How do You Handle it if Your Ears Get Blocked?

You try swallowing hard and yawning but to no avail, your ears are clogged and you can't do anything about it. You've tried popping your ear, chewing gum, or trying to open your ear canal with your finger. Eventually, you may think about giving up and just keep your fingers crossed your ear clears up by itself. But if you have discharge, pain, or the signs of an ear infection, this would be a bad idea.

Your Eustachian tube, a small passageway that attaches your middle ear to the space behind your nose and controls the air pressure in your ears, can become plugged if it stays open or closed for too long. The tube naturally opens and closes as you yawn or swallow, which you may notice by a crackling sound or pop in your ears. Normal hormonal changes cause the ear to remain open and viruses or ear infections will cause the ear to remain closed. It may take your ears a little while to go back to normal but both problems will recede with time.

Clogged ears can also be caused by a buildup of earwax. Ear treatment can clear this type of blockage, either at home or at a hearing specialist depending on its intensity. Here are some suggestions when dealing with clogged ears:

You Can Try Dripping Hydrogen Peroxide Drops into Your Ear

Hydrogen peroxide can be utilized to break up earwax clogs, but it must be put in your ear correctly. Hearing specialists recommend that you mix the solution with warm water making certain that the water isn't too hot and then place a drop or two into your ear with a dropper. Your ear should be tilted upward while you put the drops into your ear and you should keep it that way for several seconds to let the hydrogen peroxide to break down the earwax blockage. Eventually, the blockage should clear up but you may have to repeat the process for several days.

Never Clean Your Ear by Putting Something in it

This can't be overstated: it will only make the situation worse if you try to use a cotton swab to clean your ears. Cotton swabs actually force earwax deeper into your ear canal, which can cause a complete blockage. In fact, anything that is inserted in your ears can easily cause an earwax obstruction, including hearing aids and earplugs. Cotton swabs should be used only on your outer ear so that you can steer clear of blockage.

Your Allergies Need to be Managed

If you have allergies, it can cause a clogged ear to get worse. Follow your doctor's advice about how to treat your allergies and don't forget to take your treatment. Unneeded allergens should be definitely avoided during allergy season specifically but also the rest of the year.

If a Remedy Sounds Odd, Stay Away From it

You shouldn't stick a lit candle in your ear which should go without saying. Ear candling is an old and very pseudo-scientific method of removing earwax by inserting a hollow candle into your ear and lighting it. Theoretically, earwax is pulled into the hollow space in the candle when the heat of the flame creates a vacuum. This doesn't work and you will probably cause a lot more injury to your ears. If something doesn't sound right, it most likely isn't and it's best to seek advice from a professional. Randomly trying things is a massive risk to your hearing.

When all else fails, you should get in touch with us. Unconventional wax removal can lead to significant issues in your ears, like a burst eardrum or lasting loss of hearing.