Which condition is characterized by a sensation of fullness in the ear?

Meniere's disease is characterized by a sensation of fullness in the ear, also known as aural fullness. This condition arises from an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the inner ear, which can lead to various symptoms including vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, and the sensation of pressure or fullness in the affected ear. The buildup of fluid disrupts the normal balance and hearing processes, causing these characteristic sensations. In Meniere's disease, episodes can fluctuate and vary in duration, and the sensation of fullness can precede other symptoms like vertigo, making it a distinct feature of the condition.

Other conditions listed, while they can affect the ear, are associated with different primary symptoms. For example, otitis externa primarily involves infection and inflammation of the outer ear canal, while otitis media involves similar processes in the middle ear and is typically accompanied by pain and sometimes fever, but does not usually present with a sensation of fullness in the same way. Tinnitus refers to the perception of noise (ringing, buzzing) without an external source and does not specifically characterize the feeling of fullness in the ear that is typical of Meniere's disease.