Feeling like your hearing is muffled or your ears are clogged is a frustrating but common side effect experienced during or after a cold. This temporary sensation, often described as having cotton in your ears, happens because of the congestion caused by an upper respiratory infection. As the cold resolves and the associated inflammation decreases, your hearing nearly always returns to its normal state.
Why Hearing Changes During a Cold
The mechanism behind this muffled hearing involves a small channel called the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat. The primary function of this tube is to equalize air pressure within the middle ear relative to the outside environment, which is necessary for clear hearing. It also helps to drain fluid from the middle ear cavity.
When a cold virus causes inflammation and excess mucus production, the tissues surrounding the Eustachian tube swell. This swelling or the presence of thick mucus can block the tube, preventing it from opening properly when you swallow or yawn. When the tube is blocked, the air inside the middle ear is absorbed by the surrounding tissues, creating a negative pressure. This pressure imbalance pulls the eardrum inward, which interferes with its ability to vibrate correctly and results in the sensation of fullness or muffled sound.
Home Techniques for Ear Clearing
Techniques that involve muscle movement in the throat and jaw are helpful because they activate the muscles connected to the Eustachian tube. Chewing gum or sucking on a hard candy stimulates frequent swallowing, which may cause the tube to open and relieve the pressure. Yawning widely and repeatedly uses these same muscles and can help to “pop” the ears.
The Valsalva maneuver gently forces air into the middle ear. To perform this, take a deep breath, pinch your nostrils shut, and close your mouth, then attempt to gently exhale through your nose. Blow very gently, as forcing air too aggressively can potentially harm the eardrum. You may hear a slight “pop” sound when the tube opens, indicating successful pressure equalization.
Using steam can help by thinning the thick mucus causing congestion in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. Inhaling steam for 10 to 15 minutes over a bowl of hot water can loosen secretions. Applying a warm compress to the outside of the affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes can also soothe discomfort and promote drainage. Staying well-hydrated is beneficial, as this helps keep the body’s mucus thin and flowing.
Medications That Can Help
Oral Decongestants
Over-the-counter medications work by targeting the inflammation and congestion that causes the Eustachian tube blockage. Oral decongestants, such as those containing pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, reduce swelling in the mucous membranes lining the nasal passages. Shrinking the nasal tissue can help open the tube’s entrance, allowing air to pass and fluid to drain.
Nasal Sprays and Antihistamines
Nasal decongestant sprays work quickly to reduce swelling directly inside the nose, alleviating pressure on the tube. These sprays should only be used for three days or less, as longer use can lead to rebound congestion. If allergies contribute to congestion, an over-the-counter antihistamine may help by reducing the body’s inflammatory response and associated swelling. Nasal steroid sprays are also an option to reduce inflammation, but they may take a week or longer to provide maximum benefit.
Warning Signs Requiring a Doctor Visit
While most muffled hearing resolves on its own, certain symptoms suggest that a secondary issue, like a middle ear infection, has developed. You should seek professional medical attention if your hearing loss or ear fullness persists for more than seven to ten days after your cold symptoms have otherwise disappeared. The development of severe or sharp ear pain, especially when accompanied by a fever, can signal an infection that may require antibiotics.
Other serious signs include any fluid, pus, or blood discharging from the ear, which may indicate a perforation of the eardrum. A sudden, complete loss of hearing in one ear, unrelated to pressure changes, is a symptom that requires immediate evaluation. If you experience severe dizziness, vertigo, or a loss of balance along with ear symptoms, see a doctor promptly.