Having a clogged ear can be a very unpleasant experience as it can be painful and uncomfortable, and also impair your ability to hear and affect your balance. For some individuals, it feels like there’s water in the ear but no water comes out when you tilt your head, and for others, the ear feels clogged but no wax is present. Not only is a clogged ear frustrating to deal with, but it can make it difficult to focus at work, participate in social interactions, and enjoy everyday activities like listening to music or podcasts. So, let’s dive in to find out what causes ears to feel clogged, how to unclog your ear, and when it’s time to visit a doctor for professional help.

6 Reasons Why Ears Feel Clogged

There are several possibilities that can cause your ears to feel clogged, ranging from internal issues that need professional help to external issues that self-resolve.

  1. A sinus infection or common cold can cause ears to feel clogged due to fluid buildup behind the eardrum. This trapped fluid can lead to an ear infection and potential serious complications. It typically is caused by a blockage or dysfunction of the Eustachian tube, which is responsible for equalizing the pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. When the Eustachian tube is blocked, you can get a clogged ear sensation whether there is fluid present or not.
  2. Allergies can trigger an immune response that causes the production of excess mucus, contributing to ear congestion.
  3. Changes in elevation, such as flying or driving through mountains, can cause a temporary imbalance in air pressure, leading to a clogged ear sensation.
  4. Excessive Earwax buildup can obstruct the ear canal and cause muffled hearing.
  5. Sudden Hearing Loss can cause the sensation of the ear feeling full in a subset of people. Typically, in this case the person is interpreting the hearing loss as something blocking their ear, although sometimes there is no physical obstruction and the hearing loss is due to dysfunction more internally.
  6. An Acoustic Neuroma, which is a benign tumor that develops on the nerve responsible for transmitting sound and maintaining a balance between the inner ear and the brain, can cause a clogged ear feeling. This happens when the tumor’s growth directly obstructs or compresses the Eustachian tube, or indirectly when the tumor causes hearing loss that then leads to a clogged ear sensation.

How To Unclog Your Ears – Home Remedies to Alleviate Discomfort

  • Swallow, Yawn, or Chew: An effortless way to handle clogged ears is to try swallowing, yawning very wide, or chewing gum to alleviate the pressure. All of these can open up the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure which will unclog your ears if an Eustachian blockage is the cause.
  • Use The Valsalva Maneuver: This involves pinching your nose shut and gently blowing out through your nose to regulate the air pressure in your ears.
  • Use Shower Steam or a Humidifier: If you have a sinus infection, using the steam from a hot shower, or mist from a humidifier can help loosen the mucus and relieve congestion.
  • Use a Warm Compress to Reduce Pain: If your ears feel clogged due to inflammation or a buildup of earwax, a warm compress can help. Just dampen a washcloth with warm water, and apply it to the affected ear for 10-15 minutes.
  • Use Nasal Decongestants: If your clogged ear is from a sinus infection, nasal decongestants may help relieve congestion and inflammation.
  • Check for Wax Buildup: A buildup of earwax can cause a clogged ear sensation. Use an over-the-counter wax removal kit or use a few drops of mineral oil or hydrogen peroxide mixed with warm water to soften the earwax.

Note: never attempt to dig out excessive or hardened ear wax with foreign objects like Q-tips or paper clips, as this can cause injuries to the ear canal. Without proper visualization and technique, you are likely to cause more harm than good by attempting this on your own.

When To Book A Visit With Your Doctor for Clogged Ears?

If you experience these symptoms with clogged ears including hearing loss, fever, swelling, congestion, or ear pain, or if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it’s advisable to book a visit with an ENT doctor. Why? It could be a sign of an underlying issue that requires medical attention, such as impacted earwax, a middle ear infection, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or Eustachian tube dysfunction, and a professional diagnosis and treatment from Floto Group can ensure that the underlying cause doesn’t lead to future complications.