Feeling blocked in the ears is a familiar feeling caused by various reasons. It can be totally nothing, or it can warrant a trip to the audiologist, which is why it is important to know what to do if your ears feel blocked.
A clogged ear can be a very unpleasant experience. At times, depending on the cause, it can be painful and uncomfortable, impair your ability to hear, and even affect your balance. A clogged ear can also affect your focus at work and your ability to participate in social interaction, regardless of how unserious it is. Here is a closer look at what could be causing your ears to feel blocked and what you can do about it.
Why Are Your Ears Blocked?
Several causes could lead to blocked ears. These range from internal issues that may need professional intervention to external issues that may self-resolve or require minimal intervention.
Sinus Infection or Common Cold
A sinus infection or common cold can cause your ears to feel clogged due to buildup behind the eardrum.
The trapped fluid can lead to an ear infection and even more serious complications. This condition is commonly caused by a blockage or dysfunction of the eustachian tube, which helps equalise pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.
When the eustachian tube becomes blocked, you can experience a clogged or blocked ear sensation, whether there is fluid or not.
Allergies
Another common reason for feeling blocked in the ear is allergies. These can trigger an immune response that causes the production of excess mucus and contributes to ear congestion.
Changes in Elevation
When flying or driving through mountains, the temporary imbalance in air pressure can lead to a clogged ear sensation. This may self-resolve, but the feeling can be irritating while it lasts.
Excessive Earwax Buildup
Not cleaning your ears adequately or internal reasons that cause overproduction of earwax can lead to earwax buildup, which can cause that blocked-feeling effect. This can also come with additional symptoms such as reduced hearing ability, muffled hearing, and, in extreme cases, ear pain.
Sudden Hearing Loss
If you experience a sudden hearing loss, you may feel your ear full, which may cause you to believe that something is blocking your ear. Sometimes, there is no physical obstruction, and the hearing loss is due to a dysfunction in the internal ear.
What To Do If Your Ears Feel Blocked
The solution to a blocked ear feeling depends on what is causing it. Some fixes are pretty simple, and others require professional intervention. The solution also depends on the part of the ear that is affected.
Blocked Middle Ear
Blockages in the middle ear are commonly caused by congestion, pressure, fluid, or ear infections. If you have a blockage in the middle ear, here are some tips to relieve this feeling.
Manoeuvres
This is more fondly referred to as “popping your ears.” It helps to open the eustachian tubes if they become blocked because of pressure changes.
To do the manoeuvre, you can plug your nose and try to blow out while keeping your lips closed. You should only blow gently to avoid causing problems with your eardrums.
This procedure can help if your ear blockage is due to pressure changes, such as altitude changes. However, it will not work if the condition is caused by excess fluid in the inner ear. You should not keep using this tip if it doesn't work the first couple of times, as it could cause pain.
The alternative is to hold your nose and try swallowing, which also works for the blockages caused by pressure changes.
Nasal Spray or Oral Decongestants
Nasal sprays or oral decongestants can help if you experience blockage during a nasal or sinus infection. You can use these options as a preventative measure or to help open up the airways and alleviate the blockage.
Tips for a Blocked Outer Ear
You can develop a blockage in the outer ear for several reasons. The most common ones are earwax buildup, water, or swimmer's ear. Some of the methods you can use to alleviate the blocked ear or blocked ear feeling include:
Mineral Oil
Mineral oil, baby oil, or olive oil can also help with an outer blocked ear. Warm a small amount of the oil, then use an eyedropper to put two drops in the affected ear. Keep your head tilted for 10 to 15 seconds to allow the oil to penetrate the ear fully. Repeat this procedure until the blockage improves.
Eardrops
You can use some hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide ear drops the same way you use mineral oil. When you apply the ear drops, you will experience some loud fizzing, but you should continue to keep your head tilted at an angle until it stops.
Over-the-counter Eardrops
You can also use ear drops that are available at the pharmacy. In many cases, you don’t need a prescription for these. You can use them as directed on the packaging.
Earwax Removal
Another effective solution for blocked ears is earwax removal, especially in cases where the blockage is caused by earwax buildup.
There are several ways to do this, including ear irrigation, but micro suction is the most comfortable, the least irritating, and the most effective.
This method of earwax removal offered at London Hearing uses a small vacuum probe to safely and painlessly remove the earwax. This method reduces the risk to the eardrums and tubes.
Position Changes
If your ear is clogged with water, you can try laying on the side with the ear clogged on a towel. Gravity can help the water exit the ear.
Although many ear blockages can self-resolve or be resolved with a bit of assistance, some may require professional intervention. If the ear blockage comes with symptoms of a sinus infection, you should see a doctor. Also, ear infections or other symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, discharge, or ringing sound should warrant a trip to the doctor.