Clogged Ear - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction:

A clogged ear is a condition in which one experiences fullness or pressure in the ears. This is because a structure called the eustachian tube (a tube that connects the middle ear and the back of the nose) becomes blocked. A clogged ear is not a serious condition and does not pose any life-threatening situation to the patient. But this can be a bit irritating to the patient. The clogged ear usually does not cause any pain or discomfort in the ear, but this condition can cause muffled hearing, and the patient may have to strain themselves to hear clearly. This condition reverts within a few hours or days once the cause is eliminated and does not require any treatment. But certain home remedies and medications will aid in faster recovery.

What Causes Clogged Ears?

Various conditions cause clogged ears. The following are some of them.

Eustachian Tube Blockage:

Eustachian tube blockage is one of the possible causes of a clogged ear. The Eustachian tube extends from the middle ear to the back of the throat, which enables the clearing of fluid and mucus from the ear to the throat, which is swallowed. Sometimes instead of these fluids flowing and clearing, they may get trapped inside the tube itself. Infections, such as the common cold, influenza, or sinusitis can accompany this blockage. Also, allergic rhinitis can result in clogged ears.

Other symptoms of the infections which cause blockage include:

• Runny nose.

• Coughing.

• Sneezing.

• Sore throat.

It is important to clear the fluid from the eustachian tube as it can trigger infections of the middle ear. The other cause could be swimming, since the water can get entrapped in the ear after swimming. This condition is known as the swimmer’s ear. This moist environment can encourage the growth of fungi and bacteria, which will cause infections. Signs of an ear infection are ear pain, fever, redness, and fluid drainage.

Higher Altitude:

A pressure difference can cause a clogged ear due to changes in altitude. This is common in people who do scuba diving, mountaineering, flying in a plane, or driving up a mountain. The eustachian tube is responsible for equalizing the pressure within the body and the external environment. Sometimes the pressure cannot be equalized in higher altitudes, and the effect is clogged ears. Clogged ears can be the side effect of a change in altitude; in such cases, the condition is cleared once the person reaches back to the starting or a lower altitude. In case one develops a high altitude sickness, the person will have nausea, headache, or shortness of breath.

Earwax:

Earwax is produced inside the ear and shields the ear from debris and other particles that enter the ear canal. Usually, the earwax is soft and can be removed from the ear canal easily. In some cases, the earwax becomes hardened and results in clogged ears. Other than clogged ears, other symptoms of earwax deposition are ringing in the ears, dizziness, and earache.

Using cotton swabs to remove the earwax can cause the earwax to be pushed deep inside the ear and can be responsible for causing earwax blockages. So, it is advisable to avoid using cotton swabs to remove earwax from the ear. Also, ear drops containing hydrogen peroxide (a common component in ear drops) can aid in the removal of earwax. Hydrogen peroxide adds oxygen to the earwax which causes the wax to bubble and soften.

Acoustic Neuroma:

This is a benign (noncancerous) tumor that grows on the cranial nerve that connects the inner ear to the brain. This growth is slow-growing and small. When this growth becomes larger, it can put pressure on the nerves in the inner ear. This can result in clogged ears, hearing loss, and ringing in the ears.

Cholesteatoma:

The development of skin behind the eardrum is called cholesteatoma. It is a benign (noncancerous) condition that can be present at birth or can arise as a result of middle ear infections. Usually, those with cholesteatoma experience pressure in the ear, which may also mimic an ear blockage. Other symptoms include progressive hearing loss and an ear discharge that has a strong smell or odor.

What Are the Symptoms of a Clogged Ear?

A clogged ear can cause discomfort to the patient along with the following symptoms:

• Muffled hearing.

• Fullness in the ear.

• Dizziness.

• Ringing in the ear.

In some cases, like an infection, an individual might experience ear pain as well.

How to Unclog the Ears?

Even though this condition reverts to normal in a majority of cases, one with clogged ears will wish for faster recovery since it causes discomfort. There are ways to unclog the ears, which are discussed below:

• Valsalva Maneuver (Pop the Ear) - This simple technique provides fast relief from clogged ears. To perform Valsalva Maneuver, one has to hold their nostril closed using the thumb and index finger, keeping them one on each nostril. Then keeping the lips closed, one needs to blow air allowing the cheeks to puff up. This will create enough pressure to pop or unclog the ears.

• Chewing - To unclog the ears, one can repeatedly try swallowing or yawning with the mouth wide open, or chewing sugar-free gums.

• Ear Irrigation - One can get an over-the-counter ear irrigation kit. By following the instructions given on the kit or by the physician, the ears can be irrigated to unclog them. Irrigation should not be done if one has undergone recent ear surgery or has an active ear infection. Ear irrigation should be repeated twice or thrice a day or as instructed by the doctor.

• Use Over-the-Counter Nasal Decongestants - This aids in providing relief from clogged ears if it is caused due to sinusitis or upper respiratory tract infection. The decongestant should be used by following the instructions mentioned on the label.

• Apply Warm Compresses - Applying warm compresses can help to unclog the clogged ears. To do this, the warm compress is placed over the ear, allowing the steam to enter the ear. Taking a hot shower will also serve the purpose.

How to Get Rid of Water From the Ears?

Water from the ears can be eliminated in the following ways:

• Jiggling the earlobe.

• Lying on one side for a few minutes so that the water flows out due to gravity.

• Creating a vacuum by tilting the head sideways and cupping the palm on the ears thereby creating a tight seal. By gently pushing the hand towards the ear in a quick motion, and also ensuring that the hand is flattened and cupped while pushing, the water drains out when the head is tilted downwards.

• Using a blow dryer.

• Using alcohol and vinegar ear drops. But, these should not be used if one has a middle ear infection, perforated eardrum, or eardrum tubes (tympanostomy tubes).

• Using hydrogen peroxide ear drops.

• Using olive oil.

• Alcohol-based over-the-counter ear drops help eliminate moisture in the ear canal as well as aid in the elimination of debris, earwax, and bacteria.

Conclusion:

A clogged ear is a very common condition that can affect any individual, and many individuals experience a clogged ear once in their lifetime. Even though it is not serious, it can be irritating and can affect one’s daily routine. A clogged ear can interfere with hearing, which will greatly affect the quality of life. This condition does not require immediate medical attention in a majority of cases, but if one experiences a clogged ear, it is recommended to consult a doctor if the condition does not resolve within a few weeks. This is necessary to identify the cause of the condition and exclude possibilities of infections. Also, identifying the cause will help one to understand what exactly the problem is and can guide one in taking appropriate measures.