaminophen (Tylenol). Relieves pain but does not reduce inflammation

Saline Sprays & Rinses

These two techniques can help clear sinuses naturally, but you’ll want to follow instructions carefully. .

Saline nasal spray (Simply Saline, Ocean Nasal Spray). Moisturizes nasal passages and helps flush out irritants. That being said, be careful not to overuse medicated nasal sprays to avoid rebound congestion, also known as Rhinitis Medicamentosa (RM).
Neti Irrigation Devices (Neti Pot). Helps clear out mucus and relieve pressure. However, always use sterile, previously boiled, or distilled water. Never use well water and follow proper technique to avoid infection.

Can Sinus and Ear Infection Cause High Blood Pressure?

Yes, a sinus or ear infection can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure due to inflammation and stress on the body. That’s because stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, can temporarily raise blood pressure.

Furthermore, pain can elevate blood pressure. Poor sleep quality and dehydration can temporarily affect blood pressure. Finally, decongestants are commonly used to relieve sinus congestion but can constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure. Be sure to consult with your health care provider before starting a decongestant.

Find Relief and Feel Better

Sinus pressure in the ears can be frustrating, but with the right remedies, you’ll hopefully start to feel better. If your symptoms don’t end up going away, consult a healthcare professional to ensure there isn’t an underlying condition requiring treatment. Amplifon has over 7,000 clinics nationwide, so you can see a hearing health care professional when you need to.

Your Hearing Health Matters

Taking care of your sinus health is also a step toward maintaining overall hearing health, which directly impacts your overall health. If you experience frequent ear-related discomfort, consider scheduling a hearing evaluation to rule out any long-term concerns. Find a hearing health clinic near me.

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