Clogged Ear

Clogged ear is an annoying condition that sometimes cause painful symptoms. If you constantly feel as if you are underwater or water has splashed in your ears, then most likely you are having a clogged ear problem. It is a very common incidence, which many of us experience at some point or the other. Getting yourself aware about clogged ear causes and associated symptoms help in diagnosing the problem at an early stage. There are also clogged ear relief methods, which you can practice at home.

Clogged Ear: Causes and Symptoms

In majority of cases, clogged ear is caused due to impacted earwax or fluid in the ears. Another prime cause of this irritating ear problem is sudden change in the pressure of the surrounding environment. This is the main reason why many flight passengers complain of clogged ears after flying. Other reasons for clogged ears are viral infection, sinusitis, allergies, eustachian tube dysfunction, problems in middle ear and inner ear disorders.

Speaking about the symptoms of clogged ear, a feeling that something is blocking the ear passage is the most prominent sign. Some people experience a feeling of fluid sloshing in the ears. Mild to severe ear pain is also a noticeable symptom of clogged ears or blocked ears. In fact, more than 85 percent children with ear pain condition is due to clogged ears. Overall, clogged ear symptoms are very frustrating.

Clogged Ear: Treatment and Remedy

If clogged ear is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, such as ear infections, trouble hearing and at times, hearing loss. Hence, even though it is not very serious, timely treatment of this ear problem is imperative to avoid worst cases. Effective clogged ear relief methods depend on the causal factor. Following are some of the effectual home remedies for unclogging clogged ears:

• In children, improper bathing or delay in cleaning earwax often cause clogged ears. In such cases, taking care during bathing and regular earwax removal help to clear clogged ears.
• At times, repeated swallowing helps in clearing clogged ears. Taking a hot shower for at least 10-15 minutes also help unclog clogged ears. Over here, exposure to steam loosens clogged earwax. After shower, gently clean earwax with buds.
• If you are experiencing clogged ear due to earwax buildup, use dilute hydrogen peroxide solution. Applying a drop of hydrogen peroxide to the clogged ear side will help in getting rid of earwax.
• Another remedy for removing earwax is using warm olive oil. Lie down in a convenient position and put 1-2 drops of warm olive oil. Stay in the same position for 5 minutes, and allow the earwax to soften. Then gently clean with ear buds.
• For clogged ear feeling during take off or landing of flight, you can try frequent yawning or chew gums. Doing so will balance air pressure in the ears and clear clogged ears.
• Clogged ears and sinus infection are often related. As sinusitis cause increased mucus secretion, patients tend to blow their nose frequently and the result is clogged ear. In order to avoid this, do not hard blow your nose at any cost. Also, keep your mouth open during nose blowing.

Proper care has to be taken while cleaning earwax; never use sharp instruments for the purpose. If the above mentioned home remedies for clogged ear do not show any improvement signs, consult a qualified physician for clogged ear treatment. Also, it is to be borne in mind that clogged ear caused due to infections or serious ear problems cannot be treated at home. Hence, getting the condition checked by a doctor is recommended in such cases.