Blocked ears often feel like pressure in the ear and are sometimes accompanied by pain, dizziness, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and mild hearing loss. Blocked ears can be caused by a cold, allergies, or sinus infection. In addition, this problem can also be caused by the accumulation of pressure during flight, scuba diving, or rapid changes in altitude. Fortunately, you can relieve this blockage by reducing the pressure in the ear, treating the underlying disease, or cleaning the ear wax. Clogged ears are not fun, but you can treat them with the following steps.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Relieve Fast
Step 1. Swallow something to open the eustachian tube
Swallowing causes the muscles that control the eustachian tube to contract, making it open. You may hear a "pop" sound when the earplugs open.
- Sucking on candy can help you swallow.
- If you are carrying your baby on a flight, give him a pacifier or bottle to help him swallow.
Step 2. Yawn
Like swallowing, yawning causes the muscles that control the eustachian tube to contract. As a result, this channel will open. Yawning is more effective than swallowing, but more difficult for some people.
If your ears are blocked during a flight, yawn as the plane ascends and descends
Step 3. Chew gum
Chewing gum will also make the muscles controlling the eustachian tube contract, making it open. Chew gum until you hear a "pop" sound.”
Step 4. Exhale slowly through your nose
Close your mouth, pinch your nostrils almost shut. After that, exhale slowly through your nose. Listen for the "pop" sound. If you hear it, it means you succeeded.
- This technique may not work for everyone's ear plugs. If you still fail after trying this technique once or twice, we suggest trying something else.
- Try this technique as the plane ascends and descends during flight to prevent your ears from getting clogged.
Step 5. Use a neti pot to clear sinus passages
You can use a neti pot to clear the sinus passages to relieve symptoms, including ear blockage. Fill the neti pot with sterile solution or distilled water. Tilt your head about 45 degrees then place the tip of the neti pot in the upper nostril. Pour the solution slowly into the nostril until it comes out of the lower nostril.
- Exhale through your nose, then repeat through the other nostril.
- The solution in a neti pot can thin out mucus and expel it along with irritants trapped in the nasal cavity.
- Follow the instructions for using your neti pot carefully so you don't swallow the solution.
Step 6. Inhale the steam to open the nasal passages
Pour boiling water into a large bowl then cover your head with a towel. Bend so that your face is above the bowl. Breathe in slowly through your nose. That way, the water vapor can thin and loosen mucus. Get rid of the mucus that has accumulated in your throat.
- Try using teas or other herbs in this treatment. Some types of tea, such as chamomile, have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, so they are great for adding to water.
- Hot showers, sauna baths, or turning on a humidifier can also help.
- Avoid placing hot objects near your ears as the steam can sometimes get too hot.
- Don't get too close to the source of the steam as you could burn your face.
Method 2 of 3: Cure Congested Ears
Step 1. Use an over-the-counter decongestant if you have a cold, allergies, or sinus infection
Ear blockage is often caused by sinus obstruction because there is an eustachian tube that connects the nose with the middle ear. Because nasal decongestants can clear sinus congestion, they can also help relieve stuffy ears.
- You can buy decongestants without a prescription. To buy some types of brands, you may need to ask a pharmacist, however, you do not need a prescription.
- Stop using the decongestant after 3 days, unless your doctor has advised you to continue.
- It's a good idea to consult your doctor first before using a decongestant, especially if you are also taking other medications or have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or prostate disease. Also, you should not give decongestants to children.
Step 2. Use nasal steroid medication
Nasal steroids can relieve swelling in the nasal passages that are causing obstruction. That way, this drug can relieve congestion in both your nose and ears.
- Do not use steroid medications without consulting your doctor.
- You can buy this medicine with or without a doctor's prescription.
- This drug is very useful for allergy sufferers.
Step 3. Use an antihistamine if you have allergies
If left unchecked, allergies can cause clogged ears because they irritate the sinuses and clog the nose. Daily use of an antihistamine can prevent this from happening. There are several options that you can buy over the counter such as cetirizine (Ozen), loratadine (Claritin), and fexofenadine hydrochloride (Allegra).
- Talk to your doctor before taking antihistamines or if over-the-counter antihistamines don't help relieve your symptoms.
- One hour before traveling by plane, you can take an antihistamine to prevent pressure from accumulating in the ear.
- Read all directions and warnings on the medicine package before you take it.
Step 4. See a doctor for severe or persistent pain
You should feel better within a few hours of taking the over-the-counter medication. However, if not, you may need to see a doctor. Blocked ears can cause serious problems if left unchecked. In addition, you may have an infection.
- Immediately visit a doctor if you have a fever or there is fluid coming out of the ear.
- Use all medications your doctor prescribes, especially antibiotics. Otherwise, your symptoms may return.
- Your doctor may prescribe ear drops to help with pain.
Step 5. Ask your doctor about inserting a ventilation tube to treat common ear blockages
The doctor may install a ventilation tube to drain fluid and reduce pressure inside the ear. This treatment is most often performed if the patient's ears are frequently blocked.
This treatment is most often done for children who have frequent ear infections because it can reduce the frequency of infections while allowing them to recover comfortably
Method 3 of 3: Overcome Ear Blockage Due to Cerumen
Step 1. Tilt your head
Point the affected ear up, and the other ear down. You can lie down or rest your head on a pillow to make it more comfortable.
Step 2. Pour 2-3 drops of water, saline, or peroxide into the ear
So that you do not pour too much liquid, we recommend using an eye dropper. You can use any solution as they will all help. However, saline and peroxide solutions are sterile so they are less likely to cause infection if trapped in the ear.
Do not put fluid in the ear if you have an infection or perforation of the eardrum
Step 3. Wait at least 1 minute for the fluid to drain into the ear
Gravity will pull fluid into the ear and soften the cerumen. You only need to wait for 1 minute for the effect to be felt.
Do not wait too long because this fluid will enter deeper in the ear
Step 4. Tilt your head to the opposite side to let the ear wax out
The loosened cerumen should begin to flow out of the ear with the help of gravity. You may need to place a towel under your ear to absorb the cerumen.
- If you are lying down, turn to the opposite side.
- Alternatively, use a rubber suction pipette to suck the cerumen.
Step 5. See a doctor if your ear is still blocked
The doctor will examine your ear to make sure that the only cause of the blockage is cerumen. If necessary, the doctor can also use more sophisticated techniques to remove the cerumen.
If cleaned with a cotton ball, the cerumen may actually solidify. Your doctor can help you deal with it
Tips
- Do not give over-the-counter medications to children without consulting their doctor first. Children's ears are susceptible to infection and should be checked by a doctor when symptoms occur to get proper treatment.
- Do not use antihistamines or decongestants for more than 1 week without consulting your doctor.
- Do not travel by airplane or diving while you have a cold or have a sinus infection.
- Wear filtered earplugs during flights to prevent your ears from getting clogged.
