Why Your Ears Feel Clogged: Causes and Remedies
If you’ve ever experienced clogged ears, you know how uncomfortable and frustrating it can be. Whether it’s a result of air travel, sinus congestion, or earwax buildup, clogged ears can affect your hearing and even cause discomfort. The good news is that there are several effective ways to relieve ear congestion. Here are some common causes of blocked ears and what you can do to help.
U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Kate Thornton, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Symptoms
The sensation of clogged ears can be quite uncomfortable and varies from person to person. Here are some common feelings associated with ear congestion:
Fullness or pressure
Muffled or distorted sound
Ear discomfort or mild pain
Ringing in the ears or tinnitus
Popping or crackling sounds
Dizziness or imbalance
Common Causes of Clogged Ears
Before we dive into treatments, it's important to understand why your ear might feel clogged in the first place. Here are some typical causes:
Earwax Buildup
Earwax (cerumen) naturally forms in the ear canal to protect your ears from debris, bacteria, and foreign particles. However, too much earwax can harden and block the ear canal, leading to cerumen Impaction.
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of your nose and throat, helping equalize pressure in your ears. When it becomes blocked due to allergies, colds, or sinus infections, it can cause ear pressure and clogging.
Fluid in the Ear
Sometimes, fluid can build up behind the eardrum due to infections, sinus issues, or swimming. This can result in a feeling of fullness or clogging in the ears.
Changes in Altitude
Airplane travel or driving in the mountains can cause changes in air pressure that affect the Eustachian tube, leading to a clogged feeling in the ears.
Swimmer's Ear
Water trapped in the ear canal after swimming can cause discomfort and clogging. This is commonly known as swimmer’s ear.
Clogged Ear Remedies
Now that we’ve covered the causes, let’s look at how to treat a clogged ear.
1. Earwax Removal
If earwax is the culprit, there are several ways to safely remove it:
Over-the-Counter Ear Drops: You can buy ear drops designed to soften and break down earwax, making it easier for the wax to come out naturally.
Irrigation Kits: Some kits allow you to gently flush out earwax using warm water or saline.
Professional Ear Cleaning: For stubborn wax build-up, an ENT specialist can safely remove it using special tools or suction.
Important Tip: Avoid using cotton swabs or sharp objects to clean your ears, as this can push the wax deeper into the ear canal or cause damage.
2. Treating Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
If your ear feels clogged due to Eustachian tube dysfunction, here’s how you can relieve the pressure:
Swallowing or Yawning: These actions help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure in the ear.
Valsalva Maneuver: Gently blow while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed. This can help equalize the pressure.
Nasal Decongestants: If congestion from allergies or a cold is causing the blockage, nasal decongestants or saline sprays can help clear the tubes.
Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or bowl of water can help reduce congestion and open up your Eustachian tubes.
3. Treating Fluid Build-Up or Ear Infections
Fluid build-up in the middle ear is often the result of an infection. If you’re experiencing pain, discomfort, or a clogged sensation due to fluid or an infection, try these options:
Warm Compress: A warm washcloth held against the ear can relieve pain and promote drainage.
OTC Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce discomfort while the infection heals.
Antibiotics: If the ear infection is bacterial, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to clear it up.
Ear Tubes: For chronic fluid build-up, an ENT specialist may recommend ear tubes to help with drainage and prevent future infections.
4. Dealing with Pressure Changes
Rapid altitude changes, such as during flying or scuba diving, can cause your ears to feel clogged. Here’s how to deal with this:
Chew Gum or Suck on Hard Candy: Chewing or sucking can help your ears “pop” by encouraging your Eustachian tubes to open.
Use Earplugs Designed for Pressure Changes: Special earplugs can help regulate pressure in your ears during flights or changes in elevation.
Avoid Sleeping During Takeoff or Landing: Staying awake allows you to actively work on opening your Eustachian tubes when the pressure changes.
5. Removing Foreign Objects
If a foreign object is causing your ear to feel clogged, it’s important to seek medical attention. Do not attempt to remove the object yourself, as you could push it further into the ear canal or cause damage.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While clogged ears are usually harmless and can be treated at home, there are instances when you should see a healthcare provider. If you experience any of the following, seek medical attention:
Severe pain in the ear
Sudden hearing loss
Persistent clogged sensation lasting more than a week
Discharge or bleeding from the ear
Signs of infection, such as fever or swelling
Find the Ear Care You Need in Hollywood.
Whether it's caused by earwax buildup, fluid, or changes in pressure, knowing how to address the problem can provide relief. If symptoms persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to visit a healthcare professional to ensure proper care.
Address: 3911 Hollywood Blvd#201, Hollywood, FL 33021, United States
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REFERENCES
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). Ear - blocked at high altitudes: Medlineplus Medical Encyclopedia. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002077.htm
Cleveland Clinic (n.d.). Earwax blockage (cerumen impaction): Symptoms, causes & removal. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, May 1). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14428-ear-wax-buildup--blockage
Mayo Clinic. (August 2021). Airplane Ear. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/airplane-ear/symptoms-causes/syc-20351701
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