A feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing is commonly known as having a plugged ear. This sensation is often caused by a temporary imbalance within the ear’s structures. Knowing how to safely address the blockage at home can provide quick relief. This guide outlines the most common reasons for a plugged ear and provides safe, at-home methods for managing different types of blockages.
Common Reasons Your Ear Feels Blocked
The sensation of a blocked ear is generally a symptom of one of three distinct conditions affecting the ear canal or the middle ear space. One frequent cause is a temporary change in air pressure, which affects the Eustachian tube connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. This pressure imbalance often occurs during air travel, elevation changes, or due to sinus congestion from a cold or allergies. Another common culprit is water becoming trapped in the outer ear canal, typically after swimming or showering, creating a sense of dampness or occlusion. Finally, the buildup of earwax, known medically as cerumen, can harden and completely block the ear canal, leading to hearing loss, tinnitus, or a feeling of pressure. Identifying the source of the blockage is the first step in selecting the appropriate home remedy.
Quick Fixes for Pressure and Trapped Water
When a plugged ear is caused by pressure changes, the goal is to open the Eustachian tube to equalize the air pressure. Simple muscle movements like yawning widely or swallowing repeatedly can activate the muscles that open this tube. Chewing sugarless gum is another effective method, as the continuous jaw movement encourages the tube to open and close. A slightly more deliberate technique is the gentle Valsalva maneuver, which involves pinching the nostrils shut and attempting to exhale gently through the nose while keeping the mouth closed. This action forces air into the Eustachian tube, often producing a “pop” sensation as the pressure equals. Perform this maneuver with very gentle force to avoid causing injury to the eardrum.
If the blockage is due to water trapped in the outer ear canal, gravity and evaporation are the safest solutions. Tilting the head to the side with the affected ear facing the ground and gently pulling on the earlobe can help drain the water out of the canal. Lying on your side for several minutes also allows the water to seep out naturally. Using a hairdryer set to the lowest heat and speed setting, held several inches away from the ear, can encourage evaporation of the trapped moisture.
Safe Methods for Managing Earwax Buildup
Addressing a blockage caused by cerumen impaction requires a two-step process: softening the wax and then gently flushing it out. Before attempting any removal, it is advisable to soften the wax over several days using ear drops or common household oils. Mineral oil, baby oil, or commercial drops containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide can be used to break down the hardened wax. To apply, tilt the head to the side with the blocked ear facing up and apply a few drops of the softening agent into the ear canal, allowing it to sit for five to ten minutes before draining. This softening process should be repeated three to four times a day for up to five days.
Once the wax is softened, gently irrigate the ear using a soft rubber bulb syringe filled with lukewarm water. Gently squirt the water into the ear canal, then tilt the head to the side to allow the water and loosened wax to drain out. This technique should only be used if there is certainty that the eardrum is intact and without a perforation. Under no circumstances should cotton swabs, hairpins, or any other pointed objects be inserted into the ear canal, as this risks pushing the wax deeper against the eardrum or causing significant damage.
When Home Remedies Are Not Enough
While many instances of a plugged ear resolve with at-home care, certain symptoms indicate that a medical professional should be consulted immediately. If severe pain, bloody discharge, or pus-like drainage accompanies the blockage, this may signal an infection or a perforated eardrum that requires professional treatment. Fever, sudden hearing loss, or persistent dizziness (vertigo) are also signs that self-treatment should stop. If the feeling of a blocked ear persists for more than 48 to 72 hours after attempting home remedies, a doctor’s examination is warranted. They can safely perform professional procedures, such as manual removal using instruments or electronic irrigation, to clear the obstruction without risking damage to the ear.