There are many causes of unilateral ear stuffiness, including disorders of the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Cholesteatoma of the external auditory canal, epidermal plugs in the external auditory canal, boils in the external auditory canal, and polyps in the external auditory canal can all block the ear canal causing stuffiness and discomfort. Middle ear disorders, such as oozing otitis media and catarrhal otitis media, can develop into oozing otitis media, and oozing otitis media with fluid in the middle ear cavity can also cause stuffy ears. In children with adenoid hypertrophy, a blockage of the pharyngeal opening of the eustachian tube can also cause exudative otitis media, which can lead to ear swelling and discomfort. Inner ear disorders, such as Meniere’s disease, can also cause ear congestion, hearing loss, and vertigo in the early stages. The earliest symptom of sudden deafness is also swelling and discomfort in the ear. Once this happens, it is important to go to the hospital for further detailed examination, endoscopy, electrical auscultation and acoustic impedance testing to find out where the lesion is so that the right treatment can be given.