There are a number of different things that could be going on. The first and obvious one is that there might actually be water in your ear. This is usually temporary, and judging by the fact that you say you know there's not water in your ear, this has likely been going on for some time (and thus is probably not due to water). Sometimes if there is excess cerumen (wax) in your external auditory canal, it can obstruct the ear canal muffling sound, and giving the sensation that your ear is "plugged" with water. The cerumen can also come into contact with your tympanic membrane (ear drum) which will sometimes cause a crackling or muffled sound which can be interpreted as "water in the ear". Another fairly common problem that can cause abnormal noises in the ear, and occasional pressure and a "muffled" sound is something called eustachian tube dysfunction.
The symptoms you are having can be due to various causes.It is possible that you may indeed have fluid in your ear (in the middle ear space deep to the eardrum). Alternatively, it is also possible that you may have some fluid in your external ear (ear canal).
Another great possibility is of a condition called tinnitus. It may sounds like rushing water beside ringing in ears.The most common cause of this is damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear.Other causes are:hearing nerve impairment,wax buildup or foreign objects in the ear canal, ear or sinus infections,exposure to loud noise,diseases of the central nervous system.
Some specific tests like an Audiogram, ABR or auditory brain response, acoustic reflex test or tympanogram at an ENT clinic. So I advice you to make an appointment with your ENT doctor for these tests to know the exact cause & treatment accordingly.Please feel free to ask if you have any other question.
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Regards-
Dr.David.
1.Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa)
It is depicting a person with swimmer's ear (otitis externa), who is experiencing a warm or fluid sensation in the ear.
Swimmer's ear, also known as otitis externa, is inflammation, irritation, or infection of the outer ear and ear canal.
7-10 days
Rarity:Common
Top Symptoms:fever, ear canal pain, ear fullness/pressure, jaw pain, ear pain that gets worse when moving
Urgency:Primary care doctor
2.Glue Ear (Otitis Media With Effusion)
It is depicting a person with glue ear (otitis media with effusion), who is experiencing a warm or fluid sensation in the ear.
"Glue ear" is caused by fluid built up in the middle ear (under the eardrum). It happens more frequently in kids than adults because of having frequent colds and less developed tubes in the ear. In adults, it's caused by acute or chronic sinusitis in 66% of cases. It may also be caused by cigarette smoke, allergies, reflux, genetics, or bacteria, all of which stimulate the production of the fluid.
Rarity:Common
Top Symptoms:ear fullness/pressure, constant hearing loss, hearing loss in one ear, trouble hearing that is better in noisy environments, ear canal pain
Symptoms that always occur with glue ear (otitis media with effusion):ear fullness/pressure, hearing loss in one ear, constant hearing loss
Symptoms that never occur with glue ear (otitis media with effusion):ear canal pain, fever
Urgency:Wait and watch