Ear question...

I have been dealing over the months with constant pressure in my ears.  It feels as though they need to be popped (as you would when in a plane) but it takes an awful lot to pop them and once I do get them popped the pressure is then released but minutes later they are plugged up again.

I am wondering if this is contributing to my headaches.  

I am going to see my neuro (follow up for headaches) on Monday and plan to ask about this even though it's not his field but surely something is the matter because I've never had an issue with my ears up until a few months ago.

[Vivek V Gurudutt, MD]

The eustacian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and is involved with pressure equalization for the ear.  When your ear "pops,"  the tube is opening and closing to regulate pressure.  Eustacian tube dysfunction  can lead to feelings of pressure in the ear and an inability to "pop" them.  Anything from inflammation from a cold to a mass pressing against the opening can lead to this condition.  An ent exam is helpful to make sure the eustacian tube openings are not obstructed.  It is unclear if this is contributing to your headaches.  Good luck.