Why Do My Ears Feel Clogged? 4 Reasons & Remedies

If your ears are feeling ‘clogged’, it means your eustachian tubes (the tubes between the back of your ears and nose) have become blocked. It sounds somewhat harmful, but it can be very uncomfortable if your ears remain blocked for an extended period. 

How long does the pressure usually last?

We’ve all felt the popping sensation in our ears when taking off or landing in a plane. Just like you’ll notice when flying, in most cases, a blocked ear will naturally subside within a few minutes, or within a few hours at most. If an ear becomes clogged and remains that way for a few days or even up to a week, it may require the assistance of an audiologist. Of course, there are home remedies that you can try (that we’ll go into below), but if all fails – it’s important to get it sorted with a professional before it eventuates into a more harmful hearing problem. 

What can cause a blocked ear?

1. Differences in pressure 

As mentioned, the blocked sensation comes from the eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear, throat, and sinus cavities, equalising the pressure in the ear. 

When the eustachian tube becomes closed off or narrowed due to inflammation (like from a sinus attack), it is less effective in equalising the pressure in the ear, leading to the feeling of congestion.

This feeling is felt most intensely when the pressure outside of the body changes quickly, like on an airplane or deep underwater diving. Pain in the ear and behind the nose (as well as sudden hearing loss) can persist even after the pressure around you returns to normal. 

2. Fluids in the ear 

Fluid build-up in the ear occurs when the eustachian tube of the ear becomes blocked by mucus or pus from an infection. As these fluids accumulate in the middle ear, the ear will naturally become physically clogged.

This sensation can be very uncomfortable over prolonged periods. Any lasting pain or sudden hearing loss after the sinus congestion has cleared is a cause for concern and should be looked at by a medical professional or audiologist to determine the cause or extent of damage. 

3. Bacterial infection

Ear infections can also lead to ear blockage. There are two main types of an ear infection:

• Outer ear infection (otitis externa or swimmer’s ear), which occurs when water remains in the ear after swimming. The moist environment in the ear can promote bacterial or fungal growth that end up blocking parts of the ear, resulting in pain, redness, discharge, and fever.

• Middle ear inflammation (otitis media) can develop when bacteria enter the space behind the eardrum, typically following a respiratory tract infection. 

4. Earwax 

Though it is usually soft, earwax can harden and form a blockage within the ear. Eaxwax can also form blockages when cotton buds are used. Despite what they are designed for – cotton buts are not suited to removing earwax and often push the wax deeper into the ear canal, making the problem worse. The removal of earwax deep within the ear can be dangerous to do on your own due to the risk of damaging sensitive parts of the ear like the eardrum. 

Can clogged ears cause damage to hearing?

Yes, long-term blockages within the ear are not normal and can result in damage to the sensitive inner parts of the ear if left unaddressed. 

The extent of damage can vary based on the exact cause of the blockage — in severe cases, the worsening of the symptoms can lead to permanent hearing loss in the affected ear. 

To prevent your hearing ability from being adversely affected in the long run, seek treatment with an audiologist as soon as possible. 

What you can do to relieve clogged ears

It’s possible to unblock an ear with home remedies, within reason.  As an audiologist, it’s my duty to state that you need to exercise caution when applying home remedies due to the sensitivity of the inner ear. 

• Over the counter ear drops can soften and dislodge earwax. Typically, drops containing hydrogen peroxide or saline are used. Avoid using drops if you suspect an ear infection or have a perforated eardrum.

• Gently tilt your head and use a clean finger to tug on your earlobe — this may help shift trapped water or alleviate pressure. 

• Perform the Valsalva manoeuvre by pinching your nostrils, closing your mouth, and gently exhaling through your nose. This can help equalise pressure in your ears, especially after flying or altitude changes, relieving that clogged feeling.

• Steam inhalation from a bowl of hot water or shower can help loosen mucus or fluid trapped in your ear or sinuses. This method is particularly useful when clogged ears are related to a cold or sinus congestion.

What not to do when your ears feel clogged

Do not insert anything deep into your ear canal. Though it may seem like a possible way to remove the blockage, you will only push the stuck debris further into your ear – or worse, result in accidental damage to your inner ear (like the eardrum) which will inevitably lead to hearing loss. 

When to seek professional help for clogged ears

If a blocked ear lasts longer than normal (longer than a day or two), bite the bullet and seek professional advice. 

At Harmony Hearing, our audiologists can provide you with a detailed diagnosis of what’s causing the clogged sensation in your ears. Book an in-person consultation with us today at one of our audiology clinics in Perth, or an online consultation if you are in other parts of Australia.