When the ear becomes clogged, the person often feels pressure that can be accompanied by pain, dizziness, tinnitus, and, in rare cases, momentary hearing loss. Ear congestion can be caused by a flu, allergy or sinusitis. It can also be caused by rapid changes in pressure or altitude, such as when traveling on an airplane, diving, or something like that. Fortunately, it is possible to alleviate the problem by decreasing the pressure in the ears. If that doesn't work, treat the underlying condition or clean up to remove the wax.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Getting Quick Relief
Step 1. Swallow to unclog the Eustachian tubes (eustachian tubes)
When swallowing, the muscles that control the Eustachian tubes are flexed, thus causing them to open. You will probably hear a snap at this point.
- Sucking on a candy can help you swallow.
- If you are traveling by plane with a baby, provide a pacifier or bottle to help them swallow.
Step 2. Yawn
Like swallowing, yawning flexes the muscles that control the Eustachian tubes. When they clear, you'll hear a pop. Yawning is more effective than swallowing, but some people find it a little harder to force it.
If you have clogged ears from a flight, yawn as the plane takes off and lands
Step 3. Chew gum
Gum also helps the musculature to unclog the Eustachian tubes. Chew it until you hear a snap.
Step 4. Release air through your nose slowly
Breathe deeply. With your mouth closed, squeeze your nostrils so that they are practically closed. Then slowly release air through your nose. Pay attention to the pop, which means you have managed to unclog your ears.
- This technique doesn't work for everyone. If you try it once or twice and it doesn't work, it's better to try something else.
- When traveling by plane, do this during takeoff and landing to prevent your ears from getting clogged.
Step 5. Use a neti pot to wash the nasal passages
You can use this appliance to irrigate your airway when you want to relieve symptoms, including congestion in the ear. Fill the neti pot with saline or filtered water. Turn your head at a 45-degree angle and place the nozzle of the device into one nostril. Slowly pour the solution so that it comes out of the other nostril.
- Blow your nose and repeat the procedure on the other side.
- With the use of the neti pot, the mucus can be diluted and released, eliminating the irritating agents that may have caused the nasal obstruction.
- Carefully follow the instructions for use that come with the product so as not to accidentally inhale water.
Step 6. Inhale with steam to unclog the airway
Pour boiling water into a large bowl and cover your head with a towel. Tilt your face so that it is on top of the steam. Breathe slowly through your nostrils, causing the steam to dilute and release mucus. If mucus runs down your throat, spit it out.
- Try adding tea or herbs to the water during treatment. Certain teas, such as chamomile, have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which enhances the steam treatment.
- A hot bath, time in the sauna, or a humidifier can also help.
- Avoid bringing the steam closer to your ear as it can be very hot.
- Be careful not to get too close to the steam and burn your face.
Method 2 of 3: Treating Ear Congestion
Step 1. Take an over-the-counter nasal decongestant if you have the flu, allergy, or sinusitis
A blockage in the ear can be caused by sinusitis, as the eustachian tube starts right behind the nose and goes all the way to the middle ear. As the nasal decongestant relieves the symptoms of nasal congestion, it also helps to unclog the ears.
- Buy this medicine at any pharmacy without a prescription. Ask the pharmacist for a laboratory recommendation.
- Stop using the decongestant after three days unless your doctor advises you to use it for a long time.
- It is best to talk to a doctor before taking a decongestant, especially if you are taking other medications or if you have high blood pressure, glaucoma, or prostate problems. Likewise, do not use nasal decongestants on children.
Step 2. Use topical nasal steroids
Nasal steroids relieve the swelling inside the airways, which causes congestion. They improve both nasal and ear congestion.
- Do not use steroids without talking to your doctor.
- You can buy these products with or without a prescription.
- They are very useful for allergy sufferers.
Step 3. Take antihistamines if you are allergic
Untreated allergies can cause ear congestion because of irritation and clogging of the airways. The daily use of antihistamines can avoid the situation. There are several options available in pharmacies, such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine hydrochloride etc.
- Talk to your doctor before taking an antihistamine to find out which option is best for you.
- When traveling by plane, take an antihistamine an hour before your flight to avoid pressure on your ears.
- Read the package insert carefully before taking the medicine.
Step 4. Go to the doctor if you experience severe and persistent pain
You should start to feel better within hours of starting treatment. If not, go to the doctor. Congestion in the ears can cause damage if left untreated. Also, the cause could be an infection.
- Go to the doctor right away if you have a fever or discharge in your ears.
- Take the medicine prescribed by him, especially antibiotics. Otherwise, symptoms may return.
- The doctor may also prescribe a medicine to drip in the ears and control the pain.
Step 5. Find out about the use of ventilation tubes in case of frequent congestion in the ears
The doctor inserts a tube into the ear to drain the secretion and relieve the pressure inside the ear. The use of this method is more frequent in the case of patients who always have the problem.
The technique is most common in children who have frequent ear infections. It reduces the incidence of infections and helps the child to recover faster
Method 3 of 3: Clearing Clogged Ear Wax
Step 1. Tilt your head to the side
The affected ear should face up. Get more comfortable lying on your side or resting your head on a pillow.
Step 2. Put two or three drops of water, saline or hydrogen peroxide into the ear
It's best to use an eyedropper to avoid overdoing it. All three options work fine. However, saline and hydrogen peroxide are sterilized, meaning they are less likely to cause infections if they are trapped inside the ear.
Do not put any fluid in the ear if you suspect an infection or perforation of the eardrum
Step 3. Wait at least one minute after dripping the solution
Gravity draws the fluid down into the ear, softening the wax, which takes about a minute to happen.
Don't wait too long as the fluid can get too much into the ear
Step 4. Turn your head to the other side to let the wax run off
The wax that has softened must start to drain with the help of gravity. You can put a towel under your ear to catch it.
- If you are lying down, just turn to the other side.
- Another option is to use a syringe with a bulb to suck out the wax produced.
Step 5. Go to the doctor if the ear is still clogged
The professional should examine it to see if the problem is occurring only because of wax buildup. He can also use more precise techniques to remove the wax if necessary.
If you've tried to remove the wax using cotton swabs, it's possible that it has become even more compact. The doctor can help you with this
Tips
- Avoid using over-the-counter medications on children unless your pediatrician recommends it. Children are more prone to ear infections and should have a medical visit early on in symptoms as they may need more rigorous methods of treatment.
- Do not take antihistamines for more than a week without consulting your doctor.
- Do not fly an airplane or dive if you have the flu or sinusitis.
- Wear headphones during the flight to prevent them from getting clogged.