Clogged ears are an uncomfortable and annoying sensation, and may lead to difficulty in
hearing. Even though a clogged ear does not cause pain or discomfort, muted sounds and having to strain to hear can be a real pain. It’s possible that your ear will unblock on its own within hours or days. However, there are a number of home cures and pharmaceuticals that might provide immediate relief to clear clogged ears.
To solve this problem, you must first identify the causes of your clogged ears. There are also a few tips and tricks in the removal of clogged ears at home.
Why Does My Ear Feel Clogged?
Clogged ears can be caused by any of the below-mentioned factors, However, there are a number of home cures and pharmaceuticals that can provide immediate relief.
Tube Blockage
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat. Fluid and mucus are transported from the ear to the back of the throat, where they are swallowed. Fluid and mucus might get stuck in the middle ear and clog the ear rather than draining down the mouth.
A Change In Air Pressure
While scuba diving, driving up a mountain or flying in an airplane, some people have transient ear congestion. This obstruction is caused by a fast change in air pressure outside the body. An altitude adjustment can sometimes result in only one side effect: ears feel clogged. However, you might get a headache, nausea, or shortness of breath if you have high altitude sickness.
Earwax
Earwax in the ear is common as earwax cleans the ear canal and prevents dirt from entering the ear. Wax is generally soft, but it can harden and clog the ear canal too.
Ways To Unclog Your Ears With Ease
Here are a few natural remedies to help you:
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the famous ear wax removal home remedies and its source of acetic acid which can heal otitis media even if it becomes a chronic case, is a good home remedy for clogged ears. The other advantage is that its antimicrobial properties can help with a cold or flu that may be the cause of your clogged ear.
- Special Tips:
You will need 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of distilled water.
Then use a dropper to put the mix in your clogged ears. Cover the ear using cotton and stay in the same position for about 5 minutes before removing the cotton.
- Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is considered one of the most popular remedies for ear wax removal; it is an earwax softener that makes it easy to remove.
However, mixing your own solution may be dangerous as you may not know the right concentration and harm your ears. Therefore use a ready made solution that you can buy from store to help you with earwax problem.
Gargle With Salt Water
Salt is a bad medium for bacteria, so gargling with salt water might help to prevent upper respiratory infections. It can also help to ease clogged ears which can be caused by cold and flu. This is the best mucus-clogged ear remedy.
- Special Tips:
Add a teaspoon of salt to half a glass of warm water, then mix well and gargle with the solution for at least 3 minutes to give the solution a chance to clear the clogged ear.
Tea Tree Essential Oil
This is one of the most effective mucus-clogged ear remedies due to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It fights the infectious microbes and reduces inflammation inside the clogged ear.
- Special Tips:
Add five drops of oil to a bowl of hot water and make sure your clogged ear faces the steam from the water. Stay in this position for 10 minutes.
- Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is an excellent solution in de-clogging the ear of earwax as it prevents earwax build-up.
Special Tips:
Put three drops of mineral oil in the clogged ear, then tilt your head to help the oil to get through your clogged ear. Stay still for at least 5 minutes to make sure the oil clears the clogged ear.
Over-The-Counter Remedies To Treat The Issue
- Ear drops – For loosening or softening earwax: You can purchase ear drops from your local pharmacy. You’ll have to put the ear drops once or twice a day for two or three days to fully get rid of your ear infection. As they loosen your ear wax, you might eventually feel better.
Consider a decongestant: If things worsen, you can take a nasal decongestant. If you use it for more than two or three days at a time, take a break.
These medications are excellent short-term treatments for severe sinus pressure and ear clogging symptoms, but you should probably stop using them after two or three days.
Tips And Tricks
- Drink plenty of fluids: It’s the best remedy for mucus-clogged ear as they prevent the mucus in your sinuses and prevent congestion
- Don’t get too hot or too cold: The fluctuation in temperature can cause a clogged ear.
Stay up straight: Leaning will worsen your clogged ear.
Remove extra wax: Try to use the ear wax removal remedy mentioned above.
Added Info:
There are two types of earwax which are wet and dry and each of them has a special color.
First, wet earwax range of colors include:
- Light yellow
Honey-color
Orange-brown
The dry earwax, which may be whitish or gray in color
In either case, a darker color of earwax indicates that it has been around for a long time, and the darker colored earwax is more susceptible to clogged ears.
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