About Clogged Ears
The ears can get clogged due to both external as well as internal factors. A clogged ear can become serious as it may affect an individual’s ability to hear sounds and maintain balance. It can also be a cause of severe pain and discomfort. Even though anyone can get clogged ears but it is mostly seen in children, especially when their sinuses get inflamed or they have a cold.[1]
The most common causes for clogged ears are accumulation of earwax. In some cases, the eustachian tube gets blocked causing symptoms of clogged ears. People who go to high altitudes also at times tend to get clogged ears.[2]
Certain medical conditions like acoustic neuroma or a benign growth within the ear also causes clogging of the ears. In majority of the cases, clogged ears can be successfully managed by home remedies.[1] This article details some of the home remedies for clogged ears.
6 Home Remedies For Clogged Ears
The most common cause for a clogged ear is the buildup of earwax. The function of the earwax is actually to protect the inner more sensitive parts of the ear by forming a barrier. It also protects the ear from harmful substances from the environment from entering the ear and causing problems. If there is excessive earwax buildup in the ear the person will experience dizziness, pain in the ears, and tinnitus. Thus it is important to treat clogged ears. The home remedies to get rid of earwax include.[1]
- Eardrops: Over-counter ear wax makes the cerumen or the earwax soft and it becomes easy to remove them. Common ear drops constitute of mineral oils, baby oil, hydrogen peroxide, and glycerin. There are ear drops that are made exclusively for removing earwax that can be bought online or at a local pharmacy store.[1]
- Ear Irrigation: This is also an effective home remedy to get rid of earwax that can be done pretty easily. However, it should be noted that people who have had injury to the ear or have had a surgical procedure to the ear should try this remedy.[1] Additionally, cotton swabs or other tools should be avoided when doing ear irrigation to clean up the earwax. This is because cotton swabs block the ear passages and push the earwax much deeper within the ear canals. Irrigating the ear makes the earwax moist and it makes it easier for it to be suctioned out and get rid of clogged ear.[1] For people who have clogged ear due to allergies or infection, then along with clogged ears they will have a runny nose, persistent bouts of sneezing and coughing, sore throat, and fever. A clogged ear can give way to infections which can sometimes complicate things and require medical management. To get rid of clogged ear due to allergies and infections, the following home remedies can be tried.[1]
- Steam: Inhaling steam can get rid of clogged ears as the sinuses are directly connected to the ears. Steam soothes the sinuses thereby helping the ears becoming unclogged. For this, the person needs to boil some water in a bowl. Now cover the pot with a towel and bring the face close to the pot and cover it with the same towel. Now, take deep breaths so that as much steam as possible gets through the nose. Repeat the process till relief is obtained.[1]
- Mineral and Essential Oils: These oils have antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. Tea Tree Oil, eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil are the most preferred oils used as home remedies to unclog the ears. They can be put in boiling water and inhaled with the steam.[1]
- Warm Compresses: This can be done to drain the nasal passages from the accumulated mucous thereby reducing the amount of mucous in the ears. For this, boil some water in a bowl. Now, soak a wet cloth in the water and apply it below the affected ear for about 10-15 minutes. Repeat the process two to three times until symptoms clear off.[1]
- Salt Water Gargles: This is very helpful home remedy in decreasing the amount of mucous in the ears and nose. For this, add some salt to warm water and mix it thoroughly. Now, the person should gargle with this mixture for about 10 seconds and then spit the solution out.[1]
