The sensation of clogged or muffled ears during exercise is common. While sometimes unsettling, this feeling is typically a temporary physiological response to the body’s adjustments during physical activity. Understanding the underlying mechanisms can help demystify this phenomenon.
Why Ears Feel Clogged
During strenuous exercise, the body experiences increased blood flow and pressure. This heightened pressure, known as intracranial pressure, can extend to the delicate structures within the ear. The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and help regulate ear pressure, can also be affected by these fluctuations.
Heavy breathing and actions like the Valsalva maneuver, where one exhales forcefully against a closed airway, significantly increase pressure in the inner ear. This action is common during activities such as weightlifting when individuals hold their breath to stabilize their core. The resulting positive pressure can push into the middle ear through the Eustachian tube, causing a temporary sensation of blockage.
Physical activity can also influence earwax. Increased body temperature and sweating can soften earwax, making it looser and more prone to movement within the ear canal. This softened wax may shift and create a temporary blockage or sensation of fullness. Sweat itself can also enter the ear canal, leading to feelings of wetness, itching, or a muffled sound.
Preventing and Relieving Clogged Ears
To minimize the sensation of clogged ears during exercise, adopting proper breathing techniques is beneficial. Avoiding the Valsalva maneuver, especially during heavy lifting, can help prevent significant pressure buildup in the ears. Instead, focus on exhaling during the exertion phase of an exercise.
Managing earwax is another practical step. While the ear naturally cleans itself, excessive earwax can contribute to blockages. Regular, safe ear cleaning, which involves gently drying the outer ear after sweating and avoiding cotton swabs that can push wax deeper, can be helpful. Staying adequately hydrated also supports overall bodily functions and can aid ear health.
Gentle jaw movements, such as yawning or chewing, can help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure, similar to how one might clear ears on an airplane. If sweat consistently causes discomfort, wearing earplugs designed for exercise can prevent moisture from entering the ear canal. Some headphones are also designed to be sweat-resistant or open-ear, which can help prevent moisture buildup within the ear canal.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While clogged ears during exercise are often benign, certain symptoms warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. If the sensation of clogging persists long after your workout, or if it is accompanied by pain, dizziness, or a ringing sound in the ears (tinnitus), medical evaluation is advisable. Tinnitus, particularly if it involves a pulsing or beating sound, could be related to blood pressure changes.
Any noticeable hearing loss that occurs with the clogging or discharge from the ear should also prompt a visit to a doctor. Symptoms that worsen over time, significantly interfere with daily activities, or include severe pain, are indicators that professional medical advice is needed to rule out underlying conditions such as a perilymphatic fistula or an ear infection.