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6 min read<\/p>\n6 min read<\/p>\n
Most people have dealt with their ears feeling clogged at some point. Allergies, air pressure changes (like those you might experience when flying), and even jaw problems can all lead to the sensation of your ears being clogged. Doctors have explained how to unclog your ears safely, the different potential causes of that annoying plugged-up sensation, and symptoms that indicate it\u2019s time to seek medical care. <\/p>\n
One common culprit of clogged ears is earwax. But what you don\u2019t want to do is start poking around your ear canal with a cotton swab. If you do want to clean your ear, Benjamin Tweel, M.D.<\/a>, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Icahn School of Medicine and Medical Director for the Department of Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Health System, recommends using a tissue to clean the wax that has made its way to the outside of your ear. But he says you should not use a Q-tip to clean the inside of your ear canal, as tempting as it is. \u201cCleaning deeper inside can push the wax further in and can lead to infections, scratches, or even damage to the eardrum and the hearing bones,\u201d he says. Meet the Experts: Benjamin Tweel, M.D.<\/a>, assistant professor of otolaryngology at Icahn School of Medicine and Medical Director for the Department of Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Health System; Natasha Bhuyan, M.D.<\/a>, family physician at One Medical in Phoenix, AZ; Connie Jennings, M.D.<\/a>, Medical Director of University of Kentucky Integrative Medicine and Health and member of Prevention\u2019s Medical Review Board<\/a><\/p>\n Below, experts explain the most common causes of clogged ears and how to find relief.<\/p>\n Causes and treatment for clogged earsEarwax<\/p>\n Earwax is a common cause of ears feeling clogged, says Natasha Bhuyan, M.D.<\/a>, family physician at One Medical in Phoenix, AZ. \u201cEarwax is natural, but for some people, the earwax can build up and cause an impaction\u2014this might be the result of using cotton swabs in the ear, headphones, or other things that push wax into your ears.\u201d<\/p>\n What you can do: <\/strong>Certain ear drops can help soften the wax, says Dr. Bhuyan. \u201cYour family doctor can also help safely remove the wax.\u201d It\u2019s important to avoid using cotton swabs in your ear as this can push the earwax in further\u2014it\u2019s often the opposite of what people are attempting to do, she adds.<\/p>\n Dr. Tweel does not recommend any over the counter ear cleaning devices, as these can be hard to use effectively and safely. \u201cIf ear drops don\u2019t help, you should see a doctor. Urgent care or primary care offices may be able to irrigate the ear.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n Keep in mind that regular use of things in your ears, like airpods or ear buds, can contribute to \u201cpacking\u201d the wax, says Connie Jennings, M.D.<\/a>, Medical Director of University of Kentucky Integrative Medicine and Health and member of Prevention\u2019s Medical Review Board<\/a>. \u201cAir pods [and the like] seem to be in such prolonged use these days\u2014phone calls, zooming at work, movies at home\u2014this, of course, leads to diminished hearing and a more difficult removal of the wax.\u201d So take breaks from your ear buds and, naturally, you should clean them with alcohol wipes when necessary, she adds.<\/p>\n Eustachian tube dysfunction<\/p>\n 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. \u201cIf the dysfunction is particularly bad, as can happen during a cold, sometimes fluid can build up behind the ears.\u201d<\/p>\n Additionally, researchers have found that some people experience Eustachian tube dysfunction during pregnancy<\/a>.<\/p>\n What you can do: <\/strong>Eustachian tube dysfunction is treated by finding a way to \u201cpop\u201d the ears, says Dr. Tweel. \u201cYawning 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.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n There is a device called a Eustachi<\/a> 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. \u201cFor instance, you may use an oral decongestant such as phenylephrine, which will help open up the nose and often the Eustachian tubes.\u201d<\/p>\n Allergies<\/p>\n 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<\/a> that can help relieve the pressure in your ears.<\/p>\n What you can do:<\/strong> Using a nasal steroid spray<\/a> is one of the best remedies, says Dr. Bhuyan. \u201cThe nasal steroid can decrease inflammation in your respiratory passages and actually help unclog your ears.\u201d Dr. Bhuyan also highly recommends cleaning out the nasal passages with a sinus rinse<\/a>. \u201cThis can be with nasal saline or even distilled water.\u201d An oral decongestant is another option, although this could also dry you out, she notes.<\/p>\n Moreover, it\u2019s important to get to the root of the problem by minimizing allergies in your home, says Dr. Bhuyan. \u201cChange your bedsheets weekly, be sure to vacuum pet dander (with a HEPA vacuum cleaner<\/a> specifically), and leave your shoes at the door\u2014they can be culprits in tracking in pollen.\u201d<\/p>\n Ear infection<\/p>\n An ear infection<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n What you can do:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n TMJ problems<\/p>\n 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. \u201cThis is often accompanied by a grinding or clicking feeling or pain.\u201d<\/p>\n What you can do:<\/strong> TMJ problems may be treated with a combination of a soft diet and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, suggests Dr. Tweel.<\/p>\n Hearing loss<\/p>\n Hearing loss can often be felt as a sensation of clogging, fullness or blockage, and is sometimes accompanied by ringing in the ear<\/a>, notes Dr. Tweel.<\/p>\n
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