Blocked ears, also often referred to as clogged ears or plugged ears, are a very common affliction, affecting thousands of men, women and children of all ages, across the United States. Most people have experienced at least some amount of fullness or pressure in their ears at some time or the other, for which they may need to use a blocked ear remedy. While suffering from this affliction due to any of the blocked ears causes, it is quite possible for you to experience a lot of pain and hearing difficulties too. At times, the earache could be mild and bearable, but there are many people who experience more serious symptoms of a blocked ear, which could also include intense pain, a ringing sensation in the ears and swallowing difficulties too. The severity of the symptoms and the pain usually depend on the factors that cause the problem Studies indicate that most of the blocked ears causes are self-inflicted and therefore can be completely avoided.
Studies indicate that one of the most common blocked ear causes is the accumulation of wax, which most people try to get rid of, by using ear buds, as they think that it is the most widely used clogged ear remedy. However, instead of cleaning out the ear wax, this remedy for blocked ears actually pushes the wax deeper into the ear canal. After that, the wax forms a layer within the canals of the ear. This formation also includes secretions from the sebaceous glands and the sweat glands. While the collection of wax is one of the most common causes of blocked ears, there could be several other factors because of which a person may suffer from blocked ears with cold or other similar uncomfortable symptoms.
Most people consult a doctor, or an ear specialist, seeking ways and means on how to clear a blocked ear. These would also entail methods on how to clear a blocked ear during or after a cold. Medical health care providers can advise patients to use various types of cures for blocked ears, which could include prescription medication, over the counter medicines and eardrops. At times, health experts have also been known to suggest certain home remedies for blocked ears. Before undergoing any form of blocked ears treatment, it is important for people to identify the cause and then proceed with medication, eardrops or home remedies accordingly.
Causes
Both, adults and children are known to suffer from blocked ears, even though the causes may be different. Given below are some of the most common causes of blocked ears in people of all ages:
- A condition known as otitis media, where an infection caused by bacteria or a virus affects the middle ear
- The presence of allergies or a cold because of which the ear tubes swell up and the pressure in them builds
- On several occasions, after a swim, or a shower a person could experience clogged ears, as water gets trapped within the ear, due to the accumulation of wax
- Changes in atmospheric pressure, usually experienced while flying, especially during takeoff and landing
- Ache in a tooth, which is very clear to the ear canal, which could pass on the pain and perhaps the infection too, to the ear.
- Excessive tension in the jaw area, or perhaps in an injury or trauma, affecting that part
Symptoms
Most people immediately realize that they are suffering from blocked ears, because of the symptoms that become evident. However, it is best to consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis, in case any of these symptoms are seen:
- Tinnitus or a ringing sound in the ears
- Discharge or Bleeding from the affected ears
- Severe pain in the ear
- Loss of balance or dizziness
- Hearing problems
There are many people who do not really consult doctors for information on how to clear a blocked ear canal. This could be due to the fact that the blocked ears are generally rectified without the use of anything.
Treatment and Home Remedies for Clogged Ears
Most people tend to use clogged ear remedy at home that they believe will be effective in opening up the ear canals and reducing the pressure from it. However, for using any home remedies for clogged ears and pressure, it is important for people to consult a doctor and undergo a few tests, to identify the cause, so that it can be treated in the right way. Health care providers may need to conduct an x ray, some hearing tests, a lab test or even an otoscope test, to determine the exact cause of the problem. Based on the causes as well as the severity of the condition, doctors may need to prescribe pain relievers, oral antibiotics, steroids or hydrating eardrops. In case the condition or its causes are not too severe, most people just prefer using home remedies for clogged ears or ear wax.
Many people believe that a very effective blocked ear remedy is olive oil, especially if it has been warmed. Pouring a few drops of warm (not hot) olive oil into the ear that is infected helps to relieved irritation, itchiness, pain and discomfort in the ear.
Another highly recommended clogged ear remedy is peroxide, especially when people ask ear specialists for help on how to clear a blocked ear wax. Using an ear dropper, a few drops of hydrogen peroxide should be poured directly into the ear, while the person is lying down on the side. This blocked ear remedy for wax will cause a person to experience a bubbling sound and sensation in the ears. After the bubbling sensation subsides the patient needs to turn over to the other side suddenly, so that the wax and the hydrogen peroxide flows out.
Many people who swim regularly ask for help on how to clear a blocked ear from swimming. Doctors usually advise people to get rid of the excess water in the ear by using a hair dryer and placing it at a distance of 12 to 15 inches.
The most effective clogged ear remedy for cold and allergy is drinking a lot of warm water throughout the day. Yawning at frequent intervals can also be quite helpful. Nasal decongestants are also quite effective in unblocking ears and are a useful clogged ear remedy for sinus too. People should avoid blowing their nose excessively in such cases, as it could worsen ear pain.
There is a lot of information on blocked ears causes and treatment easily available through various resources. However, it is best to consult a doctor before using any home remedy.
answered by G M