There’s nothing quite as annoying and uncomfortable as having clogged ears. That muffled, stuffed-up feeling can be a real hindrance to your daily activities and can even affect your hearing. So, how to unclog your ears?
Let’s explore what clogged ears are, what causes them, and most importantly, how to effectively unclog them using home remedies, tips, and tricks.
Table of Contents
Why Do Your Ears Get Clogged?
Clogged ears can be described as the feeling of fullness, pressure, or blockage in one or both ears. This sensation occurs when there is an obstruction in the ear canal, preventing sound waves from traveling to the eardrum and causing discomfort.
Common causes of clogged ears include:
Earwax Buildup
One of the most common reasons for clogged ears is the buildup of earwax. Earwax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced by the ear to protect it from dust, dirt, and bacteria.
However, when earwax accumulates and hardens, it can block the ear canal.
Suggested Read: Earwax Removal: Best Ways to Clean Your Ears
Allergies
Seasonal allergies or allergic reactions to certain foods can lead to inflammation in the ear canal, causing it to feel clogged.
Sinus Congestion
When you have a cold or sinus infection, the inflammation and mucus production can extend to the Eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the throat to the middle ear. This can result in a feeling of ear congestion.
Swimmer’s Ear
Prolonged exposure to water, especially in swimming pools or unclean water, can lead to an infection known as swimmer’s ear. This infection can cause swelling and clogging of the ear canal.
Suggested Read: How to Clean Ears: Care for Your Ear this Season
Foreign Objects
Sometimes, small foreign objects like insects or cotton swab tips can accidentally enter the ear canal and cause clogging.
How Do the Clogged Ears Feel Like?
Identifying the symptoms of clogged ears is crucial for proper treatment. Common symptoms include:
- Muffled Hearing: You may notice that sounds are not as clear as they should be, and your hearing may be muffled.
- Ear Pain: Clogged ears can cause discomfort or even pain in and around the affected ear.
- Tinnitus: Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ear, which can accompany clogged ears.
- Vertigo: In some cases, clogged ears can affect your balance, leading to dizziness or vertigo.
Looking for an ENT Specialist? Dr. Muhammad Tariq is one of the leading specialists in Islamabad with 31 years of experience. You can consult him for all your heath issues related to ears, nose, and throat.
How to Unclog Your Ears? Home Remedies You Can Try
Now that we understand what clogged ears are and what causes them, let’s discuss the various home remedies and techniques that can help you unclog your ears.
You can easily take care of your ears at home by following some lifestyle strategies, such as:
Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help soften earwax and relieve congestion. Use a clean cloth soaked in warm water, gently squeeze out excess water, and place it over your ear for 5-10 minutes.
Hydrogen Peroxide
A few drops of hydrogen peroxide (3%) can be an effective earwax removal solution. Lie on your side with the affected ear facing up, and gently instill a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then drain it by turning your head the other way.
Olive Oil
Similar to hydrogen peroxide, warm olive oil can help soften earwax. Follow the same process as with hydrogen peroxide, and let the oil sit for about 10 minutes before draining it.
Saline Solution
A saline solution can help flush out debris and mucus from your ears. Mix equal parts of warm water and salt to create the solution. Use a bulb syringe to gently irrigate the ear canal with the saline solution.
Steam Inhalation
If clogged ears are a result of sinus congestion, inhaling steam can be beneficial. Boil water and place it in a bowl. Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl to inhale the steam. This can help relieve congestion in both your ears and sinuses.
Tips and Tricks for Unclogging Ears
Besides some home remedies, you can also try these tips for effective unclogging of the ears:
Chew Gum
Chewing gum or yawning can help equalize the pressure in your ears, particularly when flying or driving at high altitudes.
Swallowing
Swallowing can also help equalize ear pressure. Sipping on water or swallowing hard candies may assist in this process.
Avoid Inserting Objects
Never insert cotton swabs, hairpins, or any other objects into your ear canal to remove earwax or alleviate clogged ears. This can push the wax further inside and potentially damage your eardrum.
Ear Drops
Over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften earwax can be used following the package instructions. These drops can help facilitate the natural expulsion of earwax.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water can help keep your earwax moist and easier to move naturally out of the ear canal.
Ear Irrigation
If home remedies do not work, consult a healthcare professional who can perform ear irrigation safely to remove stubborn earwax or address other ear issues.
When Should You Visit an ENT Specialist?
If you experience persistent clogged ears that don’t respond to home remedies or over-the-counter solutions, it’s advisable to visit an ENT specialist.
An ENT consultation is essential if your clogged ears are accompanied by severe pain, hearing loss, tinnitus, or vertigo, or if you suspect that a foreign object might be lodged in your ear canal.
These symptoms could be indicative of an underlying issue such as impacted earwax, ear infections, eustachian tube dysfunction, or other ear-related conditions.
These require specialized evaluation and treatment by an ENT specialist to ensure your ear’s health and alleviate discomfort. Consult a qualified ENT specialist via Healthwire.
