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How do you open a blocked ear?
I’m just getting over a cold, and my ears feel plugged. What causes this? Is there any remedy for plugged ears? – Answer From Laura J. Orvidas, M.D. With plugged ears, your eustachian tubes — which run between your middle ear and the back of your nose — become blocked.
You may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears. You may also have ear pain, dizziness and muffled hearing. As swelling from the cold subsides, the blockage usually resolves. If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn’t work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut.
If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded. Other options for clearing plugged ears include:
- Nasal decongestants, but for no more than a few days
- Topical nasal steroids, especially in people with allergies
- Ventilation tubes, in severe cases, to drain fluid and relieve pressure
Call your health care provider if your symptoms are severe or last more than two weeks. With Laura J. Orvidas, M.D.
Why do I only hear out of one ear?
Why can’t I hear out of one ear? – A loss of hearing in one ear can occur at any point during anyone’s lifetime. This could be a result of a medical condition, an infection, a ruptured ear drum, inner ear blockage, or other underlying issues. A loss of hearing in one ear can occur suddenly or gradually over time.
Why can’t I hear out of one ear and it feels clogged?
Why do my ears feel clogged? – Harvard Health April 1, 2023 By, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor, and, Editor at Large, Harvard Women’s Health Watch 
Q. Over the past few days, my hearing seems muffled. What might be triggering this clogged sensation? A. It can be uncomfortable and a little jarring to feel like our ears are stuffed up, especially when it prevents us from hearing clearly. But it’s not always easy to identify why.
A common reason is impacted earwax, a sticky buildup of the otherwise normal secretions that keep the ear canal lubricated. While you may be tempted to try removing it with a cotton swab, this tactic can backfire, pushing wax farther in. Instead, try over-the-counter earwax removal drops to soften and loosen waxy buildup.
Clogged ears can also result from swollen or blocked eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. This can happen for brief periods during air travel, but also due to allergies, sinus or ear infections, or other respiratory viruses (including COVID-19). 
Toni Golen, MD, Editor in Chief, Harvard Women’s Health Watch; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing; Contributor Dr. Toni Golen is a physician specializing in obstetrics and gynecology, practicing in Boston. Dr. Golen completed her residency training at George Washington University Medical Center in 1995, and is an associate professor at Harvard Medical 
Hope Ricciotti, MD, Editor at Large, Harvard Women’s Health Watch Dr. Hope A. Ricciotti is Editor at Large of Harvard Women’s Health Watch. She is an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School, and leads the department of obstetrics, gynecology, and As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. 
Whether you get skin rashes, itchy eyes, wheezy airways, or a runny nose, an allergic response is no fun, and is sometimes dangerous. In Controlling Your Allergies, you’ll learn to identify your allergic symptoms, pinpoint your triggers, distinguish between intolerance and allergy, and choose the best treatment for your particular type of allergy.
How long does blocked ear last?
The Fastest Way to Bring Your Ears Back to Normal – Your ears will most likely go back to normal after a day if air pressure is causing your blockage. If an ear infection is behind your blocked ears, you might have to wait until your body gets rid of the virus or bacteria at work (you might need an antibiotic to speed things up).
- And that might take up to a week or two.
- Sinus infections sometimes stick around even longer.
- Bringing your ears back to normal as quickly as possible, then, will often involve a bit of patience (counterintuitive though it may be), and your expectations should be, well, variable.
- Your first and most important job is to not cause the situation to get worse.
When you first begin to feel like your ears are clogged, it may be tempting to try and use cotton swabs to clean them out. This can be a particularly hazardous strategy (cotton swabs have been known to cause all sorts of issues and complications, from infection to hearing loss).
Will a blocked ear go away by itself?
7 things to know about blocked ears 
Blocked ears are also known as Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). This uncomfortable sensation can be one that is experienced once or twice in life or it could be a regular occurrence, for example for a person with allergies. There are many different reasons why you might experience the sensation of blocked ears, from an infection to the impact of being in an environment where the pressure suddenly changes, for example on a plane.
Blocked ears result from unequalised pressure. Blocked ears are very common and usually relatively mild. This condition affects the Eustachian tubes, which become unable to equalise pressure between the ear and the back of the throat. As pressure builds up it can result in blocked ears, pain and hearing problems. Although blocked ears are common, if they are ongoing for a long period of time or the symptoms are severe then medical help may be necessary. Frequently experiencing blocked ears is a sign that you need to be cautious. It’s essential to get examined to establish whether there is an underlying condition. Plus, be careful when you’re experiencing blocked ears to avoid situations such as diving where the pressure in your ear changes quickly – this could result in a perforated eardrum. It’s possible to hear your ears equalising pressure. Most of the time we don’t notice our Eustachian Tubes equalising the pressure in our ears. However, something like the change of pressure in an airplane or going up a mountain could cause this to become noticeable. It may feel like blocked ears and/or a crackling and popping sound. There could be a number of different causes for blocked ears. Two of the most common are swelling or a build up of mucus from something like a cold or allergies. Ongoing blocked ears will need treatment. For most people, blocked ears are a temporary condition that will clear up when the pressure in the ears returns to normal. However, if this doesn’t happen a visit to an ear, nose and throat (ENT) professional may be helpful. Tests can be carried out to establish the cause of blocked ears, such as a Tympanometry, which will measure pressure in the ear. Blocked ears aren’t always a sign of a more serious problem. Everyone experiences this sensation at some point when the body goes through a situation where there is a change in pressure. Most of the time this will be uncomfortable but temporary – it’s only if the sensation is prolonged that action is necessary. There are a number of ways to prevent blocked ears in common pressure change situations. For example, when you’re travelling by air you can chew gum as this will change the pressure in the mouth and activate the Eustachian Tubes to do their work. Using a nasal decongestant half an hour before going into a pressure change situation will also be effective. If you’re flying you can use ‘earplanes,’ a type of ear plug designed to buffer pressure changes in the air.
For most people are not serious but there are steps you can take to relieve the discomfort that they may create. To learn more about how we can help you,, : 7 things to know about blocked ears
How can I unclog my ears naturally?
Home Remedies for Clogged Ears – Ear, Sinus, & Allergy Center – There are various reasons why your ear might be clogged; whether it’s from fluid in the ear, changes in atmospheric pressure or even excessive ear wax, clogged ears are not something you want to deal with and can be an extremely uncomfortable feeling. 
Some of the symptoms of a clogged ear include reduced, a popping sensation in your ear, a windy sound inside the ear and a feeling of having mucus or liquid within the ear. As annoying as that sounds, clogged ears can also be quite painful. Though, clogged ears are not to be a concern, if you experience them often, it might be worthwhile to get them checked out.
When experiencing clogged ears, it’s important to treat them early; below are some home remedies that help to alleviate the symptoms and often clear up the problem altogether. Valsalva Maneuver By performing the Valsalva Maneuver you might be able to get rid of those annoying clogged ears.
First close your mouth and pinch your nostrils with your fingers, then take a deep breath. Now, try to exhale like you are trying to breathe out.
Candy or Chewing Gum Grab a piece of candy or gum and start chewing – this action might help to open up those clogged ears. Even the process of swallowing may help out in unplugging the ears. Warm Compress A warm compress is a very good natural treatment for clogged ears associated with colds or sinus congestion.
Soak a cloth into warm water, then squeeze the excess water and leave the cloth on the affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes. Afterwards, rub your affected ear with your palm, roughly. Then, place your palm on the clogged ear very tightly and push it out just like a suction cup.
Steam Inhaling steam is one the simplest ways to get rid of clogged ears resulting in a cold. The steam will help thin and loosen the mucus, which in turn will give you relief from your clogged ears.
First boil water and then pour the hot steaming water in a large bowl. Add a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil to it. Then cover your head with a towel and inhale the steam slowly until the clogged ear opens up.
Hydrogen Peroxide This is another great way to unclog ears blocked by wax accumulation.
Using a dropped, put two drops of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in the affected ear. This will create a fizzing sound within a few minutes. Wait 10 minutes or until the fizzing stops. Then tilt your head to let the solution and earwax drain out.
Olive Oil
Grab some olive oil and put a few drops in the affected ear and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. While keeping your head sideways, use cotton to remove the oil or earwax.
Yawning This is the ultimately, easiest and fastest method to unclogging your ears. Before all else, give yourself a big old yawn and see if that does the trick! Try out these home remedies when you experience clogged ears, they should do the trick! Note if you are experiencing clogged ears often or if you’d like additional information about them, please contact our offices today at 828-319-2226.
What to do if your ear has been clogged for 2 days?
Impacted Ear Wax – If your ears are full of wax, they can often feel clogged. And sometimes, ear wax buildup can be tough to remove. “If you think you have excessive ear wax, you can try over-the-counter drops,” explains Dr. Gural-Toth. “However, if it doesn’t come out in a day or two, seek medical attention so a health care provider can remove it safely.” Dr.
How long does one muffled ear last?
The Fastest Way to Bring Your Ears Back to Normal – Your ears will most likely go back to normal after a couple of days if the blockage is caused by air pressure. You might have to wait for your immune system to kick in if your blockage is due to an ear infection (and, if it’s the latter, antibiotics can really help).
This may take up to a couple of weeks. Sinus infections have been known to stick around even longer. A bit of patience will be required before your ears return to normal (counterintuitive though it might be), and your expectations need to be, well, adjustable. Not doing anything to aggravate the situation is the first and most important step.
When you first start to feel like your ears are clogged, it might be tempting to attempt to use cotton swabs to clean them out. All sorts of issues, from ear infections to loss of hearing, can be caused by cotton swabs so this can be a particularly dangerous approach.
How do you unblock your ears that won’t pop?
When your ears pop, it may be due to flying, scuba diving, hiking a mountain, or just riding in an elevator. When air pressure decreases around you as you go higher or increases as you go lower, the pressure in your ear isn’t equal. This causes pressure on one side of your eardrum, and it can be painful,
- But the pain is temporary and you can ease it.
- When you feel this pressure, you may want to pop your ears to relieve it.
- There are several ways to do that.
- The part of your ear that pops is in your Eustachian tube.
- This tube is made to protect your middle ear and ventilate it.
- The Eustachian tube works to keep air pressure equal on both sides of your eardrum.
When pressure builds up in your middle ear, your Eustachian tubes will open. The pressure in your ear equalizes when the tubes open. This is what makes your ears pop, to relieve pressure and potential pain, One of the most recommended ways to pop your ears is by holding your nose and blowing out.
First, take a breath. Then close your mouth and nostrils with your fingers. Lightly blow out against the pressure. This should make your ears pop. The pressure you’re blowing against forces your Eustachian tubes open a little which drains pressure and fluid stuck in your ear. It’s a common misconception that this method is dangerous.
As long as you don’t force too much pressure or sneeze like this, you won’t have risks of bursting your eardrum. A unique way to pop your ears is by blowing up a balloon. The pressure you’re using to expand the balloon helps push air up to your Eustachian tube.
You can use this method any time you feel pressure buildup or fullness in your ear. There are balloons that you can buy specifically to help pop your ears. If this is a common problem you have, you can try these out. These balloons work by using your nose to blow it up and block off one nostril at a time.
These balloons are mainly for children who have repeated buildup in their ear. You shouldn’t do this method if you have a cold or a runny nose. This could cause infected mucus to go into your middle ear and give you an ear infection. In some cases, people who flex the muscles behind their jaw will help their ear pop.
This flexing can open the Eustachian tube to release the pressure, This method may be a little gentler on your ears than using your nose to pop them. If you’re flying or using an elevator and feel a pressure change, you can work your jaw to avoid a build-up of pressure. By opening your mouth to yawn, you’re swallowing air.
The swallowing and movement of your mouth can help pop your ears, equalizing the pressure inside and outside of your ears. By swallowing water or another drink your ears will pop, equalizing the pressure. A more intense method to pop your ears by swallowing is to pinch your nose closed.
- This creates a vacuum in your nose that helps your Eustachian tubes open.
- Chewing gum during pressure changes is also a common way to pop your ears.
- Chewing gum or sucking on a mint helps your mouth salivate more and causes frequent swallowing.
- The action of moving your jaw to chew can also equalize the pressure.
If your ears often feel like they need to be popped, you might have an underlying health condition called Eustachian tube dysfunction. This happens because your tubes can’t equalize pressure well. It can make your ears feel full constantly. If your doctor says you have the condition, they’ll recommend the right treatment plan for you.
Why does one ear feel muffled?
Muffled Hearing in One Ear – Muffled hearing can occur in one or both ears. When the condition occurs in one ear, it’s likely a sign of a single-sided ear infection, a clogged ear or earwax buildup. Muffled hearing due to sinus infections or changes in pressure while flying or changing altitudes typically occurs in both ears.
When should I be worried about a blocked ear?
Treatment – People can treat Meniere’s disease with prescription drugs, such as:
- meclizine
- diazepam
- lorazepam
- gentamicin injections
Alternative treatments for Meniere’s disease include:
- limiting salt intake
- limiting caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol intake
- air pressure treatment
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- surgery to decompress the endolymphatic sac inside the inner ear
Other causes of ear congestion include:
- Acoustic neuroma: This is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the nerves in the inner ear.
- Cholesteatoma: This is a benign skin growth that develops behind the eardrum.
- Serous otitis media : This is an infection of the cavity behind the eardrum.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems: This includes a range of conditions that affect the joints in the sides of the jaw that open and close the mouth. TMJ disorders can occur as a result of abnormal jaw alignment, injury, or teeth grinding,
People can often treat ear congestion with home remedies and OTC medications. However, a person may want to speak with a doctor about their ear congestion if:
- their symptoms persist despite using at-home or OTC treatments
- they develop a fever
- they experience fluid drainage from the affected ear
- they experience dizziness or loss of coordination
- they have severe ear pain
Ear congestion can resolve on its own. Causes of ear congestion can include earwax compaction, changes in altitude, infections, and allergies. While some causes of ear congestion do not require medical intervention, people should contact a doctor if their symptoms persist or if they experience symptoms of a severe ear infection, such as:
- fever
- fluid drainage
- severe ear pain
- loss of appetite
What causes ears to block?
If your ears make too much wax or if earwax isn’t cleared well enough, it may build up and block your ear canal. Earwax blockages often happen when people try to get earwax out on their own by using cotton swabs or other items in their ears. This usually just pushes wax deeper into the ear, rather than removing it.
Why have my ears been blocked for months?
Summary – For simple causes of clogged ears, you can try swallowing, yawning, chewing, or eating. Decongestants or antihistamines may sometimes help. Common causes of clogged ears include changes in altitude or atmospheric pressure, eustachian tube dysfunction, ear infections, and fluid, foreign objects, or ear wax blocking the eustachian tube.
Can your ear be clogged for days?
Earwax buildup is just one example of another common cause of plugged ears. In most cases, clogged ears get better within a few days. Sometimes they may last longer — especially if the cause is allergies or infection.
When should I be worried about a blocked ear?
Treatment – People can treat Meniere’s disease with prescription drugs, such as:
- meclizine
- diazepam
- lorazepam
- gentamicin injections
Alternative treatments for Meniere’s disease include:
- limiting salt intake
- limiting caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol intake
- air pressure treatment
- cognitive behavioral therapy
- surgery to decompress the endolymphatic sac inside the inner ear
Other causes of ear congestion include:
- Acoustic neuroma: This is a noncancerous tumor that develops on the nerves in the inner ear.
- Cholesteatoma: This is a benign skin growth that develops behind the eardrum.
- Serous otitis media : This is an infection of the cavity behind the eardrum.
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) problems: This includes a range of conditions that affect the joints in the sides of the jaw that open and close the mouth. TMJ disorders can occur as a result of abnormal jaw alignment, injury, or teeth grinding,
People can often treat ear congestion with home remedies and OTC medications. However, a person may want to speak with a doctor about their ear congestion if:
- their symptoms persist despite using at-home or OTC treatments
- they develop a fever
- they experience fluid drainage from the affected ear
- they experience dizziness or loss of coordination
- they have severe ear pain
Ear congestion can resolve on its own. Causes of ear congestion can include earwax compaction, changes in altitude, infections, and allergies. While some causes of ear congestion do not require medical intervention, people should contact a doctor if their symptoms persist or if they experience symptoms of a severe ear infection, such as:
- fever
- fluid drainage
- severe ear pain
- loss of appetite