Causes of Plugged Ears

Plugged or blocked ears can be simply annoying for those who experience them. Sometimes, such a condition is accompanied by inner ear pain that further worsens the condition. You probably try every remedy that you can possibly think of, but if the condition is slightly more serious than it appears, these home remedies are not going to work. It is important then, that you visit a doctor at the earliest. In rare cases, it is possible that the plugged ears sensation is a symptom of another condition, and may signify loss of hearing.

What Causes Plugged Ears?

There are numerous causes of a plugged ear, and these conditions may range from mild to severe. All these causes have been enlisted here.

• Build-Up of Earwax: More often than not, one of the causes of blocked ears is simply the build up of earwax. So, if you haven't been cleaning your ears regularly, it is likely that you can hear all those muffled sounds, and not clear voices. A build-up of earwax may also cause you some pain and discomfort. Attempt methods of earwax removal and see if you feel relieved.
• Water in the Ears: A condition also popularly known as swimmer's ear, when water gets clogged in the ear due to swimming or bathing, it is likely to cause the sensation of plugged ears. Usually water in the ear can be treated by tilting your head towards the right or the left (depending on the ear that is clogged), to allow the water to drain out naturally. Do not lie down as this will not help in any way and may, in fact, worsen the sensation.
• Infection of the Ear: It is likely that one of the causes of plugged ears may be an ear infection, that usually appears following a cold. This is the case when the middle ear is blocked due to the accumulation of mucus, a condition known as effusion. Taking care of the cold also takes care of the blocked ears in most cases. However, in case of ear infections, it is always advisable to visit an ENT specialist who may prescribe some ear drops and other medication to you.
• Loud Noises: If you suddenly hear a loud noise or have been exposed to loud noises for a prolonged period, one of its effects is a clogged ear. This condition may also result in a temporary hearing loss. Again, to treat this condition it is important that you visit a specialist. Sometimes loud noises affect the ears in ways that you may not be able to understand, so consulting a specialist is important.
• Changes in Pressure and Altitude: You may have noticed that when you travel on a plane, or when you travel to higher altitudes such as on hills and mountains, your ears tend to start feeling clogged. This is one of the most common causes of this condition. The best way to unclog ears in this case is to try to yawn continuously.
• Bony Growth in Ears: A common condition in swimmers, a bony growth in the outer ear may result in plugged ears to start with, followed by gradual hearing loss. This growth may also cause bleeding of the ear and a subsequent infection. Only a specialist can treat this problem.
• Meniere's Disease: Meniere's disease is a condition characterized by plugged ears, dizziness, muffled sounds, and gradual loss of hearing. There is no cure for this condition, but medication can be administered to relieve the pressure and the plugged ear sensation that you may be experiencing.

While these are the most common causes of plugged ears, it may be possible that it is also a symptom of another condition. Some of the remedies may only lie with the doctor, so do not ignore your condition if it persists. Ear problems are often overlooked initially, but ignoring them for too long can definitely be a cause for trouble later. Visit your doctor at the earliest and get yourself some relief from this annoying sensation.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.