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What can I do About a Clogged Ear?

Anna T.
By
Updated May 17, 2024
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The things you can do to relieve your clogged ear may depend on what caused it. If your ear is clogged up because of an excess amount of ear wax, you might be able to put a few drops of hydrogen peroxide in your ear to clear out the blockage. Sometimes a change in air pressure can cause your ear to feel blocked or clogged. If this occurs, yawning or chewing gum might cause your ear to pop and relieve the pressure. If you have a clogged ear because of cold or sinus problems, blowing your nose might help. Don't hesitate to see your doctor if you have no success with unclogging your ear at home.

Even though ear wax is generally considered beneficial because it protects the inner ear from debris and bacteria, it can occasionally cause problems when there is too much of it. It is never a good idea to try to clean out ear wax with any type of sharp object, and ear swabs do not always work well. If you have ear wax that has built up to the point that your ear feels clogged, try filling up a bulb syringe with some hydrogen peroxide and squeezing a drop or two inside your ear. You might want to lie down on your side for several minutes after you have done this so the peroxide can effectively drain down into your inner ear. After several minutes have gone by, fill the syringe up with some lukewarm water and squeeze a small amount into your ear to wash the excess ear wax out.

When you are traveling into an area at a very high altitude, one or both of your ears might begin to feel clogged. This is particularly common for most people when they travel by plane or by car up into the mountains. A clogged ear that is the result of a change in air pressure is usually temporary and will relieve itself naturally within a very short period of time, but chewing gum or yawning might give you immediate relief. You could also try to swallow or hold your nose and inhale deeply with your mouth and then blow the air you inhaled out of your nose to immediately take the pressure off your ears.

A clogged ear is usually a very common side effect of cold and sinus trouble. This often occurs because of sinus drainage, and it can cause you lots of discomfort. Blowing your nose should provide some relief from your clogged ear, and you may also want to try lying down with your clogged ear on the bottom so that any fluid trapped inside might drain out. If you are experiencing lots of pain as a result of your clogged ear, you should see a doctor because there's always a chance you could have an ear infection, which might require treatment with antibiotics.

WiseGEEK is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Anna T.
By Anna T.
Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGEEK. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.

Discussion Comments

By Cageybird — On Nov 26, 2014

After I contracted an inner ear infection, I searched for every clogged ear remedy I could find. I honestly thought at one point I was going to be permanently deaf in one ear, and the ear pain was almost more than I could bear. My doctor's preferred ear infection treatment was a shot of a very powerful antibiotic, but I'm very afraid of needles. He gave me three rounds of an oral antibiotic instead.

One thing I tried when I had a clogged ear was a warm compress held against my ear. Once the entire ear canal and Eustachian tube opened up, I felt ten times better.

By Reminiscence — On Nov 25, 2014

This may sound like an odd clogged ear remedy, but I have occasionally used a vibrating body massager to relieve pressure in my ear canals. I'm talking about those handheld electric massagers that people use on sore muscles. What I'll do is set the massager on its lowest position and place the massaging tip in the space between my ear and jawline. Sometimes I will place it directly over my ear canal, depending on the location of the blockage.

Just a few minutes of massage will sometimes cause my ear canal to pop open and release any trapped fluids. The sound of the massager's motor can be a little loud, but the relief is worth the temporary discomfort. I don't apply much pressure to the massaging tip, just enough to get the inner ear to start vibrating and tingling.

Anna T.

Anna T.

Anna Thurman is a skilled writer who lends her talents to WiseGEEK. Her ability to research and present information in an engaging and accessible manner allows her to create content that resonates with readers across a wide range of subjects.
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