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How to Treat Clogged Ears

If you have clogged ears, you understand how annoying it can be to have to strain to listen. Whether your blockage is causing pain or discomfort, an ENT doctor can determine the trigger and treat the condition appropriately.

Why are my ears clogged?

If your ears are blocked, it is important to determine the reason for the blockage. Your ears may detach on their own or the situation may persist. Several physical conditions can lead to clogged ears. Some of the most typical hugs:

A blockage in the Eustachian tube: The Eustachian tube connects your middle ear to your throat. It helps the ears drain fluid and balances stress around the eardrum. Infections such as the flu, sinusitis, or the common cold can block the Eustachian tube, which traps mucus and fluid in the middle ear. This can cause symptoms similar to hearing problems, pain and a feeling of fullness in your ears. Earwax: Earwax is often soft and serves to protect your ear and keep it clean. Sometimes the wax hardens and causes a blockage. This can be triggered by using cotton swabs to rub your ears. ENT and other health professionals do not recommend this method of cleaning because it can push earwax deeper into the ear rather than removing it. Altitude Differences: A sudden change in altitude can also lead to ear congestion. When you're scuba diving or traveling by plane, the rapid change in stress throughout your body can prevent the eustachian tube from equalizing pressure in your middle ear. What can I do to free my ears?

Sometimes a clogged ear will go away on its own within a few hours. If not, there are many ways to fix the problem. A number of home remedies can be effective. When dealing with a blocked eustachian tube, it can be very important to clear the blockage quickly, as fluid trapped in your ear can cause an ear infection. Treatments include:

Over-the-counter treatment similar to nasal sprays, decongestants, or cold or sinus medication inhale steam Take a hot bath or place a warm compress on your ear to get steam into your ear canal Gently move your finger up and down inside the blocked ear. This can help remove trapped fluid. ear drops ear rinsing Should I see a doctor?

If home remedies aren't working or you think you have ear or sinus infections, it's time to see an ENT doctor, Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist at South Florida ENT Associates. A healthcare professional can determine the cause of your clogged ears and treat it appropriately. We offer a variety of diagnostic tests and treatments for blocked ears.