Have you ever thought that your ears are plugged up with invisible cotton? That infuriating, muffled feeling, as if you're listening underwater, can strike a flight, cold, or swim. Stuffy ears aren't only unpleasant, but they will also interfere with your balance, cause mild pain, and turn ordinary sounds dull and far away. Fortunately, in many instances, you can treat stuffy ears at home.
Here’s a breakdown of common causes and some tried-and-true remedies to help you unclog those ears.
Common Culprits Behind Clogged Ears
- Earwax Buildup: Your ears naturally produce wax to protect themselves, but sometimes it accumulates and hardens, blocking the ear canal.
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: These small tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. When they get blocked due to allergies, a cold, sinus infection, or pressure changes, their ears can feel clogged.
- Water Trapped in the Ear: Post-swimming or showering, water can get stuck inside, leading to a plugged feeling.
- Infections: Both outer and middle ear infections can cause inflammation, fluid buildup, and pressure.
Simple Home Remedies That Work
Try the Valsalva Maneuver (aka the ‘Nose Pinch’ Trick)
This one’s a favourite during flights. Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow as if you’re trying to blow your nose. You should feel a small 'pop' as your ears equalise. Just don’t blow too hard as it can damage the eardrum if overdone.
Chew Gum or Yawn
It’s not just an in-flight habit. Both chewing and yawning help open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow and equalise pressure. It's a gentle way to relieve ear stuffiness caused by altitude changes or congestion.
Hydration and Steam Inhalation
Water thins mucus, while steam opens up nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. Try inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head, or take a warm shower and let the steam do its magic.
Warm Compress
Put a washcloth over your ear after you soak it in warm water, wring it out, and place it over your ear. The warmth can help loosen up any earwax and promote fluid drainage if your congestion is due to a cold or sinus issue. It also feels incredibly soothing.
Also Read: Does Your Ear Itch Soon After Waking Up? Here's What You Can Do
Over-the-Counter Decongestants
If your ears are blocked because of a cold, allergies, or sinus pressure, a nasal decongestant spray or pill may be helpful. It reduces swelling around the Eustachian tubes, allowing pressure to equalise more easily. Don't overdo nasal sprays as they can lead to rebound congestion if used for more days.
Olive Oil or Ear Drops for Wax
A few drops of warm olive oil or over-the-counter earwax softening drops may loosen hardened wax. After a few minutes, tip your head to allow the wax to drain out. You may need to do this for a few days if the buildup is thick.
When to See a Doctor
If the congestion persists after trying these treatments, or if you experience pain, discharge, dizziness, or hearing loss, it's best to examine it. Long-term ear blockage might be a sign of infection, broken eardrum, or some other complicated problem like impacted wax, which requires professional removal.
[Disclaimer: This article contains information for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]