Cause: Rhinitis
Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nose, is a condition characterized by symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing. Additional symptoms may include loss of smell and watery eyes. The primary cause of rhinitis is typically a common cold, although hay fever and other allergies can also contribute to its development. The excess mucus produced during rhinitis can lead to inflammation of the ear and blockage of the eustachian tube. It may take several months for eustachian tube dysfunction related to allergies like rhinitis to clear up. However, it is worth noting that the severity of symptoms tends to decrease over time.
Cause: Smoking
Smoking has been identified as a major cause of various detrimental effects on the ear. One of the adverse consequences of smoking is the impairment of the tiny hairs that line the eustachian tube. These hairs, which are responsible for facilitating the flow of air, can become non-functional due to smoking. In addition, tobacco consumption can lead to the enlargement of throat tissues, which can further obstruct the eustachian tube. Consequently, the only effective way to prevent or address smoking-related ear problems is by quitting this harmful habit.