You can also try removing your ear plugs by blowing through your mouth while plugged in. You can also use ear drops, peroxide or irrigation.
You can develop stuffy ear for many reasons, just like you might get stuffy nasal congestion.
Clogged ears can be seen as a result of:
- Too much earwax
- Water in your Ear
- Debris or foreign bodies causing obstruction
Clogged ears can occur when the eardrum is pushed inward.
- A change in altitude such as when flying
- Sinusitis
- Middle ear infections
- allergens
- Middle ear fluid or dysfunction
Treatments for Clogged Ears
The cause of stuffy ears and its location can affect the treatment.
It is important to identify if earwax has built up in the auditory canal (in the outer ear, behind the eardrum).
Treatment may include:
- Over-the-counter ear drops
- “Popping your ears”
- OTC nasal sprays
- Applying a warm compress
- Medical professionals can remove impacted earwax.
- Treating an illness or infection
You can unclog your ears with these tips.
Tips to Clear a Middle Ear Clog
Middle ear swelling can be caused by fluid, congestion, or an ear infection.
Treating the cause of your symptoms, whether it’s an ear infection, a cold , or allergies, may resolve your symptoms.
The following remedies are available:
Maneuvers
The Valsalva move, also known as “popping the ears”, helps to open up the Eustachian tubes when they are blocked by pressure changes.
This can be done by closing your lips and blowing while plugging your nostrils. You should not blow your nose hard as this can damage your eardrum.
Remember: This procedure only works when pressures change, like changing altitude. This procedure does not treat excess fluid in your inner ear. You may not be able to “pop” them if there is fluid. Trying may also cause pain.
You can also use the Toynbee move to relieve pressure. This can be done by holding your nose while swallowing.
Nasal sprays or oral decongestants
OTC nasal sprays or oral decongestants are especially helpful when you fly or have sinus or nasal congestion. These are often more effective when used as preventative treatments.
Tips to Clear a Blocked Outer Ear
A clogged outer-ear can be caused by earwax accumulation or water. The treatment can include methods to reduce swelling or soften earwax.
Never use anything to remove earwax from your ears. It can cause infection, push the wax further into the ear, or even cause injury.
The following remedies are available:
Mineral oil
You can try dripping Mineral or Olive oil in your blocked ear.
Be careful not to heat it up too much. Check the temperature on your wrist or hand to ensure it is safe and does not irritate skin.
Use an eyedropper to place one or two drops into your ear. Hold your head at an angle for 10 to 15 second. Repeat this up to five days daily until the blockage is gone.
The Otic is made of carbamide peroxide (or hydrogen peroxide).
Hydrogen Peroxide and carbamide peroxide can be used as Otic eardrops. Apply it the same way you would the oil.
Keep your head at an angled position until the fizzing stops.
Ear drops available over-the-counter
You can purchase ear drops at your local pharmacy or online. Follow the instructions on the package.
Ear irrigation
Irrigating the ear can help after you have made progress with the blockage. You can either have a doctor perform this procedure in their office or do it yourself at home.
Irrigation can be used to flush out earwax that has been softened.
You may experience complications from ear irrigation if you suffer from certain conditions. These include an ear infection, or a perforated eardrum. Avoid ear irrigation when you:
- A damaged eardrum
- Tubes in your ears
- A weak immune system
- Recurrent swimmer’s ears (otitis externala)
Warm compress or steam
You can also try a hot bath or a compress placed over your ear. Showers can help you get steam in your ear canal. Make sure you stay in the shower for 5-10 minutes.
Positions can be changed
Try laying down on the towel side of your ear if it is blocked with water. Gravity can help water drain from your ear.
Use Caution
The ear is a very sensitive part of your body. The majority of ear, throat, and nose professionals do not typically tell their patients to regularly clean their ears.
It’s best to avoid touching the ear. It may seem like an easy way to prevent or treat earwax, but this can be harmful.
Use a gentle touch when cleaning your ear. Avoid putting your finger in. Use a warm, damp cloth to clean the outer portion of the ear.
When to Seek Help
A medical professional may be able to determine the cause and speed up recovery if you visit them.
Prescription medications can be very helpful for both middle and sinus infections.
It is best to consult a doctor if you experience symptoms that could indicate a sinusitis. Children and adults can get ear infections due to viral infections. They are usually easy to treat.
Contact a health professional if you experience any of these symptoms:
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
- Ear pain
- A ringing noise
- Discharge
They don’t always mean something serious is wrong. These symptoms may indicate to a doctor a particular course of treatment.
The Bottom Line
While a blocked ear can be uncomfortable, it is generally easy to treat on your own. In some cases, medical attention may be required.
It’s understandable that you want it gone as soon as possible. The length of time it takes to clear up can depend on the cause and how quickly you treat it.
It is possible to clear clogged ears quickly. Infections and earwax can take longer depending on their severity.
It can take as long as two weeks to recover from a infection of the sinuses if you have difficulty shaking.
Treatment that is effective can speed up recovery.
