Experiencing plugged ears, characterized by muffled hearing, pressure, or discomfort, is common. This temporary blockage can be inconvenient, affecting daily activities and communication. Understanding the reasons and safe home methods for relief can help restore comfortable hearing.
Common Reasons Ears Feel Plugged
A frequent cause of plugged ears is earwax accumulation. Earwax (cerumen) is naturally produced to protect the ear canal, but excessive buildup can block sound. Changes in air pressure also commonly cause plugged ears, such as during airplane travel, scuba diving, or ascending to higher altitudes. This occurs when outside air pressure does not equalize with pressure within the middle ear.
Fluid accumulation in the middle ear is another common reason, often resulting from colds, allergies, or sinus infections. These conditions can cause inflammation and congestion, leading to fluid retention behind the eardrum. Occasionally, a foreign object, particularly in children, might lodge in the ear canal, causing blockage and discomfort.
Safe Home Methods for Relief
Simple physical actions can help clear plugged ears by promoting the opening of the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Chewing gum, yawning widely, or swallowing repeatedly can activate the muscles that open this tube, allowing air pressure to equalize. These movements encourage natural drainage and ventilation of the middle ear space.
The Valsalva maneuver is another gentle technique to equalize ear pressure. To perform this, take a deep breath, close your mouth, and gently pinch your nostrils shut. Then, try to exhale slowly and gently, as if blowing your nose, without letting air escape. A soft “pop” or “click” may indicate the Eustachian tubes have opened, but perform this maneuver gently to avoid eardrum injury.
Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can provide comfort and help loosen congestion. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and place it over the ear for several minutes. The warmth can promote blood flow and help relax tissues around the Eustachian tube.
Over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften earwax can be effective for blockages caused by cerumen buildup. These drops typically contain ingredients like carbamide peroxide, which helps break down the wax. Following product instructions, usually involving tilting the head and allowing drops to enter the ear canal, can soften the wax for natural expulsion. However, these drops should not be used if there is a suspected eardrum perforation.
Inhaling steam can also help alleviate plugged ears, particularly when congestion is a factor. Standing in a warm shower or leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel draped over the head allows warm, moist air to enter the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. The steam helps thin mucus, making it easier to drain from the middle ear and relieve pressure.
When Professional Help is Needed
While many cases of plugged ears resolve with home remedies, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. If you experience severe pain, dizziness, or persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus), consult a healthcare provider. Any discharge, such as pus or blood, from the ear canal also requires immediate medical attention.
Sudden or significant hearing loss accompanying the plugged sensation requires prompt assessment to determine the underlying cause. If home remedies do not provide relief after a few days, or if you suspect a foreign object is lodged in the ear, seek professional help. The presence of a fever or other signs of infection alongside ear symptoms also indicates a need for medical consultation.
Tips for Avoiding Plugged Ears
Regular, gentle ear hygiene can help prevent earwax buildup. Cleaning the outer ear with a soft cloth after showering can remove excess wax without pushing it deeper into the canal. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects directly into the ear canal, as this can compact wax and potentially damage the eardrum.
Managing allergies and colds can significantly reduce the likelihood of fluid buildup in the middle ear. Using appropriate decongestants or antihistamines, as advised by a doctor, can help reduce inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. These medications can prevent fluid accumulation that often leads to a plugged sensation.
During air travel or rapid altitude changes, actively chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing can help equalize ear pressure. These actions encourage the Eustachian tubes to open, preventing pressure differences that cause discomfort. Specialized filtered earplugs designed for air travel can also regulate pressure changes more gradually. Protecting ears from water during swimming or bathing can also prevent issues. Earplugs designed for water exposure can help keep the ear canal dry and reduce infection risk.