The sensation of fullness or pressure in the ears, often described as feeling “plugged,” is a common experience known medically as aural fullness. This feeling results from an imbalance in the delicate pressure system within the ear or a physical obstruction in the ear canal. Understanding the specific reason behind a plugged ear is the first step toward effective and safe relief, as the discomfort and muffled hearing can be disruptive.
Common Reasons Ears Feel Plugged
The feeling of a plugged ear usually originates from one of three primary categories: issues with middle ear pressure, a buildup in the outer ear canal, or inflammation. The most frequent cause involving the middle ear is Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, regulating air pressure and draining fluid.
When the Eustachian tube becomes inflamed or blocked, often due to an upper respiratory infection or seasonal allergies, it cannot open properly. This obstruction leads to a buildup of negative pressure or fluid behind the eardrum, causing the plugged sensation, muffled hearing, and sometimes a clicking sound. Changes in air pressure, such as those experienced during air travel, can also overwhelm the tube’s ability to equalize pressure, a condition known as barotrauma.
The outer ear canal can become blocked by an accumulation of cerumen, or earwax, leading to cerumen impaction. While earwax naturally cleans and protects the ear, using cotton swabs can push the wax deeper, forming a hard plug that obstructs the canal. Finally, inflammation and infection, such as swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) or a middle ear infection (otitis media), can cause swelling and fluid accumulation that mimics the feeling of a blockage.
Safe Techniques for Clearing Blockages
The safest and most effective clearing techniques depend on whether the cause is pressure-related or wax-related. For issues stemming from Eustachian tube dysfunction, the goal is to encourage the tube to open and equalize the pressure. Simple actions like chewing gum, yawning widely, or swallowing repeatedly can activate the muscles that momentarily open the Eustachian tubes.
A common method for pressure equalization is the Valsalva maneuver, which involves taking a deep breath, closing the mouth, and gently pinching the nostrils shut. The individual then attempts to exhale softly, as if blowing air out of the nose, which forces air into the Eustachian tubes. This maneuver must be performed gently to avoid damaging the eardrum or ear structures.
Another helpful strategy for congestion-related pressure is the use of steam and moisture. Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or taking a warm shower can help reduce inflammation and thin the mucus that may be blocking the Eustachian tube. Over-the-counter decongestants or nasal sprays can also temporarily shrink swollen nasal passages, helping the tube drain more effectively.
For a plugged ear caused by cerumen impaction, the safest home method is to soften the wax before attempting removal. Non-prescription ear drops, mineral oil, baby oil, or hydrogen peroxide can be instilled into the ear canal to break down the hardened wax over several days. Once the wax is softened, gentle irrigation can be used to flush the ear.
This process involves using a rubber bulb syringe to introduce lukewarm water into the ear canal while the head is tilted to encourage drainage. The water temperature should be close to body temperature to prevent dizziness. Cotton swabs or any sharp object should never be inserted into the ear, as this risks pushing the wax deeper or perforating the eardrum. Ear candling is also an unproven and potentially dangerous practice that should be avoided.
Warning Signs and When to Seek Medical Care
While many cases of plugged ears resolve with simple home remedies, certain symptoms indicate that the problem is more severe or requires professional intervention. Persistent or worsening ear pain should prompt a consultation, as this may signal an active infection or a perforated eardrum.
A fever accompanying the plugged sensation is a strong indicator of a bacterial infection, such as otitis media, which typically requires prescription antibiotics. Any noticeable discharge from the ear, especially if it is pus-like or bloody, suggests a serious issue needing immediate medical evaluation.
The onset of dizziness, vertigo, or a persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus) alongside the feeling of fullness also warrants a doctor’s visit, as these symptoms can point to inner ear conditions. If the feeling of a plugged ear or discomfort lasts longer than 48 to 72 hours despite trying safe home remedies, professional medical care is necessary. If a foreign object is suspected of being lodged in the ear canal, seek immediate medical assistance and do not attempt removal at home.