Ears often feel clogged or muffled when you are sick. This sensation frequently accompanies illnesses affecting the upper respiratory system, such as colds, the flu, or sinusitis.
How Sickness Affects Your Ears
The discomfort of clogged ears during an illness often stems from the Eustachian tube, a narrow passageway connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube plays a role in equalizing air pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear. When you have a cold, flu, or allergies, the lining of your nasal passages and throat can become inflamed and produce excess mucus.
This inflammation and mucus can extend to the Eustachian tube, causing it to swell or become blocked. A blocked Eustachian tube prevents air from entering or leaving the middle ear, leading to a pressure imbalance. This imbalance can pull on the eardrum, resulting in the sensation of pressure, fullness, or muffled hearing.
Home Remedies for Clogged Ears
Several methods can provide temporary relief from clogged ears associated with illness. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes, allowing pressure to equalize. A warm compress applied to the affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes can soothe the area and promote better drainage.
Inhaling steam from a hot shower or a bowl of warm water can also help loosen mucus and relieve congestion. Gently blowing your nose with your mouth closed and nostrils pinched (Valsalva maneuver) can also help pop your ears, but this should be done cautiously to avoid excessive force. Over-the-counter options like nasal decongestants or saline nasal sprays may also help reduce swelling and clear passages, but decongestants should be used for only a few days to avoid rebound congestion.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many cases of clogged ears due to illness resolve on their own, certain symptoms warrant a medical consultation. If you experience severe ear pain, seek medical attention. Persistent symptoms that do not improve or worsen after a few days of home remedies also warrant professional assessment.
Other warning signs include fluid discharge from the ear, which could signal an infection, or new onset of dizziness or vertigo. If you notice significant hearing loss that does not improve, or if symptoms last for more than a week, a doctor can diagnose any underlying issues, such as an ear infection, and recommend appropriate treatment.