Blockage of one ear while sleeping.

Your symptoms are suggestive of Eustachian tube defect. The Eustachian tube is a small passageway that connects your throat to your middle ear. When you sneeze, swallow, or yawn, your Eustachian tubes open. This keeps air pressure and fluid from building up inside your ear. But sometimes a Eustachian tube might get plugged. This is called Eustachian tube dysfunction. When this happens, sounds may be muffled and your ear may feel full. You may also have ear pain. The most common cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction is when the tube gets inflamed and mucus or fluid builds up. This can be caused by a cold, the flu, a sinus infection, or allergies. Symptoms of Eustachian tube dysfunction usually go away without treatment. You can do exercises to open up the tubes. This includes swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum. You can help relieve the “full ear” feeling by taking a deep breath, pinching your nostrils closed, and “blowing” with your mouth shut. If the condition persists or worsens visit the ENT at the earliest.