6 Ways to Deal with Clogged Ears

Ear blockages are a common–and annoying– concern for many of us. They are caused by various factors, including air pressure changes, common colds, or earwax build-up. Sometimes, however, they indicate a more significant problem that needs lifestyle changes or medical intervention.

El Dorado Hearing is giving you six ways to deal with clogged ears at home if you’ve been dealing with painful clogged ears for months. Let’s dig in and get those ears unclogged!

Clearing With Fluids

Clearing with fluids–usually steam, oil, or hydrogen peroxide– is a helpful way to help relieve clogged ears from mucus or earwax. Here are some ways you can do this that are unobtrusive and unlikely to cause discomfort.

NOTE: You should not introduce fluids into your ears if you have had incisions or holes in your eardrums to drain existing fluid.

Treating With Steam

Steam has been used as a home remedy to help clear blockages for years. It’s a safe and effective way to loosen up mucus in the nose or ears to soothe the effects of a cold.

You can generate steam by:

• Running a hot shower and closing the bathroom door – simply sit in the steam for a while.
• Warm Compress. Run hot water through a clean towel or rag and place it over your ear – just ensure it’s not too hot when you apply it.

Nasal Decongestants

You might consider decongestants if your blockage is getting more severe and steam isn’t helping. They will help clear and decongest the ears and nose. Only use for a few days at a time – frequent use is discouraged.

Soften with Oils

If earwax is the problem, the application of oils can work. Introducing oil will loosen solid blocks of wax so that they can, in effect, slide out.

While baby oil is sometimes advised, it’s generally best to use cooking oil – or any non-fragrant oil – to avoid irritation. High-quality olive oils work best. To do this at home, simply:

• Dip a cotton swab into a teaspoon of oil.
• Lay on your side, and allow a couple of drops to fall off the swab and onto your ear.
• Very gently swirl your finger around the skin to allow it to enter the ear.
• Stay in that position for a short while, five or so minutes, to ensure it is soaked in.

Do not allow the cotton swab to enter your ear – while this is a traditional method of clearing ears; we know it pushes earwax even further.

Ear Drops & Ear Wax Removal Kits

Ear drops are one of the most common treatments for various ear disorders and are used both to treat ear infections and the build-up of excessive ear wax. There are prescription and non-prescription drops available.

Like oil-based treatments, ear wax removal kits introduce liquid into the ear that helps soften up and clear blockages and are generally more efficient than oils.

Clearing Trapped Air

There are a couple of ways you can help unclog your ears with only the use of your body, taking advantage of the relationship between your ears, nose, and mouth.

The Valsalva Maneuver

This treatment is as simple as pinching your nose shut, closing your mouth, and trying to exhale.

It’s commonly used to deal with changes in atmospheric pressure, such as taking off and landing during a flight or driving in the mountains and works by forcing air out the ears, which causes them to pop. You shouldn’t have to exhale very hard for it to work. Be gentle!

Encouraging Swallowing

Like the Valsalva maneuver, this is a simple solution for temporarily clearing the ears. Swallowing helps to open up your Eustachian tubes – these are the tubes behind the ear canal that run toward your sinuses.

You can encourage swallowing by forcing yourself to swallow, chewing gum, or sucking on hard candy. The build-up of saliva will cause you to swallow unconsciously.

Long Term Treatments

Some blockages result from long-term issues; fortunately, recent medical science developments are helping to treat chronic ear problems.

Treatment for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
For those who have experienced clogged ears for months, it may be from chronic eustachian tube dysfunction.

Eustachian tube dysfunction simply refers to a fluid blockage in the ears, which can be caused by various issues, including colds and flu.

This is typically treated by the introduction of small tubes or incisions that help to equalize pressure in the middle ear. However, new treatments deal with these issues with a simple procedure that uses a balloon to dilate the eustachian tube.

Should I Get a Hearing Test If My Ears Are Frequently Blocked?

Regardless of what issue is affecting your ear – if it’s causing you frequent discomfort or pain or decreasing your ability to hear, we recommend you visit El Dorado Hearing and book a hearing evaluation.

We give complete evaluations involving inspections of the ear canal to assess blockages and other issues. You’ll be able to ask questions and receive helpful, medically sound answers from a trained team of professionals. Don’t deal with clogged ears for months–come in and see us today.