That stuffed-up, underwater sensation in your ears is one of the most frustrating cold symptoms. You might hear a muffled version of the world, hear your own voice echoing (autophony), or feel a sense of pressure. The good news? It’s usually temporary and rarely serious. The Root Cause: The Eustachian Tube The problem isn't wax or the ear canal itself. It lies deeper, in the Eustachian tube —a narrow passageway that connects the middle ear to the back of your throat, just above your soft palate.