What can cause a feeling of fullness in the ear during otitis media?

The sensation of fullness in the ear during otitis media is primarily due to fluid build-up in the middle ear. Otitis media, an infection or inflammation of the middle ear, often leads to the accumulation of fluid as the body responds to the infection. This fluid can create pressure in the middle ear, which manifests as a feeling of fullness or blockage.

Furthermore, the Eustachian tube, which helps regulate pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment, can become dysfunctional due to inflammation, exacerbating this sensation. In the context of otitis media, the presence of this fluid is significant because it can also interfere with hearing and lead to discomfort.

While extenuating factors such as wax accumulation, swelling in the external ear, or changes in barometric pressure can cause similar feelings, they are not directly associated with the primary pathology in otitis media. The most common cause of the feeling of fullness in the context of otitis media remains the accumulation of fluid in the middle ear.