Alleviate Discomfort From Clogged Ears in Texas & Beyond

Tips & Tricks by Our Premier Network of Hearing Centers

Dealing with clogged ears can be uncomfortable and frustrating. You could be dealing with an ear blockage if you feel like you have cotton balls in your ears or simply can't hear as well as you usually do. Fortunately, the experts at Connect Hearing have actionable advice to help alleviate your discomfort and improve your hearing when you have a clogged ear. We’ve included various methods to help you clear your clogged ears and improve your hearing, as well as information about preventing ear blockages in the first place.

At Connect Hearing, we’re proud to provide industry-leading hearing health care in our network of premier hearing centers throughout Texas, Georgia, Florida, Colorado, and several other locations across the country. We’re happy to answer additional questions and provide further information to assist you with any hearing problems you experience. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our hearing care professionals.

Why Are My Ears Clogged?

 
Just like stuffy noses, ear blockages can occur for various reasons. Knowing what causes clogged ears is a great way to help prevent them in the first place. At Connect Hearing, we’re passionate about giving you the education and tools to take steps toward helping you hear better. Some of the most common causes of clogged ears include the following:
 

  • Too much earwax in your ear
  • Water stuck in your ear
  • Debris or foreign body is causing an obstruction
  • Changes in altitude
  • Sinus infections
  • Middle ear infections
  • Middle ear fluid
  • Allergies

Home Remedies

Using Over-the-Counter Ear Drops
Over-the-counter ear drops are a common and effective way to clear ear blockages. Some of the best active ingredients to look for in ear drops contain hydrogen peroxide, mineral oil, or glycerin, which help soften wax and encourage its removal. It's essential to follow the instructions for the ear drops carefully. You shouldn’t use ear drops if you have an ear infection or a ruptured eardrum.
Applying Warm Compresses
Warm compresses can also help soften the earwax, reducing inflammation and making it easier to remove. To make a warm compress, you can soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring out excess water. Place the warm compress over your ear for ten to 15 minutes at a time, several times daily, to help remove the blockage.
Using Saline Solution
Using saline solution for ear blockages is a simple and natural home remedy. You can mix a teaspoon of salt with warm water, stirring until the salt completely dissolves. Use a dropper and put a few drops of the saline solution into your ear while lying on your side. Stay in this position for a few minutes to let the solution travel through your ear canal and soften the blockage. Tilt your head to let the solution drain out.
Commercial Ear Unclogging Products
Several commercial ear-unclogging products are available on the market, such as earwax removal kits and ear irrigation systems. These products can be effective when used correctly, but following the instructions carefully is important to avoid causing further injury or damage to your ears.

Preventing Future Ear Blockages

If you want to avoid the inconvenience and discomfort of clogged ears in the first place, you can do a few things to prevent ear blockages. Some simple things you can do include the following:
  • Avoid sticking anything in your ears, such as cotton swabs, that can push earwax deeper into the canal.
  • Wear proper ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs, in loud or noisy environments to protect your ears from damage.
  • Avoid exposing yourself to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure if possible.

Using Caution With Your Ears

Your ear is an extremely sensitive part of your body, so it's important to use caution when attempting to remove any uncomfortable blockages. When you clean your ears, you should avoid putting your fingers inside and use a light touch. Wash your ears using a warm, wet cloth on the outside portion only.

When to Consult With a Professional

A hearing care worker from Connect Hearing shows their patient how to clean their ears correctly.Seeking medical help from a professional can help determine what caused your ear blockage and speed up your recovery. Sometimes, patients find out they have a middle ear infection and need antibiotics for treatment. If you have any symptoms of a sinus infection, it's probably best to consult with a doctor. Middle ear infections caused by viral infections in adults and children can be easy to treat. Contact a healthcare professional if you’re experiencing any of the following:
  • Hearing loss
  • Dizziness
  • Ear pain
  • A ringing sound
  • Discharge

Consult With Our Hearing Professionals Today

If you’re wondering how to help with clogged ears, the experts at Connect Hearing are here to help. Clogged ears can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but with the right tools and techniques, you can effectively clear the blockage and improve your hearing. All the methods outlined in this blog post, from warm compresses and ear drops to commercial products and home remedies, can help alleviate your discomfort.

The team at Connect Hearing is committed to providing industry-leading hearing health care in our nationwide network of hearing centers throughout Texas, Florida, Georgia, and other locations across the country. Our hearing care professionals and audiologists are passionate about helping people hear better by applying a consistent approach to determine the best recommendations for your hearing health. We provide free hearing evaluations and a consultation with a professional with recommendations based on your hearing needs and lifestyle. Contact us today to learn more, or book an appointment online to take the first step towards better hearing.