Experts Say This Is How to Unclog Your Ears the Right Way
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When your ears are feeling clogged, it can feel uncomfortable to say the least. And although there are some ways you can try to relieve the pressure on your own, there are some cases where only a medical professional can assist. But how can you know the difference? Here, experts will explain the possible causes, when to see a doctor, and treatment options for how to unclog your ears from the comfort of your home.
When it comes to routine upkeep of your ears, less is more. For most people, regular cleaning at home is not necessary or helpful in preventing earwax buildup, says Benjamin Tweel, M.D., assistant professor of otolaryngology at Icahn School of Medicine and Medical Director for the Department of Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Health System. “The ears are normally self-cleaning, so the wax that is produced will come out on its own.”
If you, however, feel the need to take action, you can use a tissue to clean the wax that has made its way to the outside, suggests Dr. Tweel, but it is important not to put anything deeper than where your finger can reach. “Cleaning deeper inside can push the wax further in and can lead to infections, scratches, or even damage to the eardrum and the hearing bones.” Cotton swabs should not go in the ear canal for this reason—so lose the Q-tips!
On the occasion that you are suffering with clogged ears, below we will tell you how to get relief safely. But first, experts explain how to determine how your ears get clogged in the first place.
Causes and treatment for clogged ears
Earwax
Earwax is a common cause of ears feeling clogged, says Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., family physician at One Medical in Phoenix, AZ. “Earwax is natural, but for some people, the earwax can build up and cause an impaction—this might be the result of using cotton swabs in the ear, headphones, or other things that push wax into your ears.”
What you can do: Certain ear drops can help soften the wax, says Dr. Bhuyan. “Your family doctor can also help safely remove the wax.” It’s important to avoid using cotton swabs in your ear as this can push the earwax in further—it’s often the opposite of what people are attempting to do, she adds.
Dr. Tweel does not recommend any over the counter ear cleaning devices, as these can be hard to use effectively and safely. “If ear drops don’t help, you should see a doctor. Urgent care or primary care offices may be able to irrigate the ear.” Alternatively, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) has a wider variety of tools, and would be needed for people with prior ear problems, he says.
Eustachian tube dysfunction
The Eustachian tube is responsible for maintaining normal pressure in your ears, so if it is not functioning properly, that can lead to a sensation of pressure in your ears, says Dr. Tweel. This often happens on airplanes. “If the dysfunction is particularly bad, as can happen during a cold, sometimes fluid can build up behind the ears.”
What you can do: Eustachian tube dysfunction is treated by finding a way to “pop” the ears, says Dr. Tweel. “Yawning works well, but is hard to do on command. Chewing gum can be helpful, as swallowing and moving the palate can open the Eustachian tube.” In most cases, it is OK to gently pop your ears by pinching your nose, closing your mouth and gently blowing. You have to be careful not to blow too forcefully or too often, warns Dr. Tweel, otherwise other problems can develop.
There is a device called a Eustachi which can assist in popping the ears safely, says Dr. Tweel. But if you have a cold, often treating the cold symptoms can help pop the ears. “For instance, you may use an oral decongestant such as phenylephrine, which will help open up the nose and often the Eustachian tubes.”
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common reasons people might feel their ears are clogged, says Dr. Bhuyan. Luckily, there are plenty of allergy remedies that can help relieve the pressure in your ears.
What you can do: Using a nasal steroid spray is one of the best remedies, says Dr. Bhuyan. “The nasal steroid can decrease inflammation in your respiratory passages and actually help unclog your ears.” Dr. Bhuyan also highly recommends cleaning out the nasal passages with a sinus rinse. “This can be with nasal saline or even distilled water.” An oral decongestant is another option, although this could also dry you out, she notes.
Moreover, it’s important to get to the root of the problem by minimizing allergies in your home, says Dr. Bhuyan. “Change your bedsheets weekly, be sure to vacuum pet dander (with a HEPA vacuum cleaner specifically), and leave your shoes at the door—they can be culprits in tracking in pollen.”
Ear infection
An ear infection often causes pain, but can also cause the sensation of your ears feeling clogged, says Dr. Bhuyan. An ear infection would need to be diagnosed by a doctor, notes Dr. Tweel.
What you can do: Depending on the severity, an ear infection could be treated with ear drops or oral medications such as antibiotics, says Dr. Bhuyan. An otolaryngologist can clean an outer ear infection, which can accelerate healing, adds Dr. Tweel.
TMJ problems
Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint of the jaw, which is located immediately in front of the ear, can also cause a feeling of fullness, clogging or pressure in the ear, says Dr. Tweel. “This is often accompanied by a grinding or clicking feeling or pain.”
What you can do: TMJ problems may be treated with a combination of a soft diet and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, suggests Dr. Tweel.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss can often be felt as a sensation of clogging, fullness or blockage, and is sometimes accompanied by ringing in the ear, notes Dr. Tweel.
What can you do: Consult with an otolaryngologist or an audiologist to explore treatment for hearing loss. Depending on severity, this could include the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants.
When to see a doctor about clogged ears
It’s actually important to see a family physician anytime you have the sensation of your ears feeling clogged, says Dr. Bhuyan. “They can help diagnose the underlying issue. Even if it ends up being something harmless, it’s better to be evaluated.” Clogged ears might just present on their own or they could be associated with other symptoms like dizziness, and a change in hearing, she explains.
You especially should see a doctor if the clogging feeling is painful or if you have drainage, as those may be signs of infection, warns Dr. Tweel. “A sudden feeling of clogging on one side may be a sign of ‘sudden hearing loss,’ which needs to be treated immediately by an otolaryngologist.” Most people will notice hearing loss if this happens, but some people report only a muffled or clogged sensation. This may be accompanied by ringing in the ears or tinnitus, he explains.
You should also see a doctor if the clogging feeling is one sided or if it lasts for a prolonged time, suggests Dr. Tweel. Symptoms that come and go are usually less concerning, but if it is persistent, you should see a doctor, he adds.
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