Unclogging Blocked Ears – A Guide for Patients in Michigan

Dealing with clogged ears can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and downright painful. Whether your ears are clogged with excessive wax or infected, you’re probably looking for anything to alleviate your discomfort. Understanding what causes clogged or blocked ears in the first place is a great way to prevent dealing with them in the future.

Below, the hearing care providers at Hear Michigan Centers discuss the causes and remedies for blocked ears. Our team is proud to provide industry-leading care at our hearing care centers throughout Michigan. We offer comprehensive hearing care services, including custom hearing protection, hearing aids, tinnitus treatment, and much more. Contact Hear Michigan Centers today to learn more about unclogging blocked ears for relief.

Common Causes of Clogged or Blocked Ears

Ear blockages can occur for various reasons, but knowing the root cause of your clogged ears is a helpful way to prevent them in the first place. Some of the most common causes of clogged ears include the following:

Earwax Buildup

Some people naturally produce more earwax than others, and some just have a harder time clearing the wax from their ears efficiently. If your ear is blocked with wax, you may feel like it’s full, have ear pain, hear ringing, feel dizzy, or be itchy. Your hearing care provider can safely and effectively remove the wax blocking your ear canal.

Fluid in the Ear

When the structure connecting the middle ear to the back of the throat becomes inflamed, fluid typically drains and can clog the ear.Some patients experience pain, hearing loss, and, eventually, permanent changes to the eardrum. Some hearing care providers recommend ventilating tubes to clear the blockage for prolonged cases.

Noise Damage

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and caused by damaged hair cells in the ear. These cells create electrical signals from the sounds you hear and carry those signals to the brain through auditory nerve pathways. Damaged cells do not grow back, but treatment options are available for permanent hearing loss, including hearing aids or a cochlear implant.

Acoustic Neuroma

This rare, noncancerous tumor develops along the eighth cranial nerve and is highly involved in hearing and balance. Most acoustic neuromas don’t get bigger, and those that grow do so slowly and steadily. Symptoms typically start to develop when the neuroma presses on various structures.

Cholesteatoma

This noncancerous skin growth develops in the eardrum and can grow further into the middle ear and neighboring mastoid bone. It typically grows aggressively and significantly increases a person’s risk of getting middle ear infections.

Ear Infection

Much like sinus infections, ear infections sometimes go away on their own. In some cases, however, antibiotics may be needed to kick the infection for good. If your clogged ear symptoms are mild, you can try home remedies before scheduling an appointment with a healthcare provider.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

Eustachian (or auditory) tube dysfunction is an umbrella term for several things that can cause clogged ears. Possible causes include excess mucus due to upper respiratory illnesses or allergies, infection or inflammation of the sinus passages, damage to the ear’s natural cleaning system due to smoking, and fatty deposits forming around the eustachian tubes due to obesity.

Changes in Atmospheric Pressure

When atmospheric pressure suddenly changes, or you change altitude, the fluctuation can cause your ears to clog or “pop.” Extreme changes can injure your eardrum or other structures within your ear. Ear pressure relief methods

Clearing Blocked Ears Safely

Below, we’ve listed some of the most effective ways to alleviate the discomfort caused by clogged ears. If you’re still dealing with symptoms of a clogged ear after trying some of these at-home remedies, you can schedule an appointment with our hearing care professionals, and we’ll take a look. Some easy things to try include:

• Use over-the-counter ear drops to clear your clogged ear (look foractive ingredients like mineral oil, hydrogen peroxide, or glycerin and follow the instructions closely).
• Apply a warm compress over the clogged ear for 10 to 15 minutes toreduce inflammation and soften earwax so it’s easier to remove.

• Create a saline solution by mixing one teaspoon of salt with warm water and stirring until it’s completely dissolved. Put a few drops of the solution into your clogged ear while resting on your side for a few minutes. Tilt your head the opposite way to let the solution drain into a clean towel.
• Try a commercial ear-unclogging product, such as ear irrigation systems and earwax removal kits. Following the instructions closely is essential to avoid damaging your ears further. When in doubt, consult with a hearing care provider about your clogged ears when in doubt.

Preventing Clogged Ears

Some simple things you can do to prevent your ears from clogging include the following:

• Don’t stick anything inside your ear, such as cotton swabs, which can push earwax further inside the canal and cause an ear canal obstruction
• Wear custom hearing protection in loud or noisy environments to safeguard your ears from damage. 
• If possible, avoid exposing yourself to sudden changes in atmospheric pressure. 

When to See a Doctor for Clogged Ear Symptoms

It’s essential to consult with a doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:

• Ear pain
• Vertigo
• Ringing in your ears
• Distorted or muffled hearing
• Pressure in your ears that won’t go away
• Fluid discharge coming from your ears
• An ear canal obstruction
• Any other new or unusual symptoms regarding ear pain or your ability to hear

Get Relief for Your Hearing Loss Symptoms Today

You deserve high-quality and reliable care when it comes to your hearing health. At Hear Michigan Centers, we take a comprehensive approach to finding the best-individualized solutions for each patient. We’ll thoroughly examine your ears, conduct an in-depth evaluation, and consider your lifestyle and needs when deciding the next steps. The Hear Michigan Centers team has years of experience providing comprehensive hearing care services for patients throughout Michigan. Contact us today to learn more about getting relief for your clogged ears, or schedule an appointment online for a comprehensive hearing evaluation at your convenience.