Most people have dealt with their ears feeling clogged at some point. Allergies, air pressure changes (like those you might experience when flying), and even jaw problems can all lead to the sensation of your ears being clogged. Doctors have explained how to unclog your ears safely, the different potential causes of that annoying plugged-up sensation, and symptoms that indicate it’s time to seek medical care.
One common culprit of clogged ears is earwax. But what you don’t want to do is start poking around your ear canal with a cotton swab. If you do want to clean your ear, Benjamin Tweel, M.D., assistant professor of otolaryngology at Icahn School of Medicine and Medical Director for the Department of Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Health System, recommends using a tissue to clean the wax that has made its way to the outside of your ear. But he says you should not use a Q-tip to clean the inside of your ear canal, as tempting as it is. “Cleaning deeper inside can push the wax further in and can lead to infections, scratches, or even damage to the eardrum and the hearing bones,” he says.
Meet the Experts: Benjamin Tweel, M.D., assistant professor of otolaryngology at Icahn School of Medicine and Medical Director for the Department of Otolaryngology at Mount Sinai Health System; Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., family physician at One Medical in Phoenix, AZ; Connie Jennings, M.D., Medical Director of University of Kentucky Integrative Medicine and Health and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board
Below, experts explain the most common causes of clogged ears and how to find relief.
Causes and treatment for clogged ears
Earwax
Earwax is a common cause of ears feeling clogged, says Natasha Bhuyan, M.D., family physician at One Medical in Phoenix, AZ. “Earwax is natural, but for some people, the earwax can build up and cause an impaction—this might be the result of using cotton swabs in the ear, headphones, or other things that push wax into your ears.”
What you can do: Certain ear drops can help soften the wax, says Dr. Bhuyan. “Your family doctor can also help safely remove the wax.” It’s important to avoid using cotton swabs in your ear as this can push the earwax in further—it’s often the opposite of what people are attempting to do, she adds.
Dr. Tweel does not recommend any over the counter ear cleaning devices, as these can be hard to use effectively and safely. “If ear drops don’t help, you should see a doctor. Urgent care or primary care offices may be able to irrigate the ear.” Alternatively, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) has a wider variety of tools, and would be needed for people with prior ear problems, he says.
Keep in mind that regular use of things in your ears, like airpods or ear buds, can contribute to “packing” the wax, says Connie Jennings, M.D., Medical Director of University of Kentucky Integrative Medicine and Health and member of Prevention’s Medical Review Board. “Air pods [and the like] seem to be in such prolonged use these days—phone calls, zooming at work, movies at home—this, of course, leads to diminished hearing and a more difficult removal of the wax.” So take breaks from your ear buds and, naturally, you should clean them with alcohol wipes when necessary, she adds.
Eustachian tube dysfunction
The Eustachian tube is responsible for maintaining normal pressure in your ears, so if it is not functioning properly, that can lead to a sensation of pressure in your ears, says Dr. Tweel. This often happens on airplanes. “If the dysfunction is particularly bad, as can happen during a cold, sometimes fluid can build up behind the ears.”
Additionally, researchers have found that some people experience Eustachian tube dysfunction during pregnancy.
What you can do: Eustachian tube dysfunction is treated by finding a way to “pop” the ears, says Dr. Tweel. “Yawning works well, but is hard to do on command. Chewing gum can be helpful, as swallowing and moving the palate can open the Eustachian tube.” In most cases, it is OK to gently pop your ears by pinching your nose, closing your mouth and gently blowing. You have to be careful not to blow too forcefully or too often, warns Dr. Tweel, otherwise other problems can develop.
There is a device called a Eustachi which can assist in popping the ears safely, says Dr. Tweel. But if you have a cold, often treating the cold symptoms can help pop the ears. “For instance, you may use an oral decongestant such as phenylephrine, which will help open up the nose and often the Eustachian tubes.”
Allergies
Allergies are one of the most common reasons people might feel their ears are clogged, says Dr. Bhuyan. Luckily, there are plenty of allergy remedies that can help relieve the pressure in your ears.
What you can do: Using a nasal steroid spray is one of the best remedies, says Dr. Bhuyan. “The nasal steroid can decrease inflammation in your respiratory passages and actually help unclog your ears.” Dr. Bhuyan also highly recommends cleaning out the nasal passages with a sinus rinse. “This can be with nasal saline or even distilled water.” An oral decongestant is another option, although this could also dry you out, she notes.
Moreover, it’s important to get to the root of the problem by minimizing allergies in your home, says Dr. Bhuyan. “Change your bedsheets weekly, be sure to vacuum pet dander (with a HEPA vacuum cleaner specifically), and leave your shoes at the door—they can be culprits in tracking in pollen.”
Ear infection
An ear infection often causes pain, but can also cause the sensation of your ears feeling clogged, says Dr. Bhuyan. An ear infection would need to be diagnosed by a doctor, notes Dr. Tweel.
What you can do: Depending on the severity, an ear infection could be treated with ear drops or oral medications such as antibiotics, says Dr. Bhuyan. An otolaryngologist can clean an outer ear infection, which can accelerate healing, adds Dr. Tweel.
TMJ problems
Problems with the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), the joint of the jaw, which is located immediately in front of the ear, can also cause a feeling of fullness, clogging or pressure in the ear, says Dr. Tweel. “This is often accompanied by a grinding or clicking feeling or pain.”
What you can do: TMJ problems may be treated with a combination of a soft diet and anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, suggests Dr. Tweel.
Hearing loss
Hearing loss can often be felt as a sensation of clogging, fullness or blockage, and is sometimes accompanied by ringing in the ear, notes Dr. Tweel.
What can you do: Consult with an otolaryngologist or an audiologist to explore treatment for hearing loss. Depending on severity, this could include the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants.
When to see a doctor about clogged ears
It’s actually important to see a family physician anytime you have the sensation of your ears feeling clogged, says Dr. Bhuyan. “They can help diagnose the underlying issue. Even if it ends up being something harmless, it’s better to be evaluated.” Clogged ears might just present on their own or they could be associated with other symptoms like dizziness, and a change in hearing, she explains.
You especially should see a doctor if the clogging feeling is painful or if you have drainage, as those may be signs of infection, warns Dr. Tweel. “A sudden feeling of clogging on one side may be a sign of ‘sudden hearing loss,’ which needs to be treated immediately by an otolaryngologist.” Most people will notice hearing loss if this happens, but some people report only a muffled or clogged sensation. This may be accompanied by ringing in the ears or tinnitus, he explains.
You should also see a doctor if the clogging feeling is one sided or if it lasts for a prolonged time, suggests Dr. Tweel. Symptoms that come and go are usually less concerning, but if it is persistent, you should see a doctor, he adds.
Lastly, clogged ears can lead to a change in one’s balance, notes Dr. Jennings, so it’s important to always address a persistent clogging feeling with your doctor. Some older people can take the ‘clogged’ feeling lightly—but when it effects balance, the risk of fall in an older population can be significant, she adds. “It’s a sad day when eustachian tube dysfunction leads to a broken hip!”
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Medical Director of the University of Kentucky Integrative Medicine and Health Program
Connie Jennings, M.D., practices internal medicine with a patient population ranging from young adults to geriatrics at the University of Kentucky and is the medical director of the University of Kentucky Integrative Medicine and Health Program. Dr. Jennings also practices acupuncture, provides integrative medicine consults, and teaches meditative skills. Her integrative medicine team promotes healthy lifestyles, disease prevention, and holistic healing, and in addition to her clinical work, she teaches undergraduates and professional students. Her approach to medicine focuses on the relationship between the patient and the provider as the healing force.
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