How to Unclog Ears: 9 Tips and Remedies

Dealing with clogged ears can be frustrating and uncomfortable, affecting your hearing and causing discomfort. The good news is that there are multiple effective ways to unclog your ears and restore your hearing. In this article, let's discuss the causes of clogged ears and provide 12 effective methods to unclog them. Whether it is earwax buildup, sinus congestion, or a common cold, these techniques can relieve and help you regain your hearing.

Causes of Clogged Ears

Possible reasons for a blocked ear include Eustachian tube dysfunction, when the tube connecting the middle ear to the throat becomes blocked, and fluid and mucus cannot flow properly. Infections like the common cold, influenza, sinusitis, or allergies such as allergic rhinitis often cause this blockage. Symptoms of a blocked Eustachian tube may include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and a sore throat. It is essential to address this blockage 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 equalizes 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 the only symptom of an altitude change, but pain, hearing loss, or dizziness may be a sign of a more severe condition, such as barotrauma or altitude sickness. 

Another cause of a blocked ear is an ear infection, which 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 sinus congestion is causing your clogged ears, nasal decongestants can be highly effective in reducing inflammation and opening up the Eustachian tubes. These are available over the counter, and one should use them as directed by the doctor.
2. Warm water Rinse: A simple yet effective method to clear blocked ears is a warm water rinse. This technique helps flush out mucus and relieve congestion in the sinus passages, alleviating the pressure on the ears. Start by filling a bowl with comfortably warm water to perform a warm water rinse. Tilt your head sideways and gently pour the water into one nostril while keeping the other closed with your finger. Allow the water to flow through your nasal passage and out of the other nostril. 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 dealing with sinus-related ear congestion, it is essential to avoid using earplugs or headphones. These devices can further block your ears and worsen the congestion by trapping moisture and promoting bacterial growth. 
4. Jaw Exercises: Performing jaw exercises can help relieve sinus-related ear congestion by promoting proper drainage. These exercises work by stimulating the muscles around the sinuses and encouraging the movement of mucus. A straightforward 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 if you were chewing gum. Daily exercises can help prevent and alleviate ear congestion caused by sinus issues.
5. Professional Ear Cleaning: If home remedies do not provide sufficient relief, it may be necessary to seek professional ear cleaning. A doctor or an ENT specialist can thoroughly examine and determine the best course of action. 
6. Valsalva Maneuver: The Valsalva manoeuvre is a technique that can help equalize pressure in the ears and alleviate 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 also help relieve sinus-related ear congestion. These actions promote the opening of the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow into the middle ear and equalize the pressure. 
8. Steam inhalation is a popular method for clearing blocked ears. It reduces congestion and promotes nasal drainage. 
9. Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated is crucial for maintaining overall sinus health and preventing ear congestion. Drinking an adequate amount of water throughout the day helps to thin mucus, making it easier for it to drain from the sinuses.

When to See a Doctor? 

While the methods mentioned above are generally safe and effective, it is crucial to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen or if you experience severe pain, hearing loss, or discharge from the ear. 

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosis involves a thorough medical history of the condition. Your doctors will examine the inner ear for signs of fluid buildup or inflammation. A hearing test may be necessary to assess 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 traveling by air, which can alter the pressure in the mouth and stimulate the Eustachian Tubes to function. Another effective method is using a nasal decongestant 30 minutes before experiencing a pressure change. For air travel, ‘earplanes’, earplugs specifically designed to mitigate pressure changes during the flight, are a better option.

Conclusion

Clogged ears can be uncomfortable, but with the proper techniques, you can find relief and improve your overall ear health. From simple methods like swallowing and yawning to over-the-counter and home remedies, there are many ways to unclog your ears. Remember to stay hydrated, avoid inserting objects, and seek medical attention. Say goodbye to clogged ears and hello to clear and comfortable hearing!