Why Does My Ear Feel Clogged? Causes and What to Do

Why Does My Ear Feel Clogged? Causes and What to Do

Causes of a Clogged Ear

Your ear can get clogged from wax buildup or being at high elevation. In some cases, it can have a more serious cause.

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Even though a clogged ear may not cause pain or discomfort, muffled sounds and straining to hear can be a real nuisance.

Your ear may unblock on its own within hours or days. But several home remedies and medications can provide fast relief.

As you treat a clogged ear, it’s also helpful to identify possible causes of the blockage. This way, you and your doctor can determine the best way to treat the clog and prevent future problems.

The following causes can cause your ears to get clogged.

1. Eustachian Tube Blockage

Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is one possible cause of a clogged ear. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat. Fluid and mucus flow from the ear to the back of the throat through this tube, where it’s swallowed. But instead of flowing down the throat, fluid and mucus can sometimes become trapped in the middle ear and clog the ear. This blockage usually accompanies an infection, such as the common cold, influenza, or sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis can also cause a blockage in the Eustachian tube.

Other symptoms of a blockage caused by an infection or allergies include:

• Runny nose
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Sore throat

Unblocking the Eustachian tube is important because the blockage can cause an ear infection, which is when a bacteria or viral infection gets into the middle ear.

2. Ear Infections

Ear infections can also clog your ear. There are two types of ear infections:

• Outer ear infection (otitis externa or swimmer’s ear). This happens when water remains in the ear after swimming. This moist environment encourages the growth of bacteria or fungi. You’ll also likely experience pain in your ear, redness, fluid discharge, and fever.
• Middle ear inflammation (otitis media). This is when microorganisms reach your middle ear, which is the space behind the eardrum. This is usually a complication of a respiratory infection. In addition to pain and fever, this infection can affect your balance and hearing.

3. Earwax

Earwax protects your ear by cleansing the ear canal and preventing debris from entering the ear. Wax is normally soft, but it can harden and cause a blockage in the ear. Having too much wax can also cause an earwax blockage. When earwax triggers a clogged ear, other symptoms may include:

• An earache
• Ringing in the ears
• Muffled hearing
• Dizziness

4. Cholesteatoma

A cholesteatoma is a growth of skin behind the eardrum. It can be caused by middle ear infections, or it may be present at birth. It is not cancerous. A cholesteatoma primarily feels like pressure in the ear, which may also feel like an ear blockage. Other symptoms include discharge from the ear that has a strong odor and gradual hearing loss.

Since the symptoms can be similar to an ear infection, a doctor will examine your ear to determine what you have.

Treating a Clogged Ear

Although a clogged ear is an annoying distraction, depending on the cause, it can be treatable with home remedies.

Dislodge trapped fluid

If the cause is trapped fluid from the ear canal, you can insert your index finger into the affected ear and gently move your finger up and down.

Use the Valsalva maneuver

This trick helps open your Eustachian tube and release trapped fluid from behind your eardrum. To perform the Valsalva maneuver, take a deep breath and pinch your nose. With your mouth closed, attempt to exhale gently through your nose. This should create enough pressure to "pop" or unclog the ear.

Inhale steam

Turn on a hot shower and sit in the bathroom. The steam from the hot water can help loosen mucus in the ear. Another option is placing a hot or warm washcloth over your ear.

Take over-the-counter medication

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication can treat a clogged ear caused by sinus drainage, colds, or allergies. You can try taking an antihistamine or cold or sinus medication containing a decongestant. Make sure to follow the directions on the label.

Ear drops

An earwax removal kit can soften and flush earwax from the ears. You can also place a few drops of warm mineral oil, baby oil, or hydrogen peroxide into your ear using a medication dropper.

See a Doctor

See a doctor if you cannot unclog your ears with home remedies. If you have a buildup of wax, manual wax removal by an ear, nose, and throat doctor may be necessary. Other doctors, like pediatricians or primary care doctors, are more likely to irrigate your ears with water and saline using a syringe.

Conclusion

A clogged ear is usually temporary, with many successfully self-treating it with home remedies and OTC medications. Contact your doctor if your ears remain blocked after trying home remedies, especially if you have hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or pain. You may need prescription-strength ear drops or manual wax removal.

FAQs

Q: Why do my ears feel clogged?
A: Your ears can get clogged from wax buildup, being at high elevation, or having a blockage in the Eustachian tube.

Q: What causes a blockage in the Eustachian tube?
A: A blockage in the Eustachian tube can be caused by an infection, allergies, or high altitude.

Q: How can I treat a clogged ear?
A: You can try home remedies such as dislodging trapped fluid, using the Valsalva maneuver, inhaling steam, taking OTC medication, or using ear drops.

Q: When should I see a doctor?
A: See a doctor if you cannot unclog your ears with home remedies, especially if you have hearing loss, ringing in the ears, or pain.