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A clogged ear can be a startling experience. The ears are an extremely important yet sensitive area on the body, and a clog within either one or both ears can impair hearing, cause pain and throw off a person’s balance.

The fact of the matter is that an ear can clog for a variety of different reasons, both due to external and internal factors. A clogged ear doesn’t always mean a trip to the clinic, and some can be treated with gentle home remedies. In some circumstances, however, a clogged ear may require immediate attention, and it’s essential to be able to distinguish between both situations. If your clogged ear persists for several days, causes significant pain, or affects your balance, it’s crucial to schedule a hearing assessment with a healthcare professional to rule out any underlying medical conditions

Here are some common causes of clogged ears, when to seek medical attention, and when home remedies may be able to do the trick:

When to See a Doctor

As there are many reasons an ear can clog, it can be hard to know which treatment is needed. However, if your symptoms are severe, that is a strong indicator that professional medical attention is needed.

You should see a doctor if your ear clogging comes with any combination of the following:

• A fever
• Medium to high pain
• It gets worse as time goes on
• Severe dizziness
• Any signs of blood or pus

If you’re unsure of how you should proceed, it is advisable to seek out a doctor, and you may require the need of a doctor to help treat your clogged ear as quickly as possible. Booking a walk-in appointment through a directory like Medimap can help you save time while comparing local clinics in your area.

Excess Earwax

Your ears naturally produce wax, which is usually filtered out through daily motions like chewing food and talking. However, an abundance of earwax can clog up the ear canal and require guiding out.

Treating excess earwax can be helped by softening the wax, either by using a warm press on the side of the head to using 2-3 drops of mineral oil or baby oil. The softer the wax, the easier it is to remove.

After applying drops, wait 15-30 minutes before attempting to free the wax with water using an ear syringe, which can be found at almost any drug store. Be sure the water isn’t below room temperature, as cold liquids in the ear can induce dizziness and worsen the condition.

Pressure Changes

Pressure changes can cause an abrupt popping or clogging of the ears. This is common in altitude-changing situations such as airplane takeoff/landing, High-rise elevators, and driving in a higher altitude location.

You can attempt to solve this pressure change by passive moves such as yawning, which helps open the tubes within the ear, or by chewing gum.

Alternatively, one can try taking a deep breath, pinching the nose, and trying to exhale with a closed mouth to help push the pressure out. Be sure not to use too forceful breath, as this can be an unpleasant feeling.

Swimmer’s Ear

A swimmer’s ear is an ear infection caused by water getting stuck within the ear canal for an extended period. This trapped moisture can cause bacteria to form, leading to painful clogged ears.

Keeping the ear as dry and clean as possible after getting wet will help prevent this condition. This can be done by using earplugs, swimming, shower caps, or a gentle hair dryerhairdryer setting around the ear.

There are many commercial solutions available at most pharmacies to help treat a swimmer’s ear, but alternatively, a homemade solution can be made using a mixture out of a few drops of rubbing alcohol and vinegar.

In Conclusion

Regardless of the cause of your clogged ear, if you are experiencing significant symptoms or have genuine concerns, best practice is to see a healthcare practitioner as soon as possible.

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