How to Unclog Ears: 9 Tips and Remedies

Have you ever felt like your ears are blocked or sounds seem muffled for no clear reason? Clogged ears can make you frustrated and uncomfortable. It can affect your hearing and cause discomfort. A clogged ear is common due to earwax buildup, sinus pressure, or changes in air pressure. 

There are many ways to unclog your ears and get your hearing back to normal. In this article, we will see the causes of clogged ears and 12 effective ways to unclog them. 

Causes of Clogged Ears

Possible reasons for a blocked ear include: 

• Eustachian tube dysfunction, in which the tube joining the middle ear to the throat gets blocked, and fluid and mucus cannot flow properly can block an ear. 
• Infections like the common cold, influenza, sinusitis, or allergies (such as allergic rhinitis) can cause this blockage. Symptoms of a blocked Eustachian tube may include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat. It is important to address this issue as it can lead to an ear infection, where bacteria or viruses enter the middle ear. 
• Changes in altitude can also cause a blocked ear, as the Eustachian tube equalises pressure in the middle ear. This is why many people experience clogged ears when flying or driving through high altitudes. In some cases, a blocked ear may be because of an altitude change. But pain, hearing loss, or dizziness may be due to a more severe condition, such as barotrauma or altitude sickness. 
• Another cause of a blocked ear is an ear infection. It can occur in the outer ear (otitis externa) or the middle ear (otitis media). External ear infections are often due to water remaining in the ear after swimming, while middle ear infections are a complication of respiratory infections. Both infections can cause pain, fever, and other symptoms like balance and hearing problems. 
• Earwax can also contribute to a blocked ear, as it cleanses the ear canal and prevents debris from entering. When there is too much earwax, it can harden and block the ear. Other symptoms of an earwax blockage may include an earache, ringing in the ears, and dizziness. Using cotton swabs to clean inside the ear can push earwax deeper and cause a blockage. 
• A cholesteatoma, a non-cancerous growth of skin behind the eardrum, can also cause pressure and blockage in the ear, discharge with a strong odour, and gradual hearing loss. Ear infections can cause this condition or may be present at birth.

How do you clear a blocked ear?

9 Ways to do it:

1. Nasal Decongestants: If your ear is blocked due to sinus congestion, using nasal decongestants may reduce swelling and open the Eustachian tubes. These medicines are available over the counter, but they should always be used as directed by a doctor to avoid overuse or side effects.
2. Warm Water Rinse: A simple but effective way to open blocked ears is a warm water rinse. This can flush out excess mucus and relieve congestion in the sinus passages, thus reducing ear pressure. Start by filling a bowl with comfortably warm water to perform a warm water rinse. Tilt your head sideways and slowly put the water into one nostril, and keep the other closed with your finger. Now, let the water flow through your nasal passage. Remove your finger so that the water can pour out. Repeat this process on the other side. It is important to use distilled or previously boiled water to avoid contamination.
3. Avoid Earplugs or Headphones: When your ears are blocked because of sinus congestion, don't use earplugs or headphones. They can trap moisture, increase pressure inside the ear canal, and may worsen discomfort or promote bacterial growth. 
4. Jaw Exercises: Gentle jaw exercises can relieve sinus-related ear congestion by promoting proper drainage. These can stimulate the muscles around the sinuses and encourage the movement of mucus. A simple exercise involves opening and closing your mouth while applying gentle pressure to your jaw joints with your fingertips. Another exercise is to move your lower jaw side to side as you were chewing gum. Daily exercises may prevent and reduce ear congestion caused by sinus issues.
5. Professional Ear Cleaning: If home remedies don't provide any relief, then get your ears cleaned by a professional. A doctor or an ENT specialist will properly examine and determine the best course of action. 
6. Valsalva Manoeuvre: The Valsalva manoeuvre technique equalises pressure in the ears and reduces congestion. To perform this manoeuvre, close your nostrils with your fingers and gently blow air out of your nose. This action creates pressure in the nasal passages and helps to open the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. As a result, the blocked ears can be relieved by allowing air to flow into the middle ear. 
7. Chewing or Yawning: Chewing gum or yawning can relieve sinus-related ear congestion. These actions can open the blocked Eustachian tubes. 
8. Steam inhalation: This is a popular method for clearing blocked ears. It reduces congestion and increases nasal drainage. 
9. Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated not only maintains overall sinus health but also prevents ear congestion. Drinking enough water can thin the mucus. Thin mucus is easier to drain from the sinuses.

When to See a Doctor 

While the home remedies are generally safe and effective. However consult a doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen or if you have severe pain, hearing loss or fluid discharge from the ear. 

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of clogged ears includes a full medical history of the condition. Your doctors will examine the inner ear for signs of fluid buildup or inflammation. A hearing test may be done to check for potential hearing loss. Sometimes, doctors may also inspect the nose and prescribe medical imaging. 

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for ear or sinus infections, oral antihistamines, or nasal sprays for ear blockages. If you are experiencing pain in your clogged ear, mainly due to an ear infection, taking a pain reliever, as per the directions, is advisable.

Prevention

Several methods can be used to avoid blocked ears when pressure changes. One such method is chewing gum while travelling by air, which can alter the pressure in the mouth and stimulate the Eustachian Tubes to function. One more effective method is to use a nasal decongestant 30 minutes before you experience a pressure change. Earplugs are a good choice for air travel, as they reduce pressure changes during flights.

Conclusion

Clogged ears can make you feel irritated, but with the proper techniques, you can get relief and improve your overall ear health. You can try simple things like swallowing and yawning. Taking over-the-counter medicines and home remedies can unclog your ears and relieve the pain. Try to stay hydrated, avoid inserting objects, and get medical attention when required.