A “clogged ear” is a common sensation of blockage, pressure, or muffled hearing within the ear, often accompanied by discomfort or fullness. While usually temporary, it can sometimes indicate an underlying issue that warrants attention.
Common Causes
Earwax Buildup
Earwax, or cerumen, is naturally produced by glands in the ear canal to clean and protect the ear. Normally, it moves out of the ear canal through natural jaw movements. However, too much wax can accumulate, harden, and block the ear canal, causing fullness, muffled hearing, or dizziness. Attempts to clean ears with cotton swabs can push wax deeper, worsening the blockage.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the throat, equalizing air pressure and draining fluid. When these tubes become blocked or do not open properly, often due to inflammation, it can cause a clogged sensation. This dysfunction can occur during changes in altitude, or with a cold, allergies, or sinus infections. Symptoms may also include clicking, popping, ear pain, or ringing.
Colds, Allergies, and Sinus Issues
Colds, allergies, and sinus infections can lead to ear congestion. Inflammation and increased mucus production can cause the Eustachian tubes to swell and block. The congestion typically resolves as the underlying cold or allergy symptoms improve.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Ear Infections
Middle ear infections (otitis media) occur when bacteria or viruses infect fluid behind the eardrum. This fluid buildup and inflammation can cause ear fullness, pressure, and pain. While more common in children, adults can also develop ear infections, especially after a cold or upper respiratory infection.
Meniere’s Disease
Meniere’s disease is an inner ear disorder causing aural fullness. It is often accompanied by episodic vertigo, fluctuating hearing loss, and tinnitus. The cause is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an imbalance of fluid in the inner ear. Meniere’s disease typically affects one ear with varying symptom intensity.
Acoustic Neuroma/Other Growths
Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a noncancerous growth on the nerve from the inner ear to the brain. While rare, its growth can cause ear fullness or pressure, often due to hearing loss or compression. Other symptoms may include one-sided hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues. A clogged ear sensation from this cause is uncommon.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Dysfunction
Dysfunction of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), located near the ear, can cause referred symptoms. Issues with this jaw joint may lead to ear pressure or fullness. Ear pain, jaw clicking, or headaches can also accompany TMJ-related ear discomfort.
When to Seek Medical Care
While a clogged ear sensation often resolves on its own, certain symptoms indicate a need for medical evaluation. Consult a healthcare provider if the clogged sensation is accompanied by severe ear pain, fluid drainage, or a fever. Persistent muffled hearing, sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or ringing also warrant a doctor’s visit. If home remedies do not provide relief after several days or if symptoms worsen, seek professional medical advice.
Relief and Prevention
Home Remedies
To relieve a clogged ear, several home remedies can be attempted. Yawning, chewing gum, or swallowing can help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure. The Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing air out while pinching the nose and keeping the mouth closed) can also help pop the ears. Applying a warm compress or inhaling steam may help reduce congestion and facilitate fluid drainage, and over-the-counter nasal sprays may provide temporary relief. Avoid inserting objects like cotton swabs into the ear, as this can push wax deeper or damage the eardrum.
Prevention Tips
Preventing clogged ears involves managing underlying conditions and adopting certain practices. Over-the-counter ear drops can soften earwax, helping it exit naturally, while avoiding cotton swabs prevents impaction. Managing allergies can reduce Eustachian tube inflammation. Staying hydrated and protecting ears during pressure changes, like air travel, is also beneficial.