• Ear Infection
• Sinus Infection

Why Does My Ear Feel Clogged and What Can I Do About it?

Struggling with clogged ears can be frustrating, affecting everything from your hearing to your comfort. 

Understanding the causes and treatments is the key to finding relief and getting back to feeling your best.

Whether your clogged ears stem from a blockage, an infection, or a condition affecting the outer or inner ear, continue reading to learn how to unclog your ears and avoid further complications like hearing loss.

Should You Be Concerned About Clogged Ears?

Clogged ears can feel like there’s something lodged inside, or cause sensations of pressure, fullness, or even sharp pain in one or both ears. 

While many of these symptoms are typically mild and may resolve on their own, it’s important to recognize when clogged ears require further evaluation by a healthcare provider. 

Here are some associated symptoms that could signal a more serious underlying cause:

• Ear pain  

• Hearing loss

• Discharge from the ears  

• Frequent or recurrent ear infections  

• Weakness on one side of the face  

• Unexplained or unintentional weight loss  

• Sudden onset of clogged ears with pain  

• Persistent ear pain that cannot be treated with over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers  

What Causes Clogged Ears?

The sensation of a clogged ear varies from person to person, with some feeling fullness or pressure, while others may experience pain. 

The range of conditions that can cause these symptoms is also quite broad. Below we take a look at some of the main causes of clogged ears.

Sinus infections or congestion

The sinuses are air-filled spaces in the skull that connect to our nasal passages, serving functions like giving our voice its resonant sound and filtering debris. 

When these sinuses become inflamed, such as during an infection, the inflammation often spreads to the nasal passages and the Eustachian tube. 

This tube plays a crucial role in equalizing pressure between the inside of the ear and the outside of the eardrum. 

In cases of infection, partial Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) occurs, preventing pressure equalization. This leads to bulging of the eardrum and causes pressure-like sensations or pain in the middle ear. It is often associated with nasal or sinus congestion.

Pressure changes

As you move into higher altitudes, air pressure decreases because the air becomes thinner, exerting less pressure on the outside of the eardrum. 

As mentioned earlier, the Eustachian tube, which connects to the middle ear, normally equalizes this pressure to prevent the eardrum from bulging inward or outward. 

However, when there’s a sudden change in external air pressure, or if the Eustachian tube isn’t functioning properly, the pressure inside the ear pushes the eardrum outward toward the ear canal, causing pain. 

In extreme cases, when the pressure difference is too great, it can result in a very painful burst eardrum. 

This phenomenon can affect mountain climbers, airplane passengers, or saturation divers at great ocean depths.

Middle ear infections

Middle ear infections tend to begin with a viral infection elsewhere in the upper respiratory tract, such as the nose. 

Inflammation in the nose or surrounding areas can spread to the Eustachian tube, which then loses its ability to properly equalize pressure in the ear. 

As a result, secretions produced in the ear due to the spreading infection are unable to drain through the Eustachian tube, leading to a buildup of pressure in the middle ear. 

This pressure can cause symptoms like pain, a sensation of fullness, or the feeling of fluid in the ear. Since the eardrum remains intact, this fluid stays trapped in the middle ear rather than draining out.

Foreign objects in the ear

Our ears are equipped to handle the occasional foreign object. Earwax plays a key role in this by lubricating the ear, trapping debris, and even helping to kill bacteria as part of the immune response.

Sometimes, small insects may crawl into the ear while you're sleeping, causing blockage. This issue is even more common in children, who may insert items like batteries, beads, sponges, or small stones during play. 

Depending on the object, a child may experience varying degrees of pressure or a clogged sensation. Removing foreign objects from the ear can be tricky and depends on the type of object. 

For example, batteries should be removed immediately to prevent acid leakage, which can cause permanent ear damage. 

Small debris can often be flushed out with saline, but materials like sponges, which can swell, require careful manual removal with specialized tools. 

In cases of earwax buildup — which is a common cause of clogged ears — ear drops or professional removal can help clear the blockage and restore comfort.

Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa)

Swimmer’s ear — also known as otitis externa or outer ear infection — is inflammation or infection of the outer ear canal, commonly caused by water trapped in the ear after swimming. 

Swimmers are about five times more likely to develop this condition than nonswimmers. 

Other risk factors include humidity, the use of in-ear headphones, Q-tips, and immune compromise. Swimmer’s ear is also more common among children.

The condition is typically caused by bacterial infections that lead to swelling in the ear canal. In severe cases, this swelling can partially or completely block the ear canal, resulting in clogged ears and significant pain.

Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma is a benign (noncancerous) brain tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve, which transmits sound signals from the affected ear to the brain. 

Symptoms typically begin with hearing loss and ringing in the affected ear. 

As the tumor grows, it can press on other parts of the body, leading to additional symptoms depending on the area affected. 

These can include vertigo, dizziness, pressure in the affected ear, facial weakness, and in severe cases, even death if the brainstem is compressed.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the lower jaw to the skull. 

Pressure and swelling in the TMJ and surrounding muscles may affect the network of nerves that provide sensation to various parts of the head. 

This muscle and nerve tension is thought to contribute to Eustachian tube dysfunction, resulting in fluid buildup in the middle ear, which can lead to clogged ears.

Treatments for Clogged Ears

The treatment for clogged ears varies based on the underlying cause. So it's important to visit a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if you suspect your clogged ears are related to one of the causes we mentioned earlier.

Home care strategies

• Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam reduces congestion and helps clear the nasal passages, which can assist in equalizing pressure in the ear.

• Jaw exercises: Opening and moving the jaw can help manipulate the Eustachian tube, aiding in equalizing ear pressure.

• Valsalva maneuver: This involves pinching your nostrils closed, keeping your mouth shut, and gently blowing. It helps open the Eustachian tube to release excess fluid from the middle ear.

• Chewing gum: Similar to jaw exercises, chewing gum promotes the opening of the Eustachian tube, helping to equalize ear pressure.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medication

• Pain medication: These medications can help alleviate pain associated with clogged ears. Common OTC options include acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and ibuprofen (Advil), which are widely available.

• Decongestants: These can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and around the Eustachian tube, relieving ear pressure. 

Decongestants are available in both nasal spray and tablet form. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider, as they may cause side effects such as rebound congestion or increased blood pressure.

• Wax softeners: Some earwax softeners are available at your local pharmacy, but natural options like olive oil or mineral oil can also be used to soften wax and help with removal.

Manual earwax removal

If wax buildup is the cause of your clogged ears, this can be manually removed by a healthcare provider.

Earwax is typically softened for a few days before the procedure. The ears are then syringed with warm saline to flush out the softened wax. 

The warm saline is gently introduced into the ear and allowed to flow out, carrying the wax with it until the ear is clear.

When Should You See a Doctor for Clogged Ears?

While clogged ears can sometimes resolve without treatment, certain symptoms may indicate a more serious underlying condition that requires medical attention. 

Here are some key symptoms to watch for:

• Persistent ear pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter medication

• An ear blockage that doesn’t resolve after a few days or worsens over time

• Sudden or unexplained weight loss, which could point to a more serious health issue

• Discharge from the ear, which may indicate infection or injury

• Any form of hearing loss 

• Persistent ringing or buzzing (known as tinnitus) may require a medical assessment

• Weakness on one side of the face, which could signal nerve involvement

• Serious health conditions like diabetes, cancer, or HIV can complicate ear issues, so seek help if you have these conditions and develop a clogged ear.

Where Can You Learn More About Ear Infections, Clogged Ears, and Similar Conditions?

Are your ears feeling clogged, or are you dealing with an ear infection that won’t go away? LifeMD is here to help.

A team of healthcare professionals can give you advice, guidance, and treatment to help you feel better and avoid complications like hearing loss.

Make your appointment today to take control of your health — all from the comfort of your own home.

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