A clogged ear can be an uncomfortable sensation, often described as muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, or pressure within the ear. While often temporary, its duration varies considerably depending on the underlying cause.
Common Causes of Clogged Ears
Several factors can lead to a clogged ear. One frequent culprit is earwax buildup. Earwax normally protects the ear canal, but if too much accumulates or hardens, it can block the ear canal, leading to muffled hearing or fullness.
Fluid in the middle ear, often associated with Eustachian tube dysfunction, is another common cause. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, helping to equalize pressure and drain fluid. When this tube becomes blocked or swollen, perhaps due to a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection, fluid can become trapped, causing a clogged feeling. This is particularly common in children.
Changes in air pressure, known as barotrauma, can also cause ears to feel clogged. This often occurs during activities like flying or scuba diving, when the Eustachian tube struggles to equalize pressure. Ear infections, both outer (swimmer’s ear) and middle, can also lead to a clogged sensation due to inflammation and fluid accumulation. Less commonly, a foreign object in the ear canal or benign growths can also manifest as a clogged ear.
How Long Clogged Ears Typically Last
The duration of a clogged ear is directly tied to its cause. A clogged sensation due to changes in air pressure, such as after a flight, usually resolves quickly, often within minutes to a few hours, as the body naturally equalizes pressure. Similarly, if water becomes temporarily trapped in the ear canal, it often drains within a few hours.
When earwax is the issue, the clogged feeling can persist until the wax is removed. While some minor wax blockages might clear on their own over several days, more significant impactions may require intervention.
If the blockage is due to fluid in the middle ear from a cold or allergies, it typically improves as the underlying congestion clears, which can take a few days to a few weeks. Ear infections can cause a clogged sensation that lasts until the infection resolves. With treatment, this could be days to a week or two, though fluid can sometimes linger even after the infection has passed. Sinus infections might result in clogged ears that last even longer than those from a common cold, potentially extending up to two weeks or more until the infection subsides.
Managing a Clogged Ear at Home
Several gentle home remedies can help alleviate a clogged ear.
For Earwax
If earwax is suspected, use softening agents like mineral oil, baby oil, or hydrogen peroxide drops. Place a few drops into the affected ear, allow them to sit for several minutes, then tilt your head to drain. Avoid using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ear canal, as this can push the wax deeper and worsen the blockage.
For Pressure Changes
Simple maneuvers can help equalize pressure in the Eustachian tubes. Yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can encourage these tubes to open. The Valsalva maneuver, which involves gently blowing air out while pinching the nostrils closed and keeping the mouth shut, can also be effective, but should be performed gently to avoid ear drum damage.
For Fluid Buildup
For clogged ears related to fluid buildup from colds or allergies, steam inhalation can be beneficial. Breathing in steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water can help loosen mucus and open congested nasal passages. Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can also help increase circulation and reduce inflammation, aiding fluid drainage. Staying hydrated can thin secretions, making them easier to clear.
When to Consult a Doctor
While many clogged ears resolve with home care, certain symptoms warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. If the clogged sensation is accompanied by severe pain, a fever, or discharge from the ear, it could indicate a more serious issue like an infection.
Sudden hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or problems with balance also suggest a need for professional evaluation. If home remedies do not provide relief after a few days, or if the clogged sensation persists for more than a week, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
This is particularly important if the cause is unknown, as a healthcare provider can accurately diagnose the problem and recommend appropriate treatment, which may include manual wax removal, prescription medications, or further investigation.