What can you do for clogged ears?

Do you experience muffled sounds, a feeling of fullness, or pressure in your ears? You could have clogged ears, which occur when the normal flow of air and sound through your ear canal becomes blocked or when pressure can’t equalize between the inner ear and the outside environment.

The urge to find immediate relief is understandable. However, safe, proven methods are crucial for protecting your ear health. “The safest first step to alleviating clogged ears depends on why it’s clogged,” Mount Nittany Health ENT provider Dr. Brent Driskill shared. “It could be clogged with wax or clogged due to Eustachian tube dysfunction and allergies.”

What causes clogged ears

Ears can become clogged for various reasons, ranging from wax build-up to changes in pressure. Common causes include excess ear wax, sinus congestion, allergies, changes in altitude, water trapped in the ear canal, upper respiratory infections, and Eustachian tube dysfunction. Understanding the underlying cause helps determine the most effective solution for relief.

“Determining the cause of clogged ears may require a visit to your provider,” Dr. Driskill shared. “I’m not sure an individual could tell the difference between ear wax build-up and other causes.”

One of the most common causes of ear congestion is Eustachian tube dysfunction. The Eustachian tubes are small passages that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. They help regulate ear pressure and drain fluid from the ears. When you yawn or swallow and hear your ears “pop,” that’s the Eustachian tubes at work. When these tubes don’t open or close properly, often due to allergies, colds, sinus infections, or structural problems, you experience clogged ears and the associated symptoms.

“Most patients, and many providers, assume that If there is fluid in the ears, there is a middle ear infection—otitis media,” Dr. Driskill explained. “Normal adults very rarely just develop ear infections… Eustachian tube dysfunction is way more common, and it blocks off the drainage from the middle ear and leads to fluid in the ear.”

“Because this middle ear fluid in an adult is often confused for a middle ear infection,” he continued, “antibiotics are prescribed, but they will do nothing to help Eustachian tube dysfunction.”

Safe home remedies for clogged ears

Gentle approaches are most effective and safest for ear health when dealing with clogged ears. “For Eustachian tube dysfunction, I recommend Afrin—not to be used for more than 3 days—Sudafed, and popping your ears multiple times each day,” Dr. Driskill explained.

The Valsalva maneuver, or popping your ears, is performed safely by gently blowing out while keeping your nostrils pinched closed and your mouth shut. Remember to use gentle pressure only and stop immediately if you experience pain.

If ear wax buildup is the cause, over-the-counter ear drops can help soften the wax. “For wax, I recommend Debrox drops and warm water from the shower beating into the ear after the wax has softened with the drops,” Dr. Driskill said. “Most primary care doctors can irrigate ears as well.”

“People assume it is wax usually, but there are multiple causes,” he added. “They usually try things to clean their ears, but because it can be other causes, the home remedy doesn’t work.”

Other safe techniques include yawning or chewing gum, applying a warm compress against the ear, and making gentle jaw movements. These methods can help relieve pressure and promote the natural clearing of the ears.

Prevention tips

Maintaining good ear health can help prevent clogged ears. Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears, which can pack wax deeper into the canal or cause injury. Keep your ears dry after swimming or bathing, and consider using ear protection when swimming regularly. Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy mucus membranes, and managing allergies effectively can reduce congestion-related ear problems.

When to see a healthcare provider

Many people find ear congestion relief with home remedies, but certain symptoms warrant professional attention. You should see a provider if you experience:

• Pain or severe discomfort
• Fever
• Discharge from the ear
• Hearing loss
• Dizziness
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Symptoms lasting more than a week

Severe pain, bleeding from the ear, facial weakness, severe dizziness, or sudden hearing loss are emergency situations requiring immediate care.

Your healthcare provider may recommend several treatment approaches based on the cause of your ear congestion. “For Eustachian tube dysfunction,” Dr. Driskill explained, “use allergy medications, Afrin (for 3 days only), and popping your ears twice a day or more.”

Special considerations

For those who frequently fly, taking preventive measures can help avoid ear congestion during air travel. Yawning or swallowing during takeoff and landing helps equalize ear pressure. Staying hydrated and awake during altitude changes can also help prevent discomfort. Some travelers find filtered earplugs helpful for managing pressure changes.

At Mount Nittany Health, our experienced ENT specialists can evaluate your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment for ear congestion. If you’re experiencing persistent ear problems or concerning symptoms, schedule an appointment with our team. We’ll help determine the cause and recommend the most effective treatment for your situation.