If you are experiencing severe pain, bleeding, or sudden hearing loss , stop and see a doctor immediately. Do not attempt the methods below if you suspect a ruptured eardrum (symptoms include fluid drainage or sharp pain that subsides suddenly).

That muffled, "underwater" feeling in your ears during a cold or sinus infection is more than just annoying—it can be painful and disorienting. This sensation is typically caused by , where the small tubes connecting your middle ear to your throat become swollen or blocked by mucus.