7 Reasons Why Your Ears Feel Clogged
Clogged ears allergies can be quite an uncomfortable feeling and can impact one’s ability to hear clearly. While seemingly simple, clogged ears can arise from a variety of underlying causes.
In this blog, we will explore 7 potential causes of clogged ears and potential solutions to unclog ear to regain clear hearing.
7 Common Causes of Clogged Ears
Blockage of Eustachian Tube:
Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause a clogged ear. This tube connects the middle ear and the throat, allowing fluid and mucus to flow from the ear to the throat, where they are swallowed.
But instead of flowing down, fluid and mucus get trapped in the middle ear, causing blockage. This often occurs with common cold, flu, or sinusitis infections.
Earwax Blockage:
Earwax protects your ear by cleaning the ear canal and blocking debris. However, it can harden and cause a blockage.
Excessive earwax can also lead to a clogged ears allergies, which can be accompanied by earache, ear ringing, muffled hearing, and dizziness.
Upper Respiratory Infections:
Different upper respiratory infections, such as common respiratory viruses, can lead to inflammation in the nasal and sinus passages. This inflammation can affect the eustachian tubes, causing them to swell and narrow.
Inflammation can affect how the eustachian tubes open and close. This is why people with an upper respiratory tract infection may experience symptoms like ear pressure, fullness, muffled sounds, and ear pain.
Altitude Changes:
Altitude changes during activities such as air travel or scuba diving can lead to clogged ears, particularly for those with underlying eustachian tube issues. Rapid pressure changes prevent proper ear equalization.
While ear clogging is typically the primary effect, accompanying symptoms like pain, hearing loss, or dizziness may indicate more severe issues. Headache, nausea, or shortness of breath could suggest altitude sickness.
Allergies:
Allergies, including seasonal ones and reactions to other irritants, often result in nasal and sinus congestion. Those affected by nasal allergies experience persistent swelling in the upper airways, including the sinuses.
This can contribute to eustachian tube issues, leading to sensations of clogged ears allergies.
Sinus Problems:
When fluid builds up in the sinuses, it provides a breeding ground for bacteria and other pathogens. This leads to swelling, disrupting the normal flow of air and fluid through the system.
When the infection and swelling extend into the eustachian tube, your ears can feel blocked.
Fluid Buildup:
Fluid buildup in the ear, often from middle ear infections (otitis media), can cause a sensation of plugged ears, particularly in children and adults.
While such conditions typically resolve spontaneously, severe pain, fluid discharge, or symptoms lasting over a day require medical attention, especially for infants under six months.
Treatment for Clogged Ears
- Steam Inhalation: Using a steam inhaler can help loosen earwax and relieve congestion.
- Medications: Over-the-counter medications can treat a clogged ear caused by sinus drainage, colds, or allergies. You can consider taking an antihistamine or cold or sinus medication containing a decongestant.
- Earwax Removal: If earwax buildup is the cause, contact an ENT doctor to have the wax removed by water irrigation or suction.
- Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften hardened earwax, making it easier to remove. Some ear drops also contain ingredients to help relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation.
- Valsalva Maneuver: This involves closing your mouth, pinching your nostrils shut, and gently blowing air through your nose. This can help equalize pressure in your ears.
Always consult an ENT doctor before starting any new treatment for your clogged ears, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are unsure of the cause of your symptoms.
Contact Dr. Mustafa Kapadia for Clogged Ears Allergies Treatment in Dubai
If you’re experiencing persistent or severe clogged ears allergies, it’s essential to seek professional help from an ENT specialist.
For expert care and personalized treatment, contact Dr. Mustafa Kapadia, a board-certified ENT specialist in Dubai with extensive experience in addressing ear and sinus disorders. With over 12 years of clinical expertise, Dr. Mustafa offers compassionate care and specialized treatments to help alleviate your discomfort and restore your ear health.
FAQs
Allergies, eustachian tube dysfunction, sinus problems, altitude changes, upper respiratory infections, and other conditions can make your ears feel clogged.
Try over-the-counter decongestants, nasal sprays, or antihistamines to reduce swelling and drainage. Warm compresses, steam inhalation, or the Valsalva maneuver (a forced exhalation technique) can also help clear your ears.
Clogged ears from allergies can feel full, muffled, or like there’s pressure building up inside. You might also experience some difficulty hearing.
