A stopped ear often presents as a sensation of fullness or pressure, accompanied by muffled hearing. This common experience can also involve discomfort, and sometimes pain. It occurs when the balance of pressure within the ear is disrupted, or when the ear canal becomes obstructed. Understanding the causes and appropriate responses can help alleviate the feeling of a stopped ear.
Common Reasons for a Clogged Ear
Earwax buildup is a common cause of a clogged ear. Normally, earwax protects the ear canal and naturally exits, but sometimes it can accumulate and become impacted, causing fullness or temporary hearing loss. It can also cause an earache or ringing.
Fluid accumulation within the ear, often due to colds, allergies, or sinus infections, also causes a clogged sensation. When the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose, becomes blocked by mucus and inflammation, pressure builds up. This results in muffled hearing, discomfort, and a “closed ear” feeling.
Changes in air pressure are a common cause of ear blockage. This occurs during activities like flying, diving, or ascending to higher altitudes. The Eustachian tube equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment, and rapid changes can temporarily impair its function, causing fullness or popping.
Effective Home Solutions
For earwax-related blockages, gentle softening is effective. Applying a few drops of mineral oil, baby oil, or over-the-counter ear drops containing carbamide peroxide into the ear canal can help loosen the wax. This allows natural cleaning mechanisms to remove the softened wax over a few days. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects deep into the ear, as this can push wax further in and worsen the blockage.
To equalize pressure, especially from altitude changes, simple maneuvers are helpful. The Valsalva maneuver involves taking a deep breath, pinching your nostrils closed, then gently blowing out while keeping your mouth shut. This creates enough pressure to open the Eustachian tubes and relieve the clogged sensation. Chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing can also activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes, balancing ear pressure.
When congestion from colds or allergies contributes to a stopped ear, steam inhalation provides relief. Sitting in a steamy bathroom or leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head helps thin mucus and reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter decongestants can also reduce swelling in nasal passages, indirectly helping open the Eustachian tubes. These are not for wax blockages and should be used as directed.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many clogged ears resolve with home remedies, certain symptoms warrant medical attention. Persistent pain, severe discomfort, or any discharge from the ear, such as pus or blood, indicate a doctor’s evaluation is needed. These signs suggest an infection or other issue requiring specific treatment.
Accompanying symptoms like fever, dizziness, or balance problems also prompt a medical visit. Sudden hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), or if home remedies fail to clear the ear after a few days, are reasons to consult a healthcare provider. These could be signs of more serious conditions requiring diagnosis and intervention.
Individuals with a history of ear surgery or a suspected perforated eardrum should use caution with home remedies. Some methods, particularly ear irrigation or certain ear drops, can be harmful. A medical professional can safely assess the ear and recommend appropriate treatments, preventing further damage.
Tips for Prevention
Preventing ear blockages involves good ear hygiene and awareness of contributing factors. Avoiding the use of cotton swabs or other objects inside the ear canal is important; they can push earwax deeper and potentially damage the eardrum. The ear is self-cleaning, and external cleaning with a washcloth is usually sufficient.
Managing allergies and colds promptly helps prevent fluid buildup leading to clogged ears. Treating nasal congestion and inflammation keeps the Eustachian tubes clear and functioning properly. Using saline nasal sprays assists in clearing nasal passages, supporting ear health.
For those who swim or dive frequently, wearing earplugs helps prevent water from entering the ear canal, causing blockage or contributing to “swimmer’s ear.” For individuals prone to recurrent earwax buildup, periodic professional ear cleaning by a healthcare provider is a beneficial preventive measure. This maintains clear ear canals and reduces impaction.