Blocked / clogged ears?
Blocked feeling in the ears
A blocked ear can be caused by several factors, including:
Fluid in the ear canal: This can happen after swimming or due to an ear infection, making your ear feel full or muffled.
Sinus congestion/ fluid in the middle ear: A cold, allergies, or sinus infection can cause swelling and fluid build-up, leading to ear pressure and blockage.
Air pressure changes: Altitude changes (like flying or diving) can cause the Eustachian tube to struggle with pressure regulation.
Ear infections: Middle ear infections (otitis media) or outer ear infections (swimmer’s ear) can cause inflammation and blockages.
Eustachian tube problems: When the Eustachian tube gets blocked, it can trap fluid and air in the middle ear, leading to symptoms like:
• A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear.
• Muffled hearing or temporary hearing loss.
• Popping or crackling sounds when swallowing or yawning.
• Pain or discomfort, especially if an infection is involved
This blockage can happen due to allergies, colds, sinus infections, or even irritants like smoke and pollution. Some ways to relieve Eustachian tube blockage include:
• Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum to help open the tube
• Using a nasal decongestant to reduce swelling
• Performing the Valsalva maneuver (gently blowing while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed)
• Steam inhalation to loosen mucus
• Using antihistamines if allergies are contributing to the problem
If your ear feels blocked and doesn’t improve with swallowing, yawning, or over-the-counter remedies, it might be worth seeing a doctor, especially if there’s pain or hearing loss.
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Earwax (cerumen) build-up: is a natural substance that protects and lubricates the ear, but when it builds up or gets impacted, it can cause:
• A blocked or clogged sensation
• Muffled hearing
• Ear discomfort or itching
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
• Dizziness in some cases
Impacted earwax can cause a range of symptoms, and once it's removed, the discomfort usually goes away.
If earwax build-up is causing issues, it's important to address it safely.
However, if symptoms like pain, dizziness, tinnitus, or discharge persist even after removal, it could indicate an underlying issue, such as an ear infection or another ear condition. In such cases, seeing your GP, or pharmacist is the best course of action.
The ears are self-cleaning, and in most cases, earwax naturally moves out of the ear canal on its own. However, certain factors can lead to impacted earwax, including:
Common Causes of Impacted Earwax
• Incorrect Cleaning Methods – Using cotton buds, fingers, hairpins, or other objects can push wax deeper, leading to blockage.
• Excessive Earwax Production – Some people naturally produce more earwax than needed, increasing the risk of build-up.
• Earwax Consistency – If the wax is drier or stickier than normal, it may not exit the ear as easily.
• Use of Hearing Aids or Earplugs – These can push wax back and prevent it from coming out naturally. It’s only a problem when it gets hard, compacted and you can’t hear with your hearing aids.
• Narrow or Curved Ear Canals – Some people have ear canals that make natural wax removal more difficult.
• Aging – Earwax tends to become drier with age, making it more likely to build up.
• Skin Conditions – Conditions like eczema or psoriasis can lead to dry, flaky earwax that’s harder to remove naturally.
But I can still hear
Impacted earwax can cause temporary hearing loss, but once removed, hearing usually returns to normal.
However, if left untreated for too long, it can harden, cause irritation, or even lead to infections that might result in lasting damage.
If someone is experiencing muffled hearing, fullness in the ear, or discomfort, it’s a good idea to have your ears checked for safe removal—especially since using cotton swabs or other objects can push the wax deeper and make things worse.
Impacted earwax usually doesn't resolve on its own. Since it's hardened and stuck, the ear's natural cleaning process can't push it out, which is why professional removal is often necessary.
There are safe at-home methods, like using over-the-counter ear drops to soften the wax, but if that doesn’t work or symptoms persist, seeing a specialist is the best option. Professional removal is quick and painless, whether through microsuction, irrigation, or manual removal.
What NOT to do:
- Avoid cotton buds (Q-tips) – they push wax deeper and can cause impaction.
- Don’t use sharp objects or ear candles – they can cause injury.
If you have persistent earwax buildup, it might be worth seeing a professional for safe removal. Are you experiencing any earwax-related symptoms?
WHAT to do?
• Use oil/ bicarb drops to soften the wax, and book in to have it checked and removed.
• Professional removal: I can safely remove earwax using microsuction or irrigation.
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