How to Unblock Clogged Ears Naturally 8 Home Remedies to Try

Specialty: Naturopathic Medicine

Dr. Millie Lytle is a member of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP) and sits on the Medical Advisory Board for the School of Applied Functional Medicine. She is the founder of Nat Med Coach, offering a weekly Virtual... more

Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology, Medical Genetics, Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Geneti... more

  • What Causes A Clogged Ear?
  • Signs And Symptoms
  • 8 Home Remedies To Clean Clogged Ears
  • How To Prevent Clogged Ears
  • When To See A Doctor For Clogged Ears

What Causes A Clogged Ear?

Clogged ears can disrupt the balance, affect hearing, and also cause pain and discomfort. Both internal and external factors can trigger the condition. They include:

  • Barotrauma – It occurs when your ears can’t adapt to the changing pressure on an airplane (1).
  • Ear Infection (Otitis Media) – It is a result of fluid build- up in the ears that may cause virus or bacteria to multiply (2). A cold or flu often triggers an ear infection.
  • Earwax Impaction – It occurs due to an excessive production of earwax, which causes a build-up of wax in the ear canal (3).
  • Presence of a foreign object like cotton inside the ear
  • Swimmer’s Ear – This condition results from water being trapped in the ear (4).
  • Smoking

Some of the lesser common causes of ear congestion are migraines and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.

Signs And Symptoms

The common signs and symptoms associated with clogged ears include:

  • A sensation of pressure in the ears
  • Muffled hearing
  • Ear pain
  • Earache
  • A feeling of fullness in the affected ear
  • Ringing in one or both ears
  • Loss of balance or dizziness
  • Decreased hearing
  • Cough

A clogged ear can indicate fluid build-up in the ear, especially if the person already has a cold or flu. This can increase the risk of developing an ear infection.

Clogged ears can be quite discomforting and may affect your day-to-day life. However, there are several home remedies that may help in unclogging blocked ears. Let’s take a look at them.

8 Home Remedies To Clean Clogged Ears

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can heal chronic suppurative otitis media (5).

It also possesses antimicrobial properties (6). These properties can help with a cold or flu that may have contributed to your clogged ears.

2. Tea Tree Essential Oil

Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (7). These activities of tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation inside the ear and fight the infectious microbes that could be clogging your ear.

3. Vicks VapoRub

Vicks VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil and menthol that possess both anti- inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (9267' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >8), (9). This may help clear clogged ears caused due to inflammation or infection.

4. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is cerumenolytic and can help in softening the earwax, making it easy to remove. Hydrogen peroxide may be as effective as any other ear drops for clearing ears clogged due to earwax build-up (10).

How Often You Should Do This

You may do this once daily for 4-5 days to clear the earwax build-up.

Caution: Consult a doctor before carrying out this procedure. Avoid it if you have an ear infection.

5. Mineral Oil

Mineral oil is an excellent option if you are trying to unclog ears that are clogged due to earwax build-up. It is as effective as water-based ear drops in helping to get rid of earwax build-up (11).

6. Warm Compress

A warm compress can help reduce the pain caused due to clogged ears. The steam from the compress can enter the ear canal and loosen the earwax build-up, making it easier to remove.

7. Gargle Salt Water

Gargling with water (with/without salt) may help prevent upper respiratory infections (12). It can also help ease symptoms of nasal congestion and clogged ears associated with a cold or flu.

8. Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can help prevent cerumen impaction (13). This, in turn, can prevent clogging of ears.

9. Passive Techniques

If you are in an airplane or traveling to a hill station and your ears are blocked, some passive techniques may help:

  • Yawning – Let out a yawn until you hear a pop in your ears. It will clear the pressure built up inside your ears.
  • Swallowing – Swallowing can also help clear blocked ears in an elevated area.
  • Chewing – Chewing gum can also help.
  • Valsalva maneuver – Take a deep breath and pinch your nose soon after. Exhale from your nose with your mouth closed. This is the Valsalva maneuver that can help in popping blocked ears (14).

All the above remedies are quite effective in treating clogged ears. However, there are also some precautions that you may have to follow to prevent your ears from clogging.

When To See A Doctor For Clogged Ears

If the above remedies and tips fail to unblock your ears, consult your doctor immediately. Check if your condition is accompanied by the below symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Pain in the ear, head, or face
  • Swelling in the ear, head, or face
  • Symptoms that last for a week or keep recurring

These tips can help prevent clogged ears to a great extent. But if you are at a higher altitude or running a cold/fever, your ears tend to get blocked. Excess wax build-up in the ears is also a common occurrence. Give the remedies discussed here a shot during such instances and see what works best for you. In case the problem persists, consult a doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What medicines will treat clogged ears?

Over-the-counter painkillers and decongestants like nasal sprays or tablets are often prescribed to help with clogged ears and their symptoms.

Why is my ear clogged after swimming?

If your ears are clogged and infected after swimming, the condition is known as swimmer’s ears. It is caused when water gets trapped in the ears.

What to do when your ear is clogged?

Try out any of the above tips and remedies to get rid of clogged ears. If nothing seems to help, see a doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of any serious underlying medical condition.

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