Aural Fullness
A subjective sensation of pressure, blockage, or congestion in the ear, documented as a symptom in audiological case histories.
Full Definition
Aural fullness (also described as 'ear fullness' or 'ear pressure') is a patient-reported symptom commonly associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction, Ménière's disease, otitis media with effusion, and endolymphatic hydrops. It is distinct from otalgia (ear pain) and from hearing loss, though these may co-occur. In clinical documentation, aural fullness is characterised by its unilateral or bilateral nature, relationship to vertigo episodes, and duration. Editors should use 'aural fullness' as the preferred clinical term rather than colloquial alternatives such as 'plugged ear' or 'clogged ear,' and should ensure it is not conflated with tinnitus.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred over lay synonyms in formal clinical documents; 'aural' should not be confused with 'oral' in dictated or voice-recognised text.
In Context
- "The patient reported episodic aural fullness in the left ear preceding each vertigo attack." — Audiological case history
- "Replace 'blocked feeling in the ear' with the clinical term 'aural fullness' throughout the manuscript." — Editorial revision note