A plugged ear creates an uncomfortable sensation, often described as fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing. This common issue arises from three primary mechanisms: a physical blockage in the external ear canal (like earwax or trapped water), a functional problem within the middle ear, or dysfunction of the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tube manages pressure equalization between the middle ear and the atmosphere. Understanding the specific cause is the first step toward selecting a safe and effective home remedy.
Relieving Blockage from Pressure Changes
When an ear feels blocked after flying, diving, or during a cold, the issue often stems from the Eustachian tube’s inability to equalize pressure. Congestion or rapid altitude changes can cause this tube to collapse or become obstructed, preventing necessary air exchange. Simple actions can engage the muscles that open the Eustachian tube, relieving the pressure imbalance. Repeatedly swallowing, yawning widely, or chewing gum are effective, low-impact methods. For a more direct approach, the Valsalva maneuver attempts to force air into the middle ear space.
To perform the Valsalva maneuver safely, take a deep breath, close your mouth, and gently pinch your nostrils shut. Attempt to exhale softly, as if blowing through a straw, to create mild pressure in your nose and throat. Use only gentle force, as blowing too hard can damage the eardrum. If the ear is blocked due to congestion, a decongestant or nasal spray may help open the tube, allowing trapped air or fluid to drain.
Safe Home Methods for Clearing Wax and Water
For a blockage caused by earwax, the goal is to soften the material so the ear’s natural self-cleaning mechanisms can expel it. Wax-softening solutions (cerumenolytic agents) are the safest initial treatment for physical obstructions. Over-the-counter options include mineral oil, baby oil, or glycerin, applied with a dropper while the head is tilted sideways.
A few drops of the chosen oil should sit in the ear canal for five to ten minutes before tilting the head to let the excess drain onto a towel. Another common method involves a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution, typically a 3% concentration mixed with water, applied in the same manner. The peroxide often causes a distinct fizzing sensation as it breaks down the earwax, and the solution should drain completely after several minutes.
Trapped water can be addressed using gravity and gentle heat to encourage evaporation. Tilting the head to the affected side while gently tugging the earlobe helps straighten the ear canal, allowing the water to run out. If this is unsuccessful, a hairdryer set to the lowest heat and speed setting can be used to dry the ear canal indirectly. The device must be held at least 12 inches away from the ear to prevent thermal injury.
Critical Safety Warnings and Methods to Avoid
The most common mistake when dealing with a plugged ear is inserting any foreign object into the ear canal. Cotton swabs are counterproductive for earwax removal, as they merely push the wax deeper against the eardrum, leading to impaction. Using swabs, fingers, or hairpins can also scratch the sensitive skin of the ear canal, creating an entry point for infection or potentially perforating the eardrum.
Ear candling, a practice involving lighting a hollow cone placed in the ear, should be avoided entirely. This method lacks scientific evidence for removing earwax and carries significant risks. The practice can cause serious injuries, including burns or introducing candle wax into the ear canal, which worsens the blockage. Home irrigation or syringing should only be attempted after earwax has been softened by drops. This method must be avoided if there is any suspicion of a perforated eardrum or ear tubes.
Recognizing When Professional Medical Help is Needed
Home remedies are appropriate for mild, non-painful blockages, but certain symptoms indicate a need for medical attention. Seek professional care immediately if a plugged ear is accompanied by severe, sharp pain, a fever, or a discharge of pus or blood. These symptoms may signal an active infection or a ruptured eardrum, which requires specific diagnosis and treatment.
Sudden hearing loss, persistent dizziness, or vertigo also warrant immediate consultation with a healthcare provider. If home treatments fail to clear the blockage after two or three days, a doctor can safely examine the ear and perform professional removal. Avoid all liquid treatments, including drops and irrigation, if you have a known or suspected eardrum perforation or if ear tubes are present, as this could lead to serious inner ear complications.