Your ears may get clogged for a variety of reasons. This can result in pain and discomfort, as well as a loss of hearing. This is where natural remedies to unblock clogged ears come into the picture. Keep reading to learn more about the most common causes of clogged ears, their signs and symptoms, home remedies to treat them, how to prevent them, and when you should see a doctor. Keep reading! Show
In This Article
What Causes A Clogged Ear?
Shutterstock Clogged ears can disrupt the balance, affect hearing, and also cause pain and discomfort. Both internal and external factors can trigger the condition. They include:
Some of the lesser common causes of ear congestion are migraines and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage. Signs And Symptoms
Shutterstock The common signs and symptoms associated with clogged ears include:
A clogged ear can indicate fluid build-up in the ear, especially if the person already has a cold or flu. This can increase the risk of developing an ear infection. Clogged ears can be quite discomforting and may affect your day-to-day life. However, there are several home remedies that may help in unclogging blocked ears. Let’s take a look at them. 1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Shutterstock Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can heal chronic suppurative otitis media (5). It also possesses antimicrobial properties (6). These properties can help with a cold or flu that may have contributed to your clogged ears. You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do ThisYou can do this 1-2 times daily. 2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Shutterstock Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (7). These activities of tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation inside the ear and fight the infectious microbes that could be clogging your ear. You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do ThisYou can do this 1-2 times daily. 3. Vicks VapoRubVicks VapoRub contains eucalyptus oil and menthol that possess both anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (8), (9). This may help clear clogged ears caused due to inflammation or infection. You Will NeedVicks VapoRub (as required) What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do ThisYou may do this once daily. 4. Hydrogen PeroxideHydrogen peroxide is cerumenolytic and can help in softening the earwax, making it easy to remove. Hydrogen peroxide may be as effective as any other ear drops for clearing ears clogged due to earwax build-up (10). You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do ThisYou may do this once daily for 4-5 days to clear the earwax build-up. Caution: Consult a doctor before carrying out this procedure. Avoid it if you have an ear infection. 5. Mineral OilMineral oil is an excellent option if you are trying to unclog ears that are clogged due to earwax build-up. It is as effective as water-based ear drops in helping to get rid of earwax build-up (11). You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do ThisDo this once daily for 2-3 days. 6. Warm CompressA warm compress can help reduce the pain caused due to clogged ears. The steam from the compress can enter the ear canal and loosen the earwax build-up, making it easier to remove. You Will NeedA warm compress What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do ThisYou can do this 2-3 times daily. 7. Gargle Salt Water
Shutterstock Gargling with water (with/without salt) may help prevent upper respiratory infections (12). It can also help ease symptoms of nasal congestion and clogged ears associated with a cold or flu. You Will Need
What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do ThisYou can do this multiple times daily. 8. Rubbing AlcoholRubbing alcohol can help prevent cerumen impaction (13). This, in turn, can prevent clogging of ears. You Will Need3-4 drops of rubbing alcohol What You Have To Do
How Often You Should Do ThisYou may do this once a day 9. Passive TechniquesIf you are in an airplane or traveling to a hill station and your ears are blocked, some passive techniques may help:
All the above remedies are quite effective in treating clogged ears. However, there are also some precautions that you may have to follow to prevent your ears from clogging. How To Prevent Clogged Ears
When To See A Doctor For Clogged EarsIf the above remedies and tips fail to unblock your ears, consult your doctor immediately. Check if your condition is accompanied by the below symptoms:
Clogged ears may seem inconveneinet and cause pain and discomfort as well. The above mentioned home remedies, tips, and tricks can help unblock clogged ears safely and easily. Apple cider vinegar, tea tree oil, warm compress, and even Vicks VapoRub are some of the common ingredients that can provide you some initial relief from clogged ears. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat medicines will treat clogged ears? Over-the-counter painkillers and decongestants like nasal sprays or tablets are often prescribed to help with clogged ears and their symptoms. Why is my ear clogged after swimming? If your ears are clogged and infected after swimming, the condition is known as swimmer’s ears. It is caused when water gets trapped in the ears. What to do when your ear is clogged? Try out any of the above tips and remedies to get rid of clogged ears. If nothing seems to help, see a doctor immediately to rule out the possibility of any serious underlying medical condition. SourcesArticles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details.
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Shaheen holds a postgraduate degree in Human Genetics and Molecular Biology. She is a Geneticist with proficiency in Biotechnology, Immunology,... more Dr. Millie Lytle is a member of the New York Association of Naturopathic Physicians (NYANP) and sits on the Medical... more How do you open a blocked ear from sinus?How to unclog stuffy ears. Get a humidifier. “Humidity and moisture are a great way to treat sinus inflammation or irritation,” says Dr. ... . Use a saline mist or nasal spray. Pollen, dust and bacteria cause the sinuses to dry out. ... . Consider a decongestant. ... . Avoid caffeine, salt, tobacco and alcohol. ... . Check for wax.. How can I decongest my ears fast?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.
How can I decongest my ears naturally?How to make your ears pop. Swallowing. When you swallow, your muscles automatically work to open your eustachian tube. ... . Yawning. Yawning also helps open the eustachian tube. ... . Valsalva maneuver.. Toynbee maneuver. ... . Applying a warm washcloth. ... . Nasal decongestants. ... . Nasal corticosteroids. ... . Ventilation tubes.. |