Fevers, runny noses, sneezing, coughing–cold symptoms come in a myriad of varieties (you probably have your least favorite). But one cold symptom that doesn’t get much attention has to do with your ears. As you become congested, your ears could grow blocked, and that can interfere with your hearing and your comfort.
Full Answer
What are the symptoms of a blocked eustachian tube?
With plugged ears, your eustachian tubes — which run between your middle ear and the back of your nose — become blocked. You may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears. You may also have ear pain, dizziness and muffled hearing. As swelling from the cold subsides, the blockage usually resolves.
Why do my ears feel like I have a blockage?
Cold or Allergies Another very common reason for ears that feel clogged and muffled is allergies or a cold. "Anything that causes our nose to stuff up can result in that feeling of talking in a tunnel," says Dr. Seidman. Fix it: As the cold or allergies resolve, the Eustachian tube blockage usually does as well.
What happens when your ears get blocked with a cold?
With plugged ears, your eustachian tubes — which run between your middle ear and the back of your nose — become obstructed. You may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears. You may also have ear pain, dizziness and muffled hearing. As swelling from the cold subsides, the obstruction usually resolves.
Why do my ears feel clogged and muffled?
Another very common reason for ears that feel clogged and muffled is allergies or a cold. "Anything that causes our nose to stuff up can result in that feeling of talking in a tunnel," says Dr. Seidman. Fix it: As the cold or allergies resolve, the Eustachian tube blockage usually does as well.
How do you open a blocked ear from coughing?
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
Can coughing affect ears?
Coughing can be present at the same time and can also result from an upper respiratory infection that affects the ears. If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection that do not improve, contact your healthcare provider for advice.
Can phlegm cause blocked ears?
The build up of phlegm can occur in the ear as well, causing blockages and temporary partial hearing loss. This mainly occurs in the Eustachian Tube that connects the tympanic cavity and the nasal one and equalises the pressure.
When I cough I feel pressure in my ear?
Colds, allergies and upper respiratory infections can all cause a plugged-up sensation in the ears, leading to pain and pressure. This is due to anatomy; the ears, nose and throat are all closely connected—literally. The Eustachian tube is an organ that connects the middle ears, nasal passages and upper throat.
How long does ear congestion last?
Clogged ears from a mild ear infection usually last one or two weeks. If the problems are in the inner ear, this could last longer. Mild ear infections clear up by themselves, and you can alleviate the pain with painkillers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, ear drops, or simply by applying a warm cloth to your ear.
How do you relieve pressure in your ears?
To relieve ear pain or discomfort, you can take steps to open the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure, such as:Chew gum.Inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.Suck on candy.Yawn.
Should I be worried if my ear is blocked?
A blocked ear caused by excessive earwax is generally not a cause for concern but does need to be dealt with if it is causing symptoms or is preventing needed assessment of the eardrum*.
Will clogged ear go away by itself?
Your ear may unblock on its own within hours or days. But several home remedies and medications can provide fast relief. As you treat a clogged ear, it's also helpful to identify possible causes of the blockage. By doing so, you and your doctor can determine the best way to treat the clog and prevent future problems.
How can I clear mucus from my ears?
Here are things you can do to relieve sinus congestion and related ear congestion:Take a nasal decongestant.Blow your nose gently.Use a nasal rinse or nasal irrigation system.Use a humidifier, as dry air can irritate your nasal passages.Avoid tobacco smoke and other irritants.More items...•
Why does my ear feel clogged and muffled?
What Causes Muffled Hearing? If your ear feels clogged and muffled, you may have a Middle Ear Infection, also known as Otitis Media. You may even see fluid visibly draining from the ear, and it will probably also be sensitive to touch. In more severe cases, it can cause nausea and vomit.
Why does my ear feel blocked but no wax?
This can be caused by a buildup of fluids, loud sounds, foreign objects in the ear, severe head trauma, severe changes in air pressure, and ear infections (see next section). A ruptured eardrum can make your ears even more vulnerable to infections which may further block eustachian tubes.
How do you unblock your sinuses and ears?
TreatmentBreathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or shower.Use a humidifier or vaporizer.Place a warm, wet towel over the nose and forehead.Use decongestants or saline nasal sprays.Take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to relieve pain and swelling.Perform nasal irrigation.
Does bronchitis affect your ears?
Colds, bronchitis and sinus infections can keep fluid trapped in the middle ear behind the ear drum. When this happens bacteria and viruses can grow causing fullness or pressure in one ear or both.
Can a chest infection affect your ears?
Upper respiratory infections and allergies can create partial blockages of the Eustachian tubes due to inflammation and mucus secretion, interfering with the functioning of the tubes. This inflammation can lead to fluid buildup, which causes a plugged-up feeling and an increase in ear pressure.
Can post nasal drip cause clogged ears?
Postnasal drip can also cause you to cough or make your voice sound hoarse. It can also make the back of your nose feel blocked from mucus and can even cause your ears to feel clogged or painful when mucus blocks the Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the inside of your ear to the back of your nose).
Why do my ears feel clogged but they aren t?
Many of us have felt pressure in our ears at some point in time. It can be an uncomfortable sensation and feel like one or both ears are plugged up or clogged. There are many possible causes of pressure in your ears, including changes in altitude, having a sinus infection, and even earwax buildup.
Why does mucus clog my ears?
But instead of flowing down the throat, fluid and mucus can sometimes become trapped in the middle ear and clog the ear. This blockage usually accompanies an infection, such as the common cold, influenza, or sinusitis. Allergic rhinitis can also cause a blockage in the Eustachian tube.
What causes a clogged ear?
1. Eustachian tube blockage. An Eustachian tube blockage is one possible cause of a clogged ear. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the throat. Fluid and mucus flows from the ear to the back of the throat through this tube, where it’s swallowed.
What is the best way to remove wax from the ear?
If you have a buildup of wax, manual wax removal by an ear, nose, and throat doctor may be necessary. These doctors use specialized tools to create suction and remove wax from the ear. If you have a Eustachian tube blockage, prescription medications might include: antibiotic (ear infection, sinus infection)
How does ear wax work?
Earwax protects your ear by cleansing the ear canal and preventing debris from entering the ear. Wax is normally soft, but it can harden and cause a blockage in the ear. When earwax triggers a clogged ear, other symptoms may include: an earache. ringing in the ears.
What tube is responsible for ear pressure?
The Eustachian tube is responsible for equalizing pressure in the middle ear. But at higher altitudes, it can’t always equalize pressure properly. As a result, the change in air pressure is felt in the ears. A clogged ear is sometimes the only side effect of an altitude change.
Why is the Eustachian tube blocked?
Other symptoms of a blockage caused by an infection or allergies include: Unblocking the Eustachian tube is important because trapped fluid can cause an ear infection, which is when a bacteria or viral infection gets into the middle ear.
How to remove ear wax from ear?
You can also place two or three drops of warm mineral oil, baby oil, or hydrogen peroxide into your ear using a medicine dropper. Keep your head tilted for a few seconds after applying the drops to flush wax from the ear.
Why do my ears get clogged?
Causes of Clogged Ears. A number of rather innocuous factors can lead to clogged ears (1) such as: 1. Pressure differences. Because your ears are connected to your nose , nasal congestion can cause partial swelling or closing of the Eustachian tube.
What causes a clogged eardrum?
The accumulation of excessive earwax inside the outer ear canal (outside of the eardrum) can lead to clogged ears.
Why do my ears get stuffy?
More often than not, you may experience this stuffiness along with diminished hearing, pain, and imbalance, on account of a clogged ear or Eustachian tube dysfunction.
What to do if ear wax blockage is due to earwax buildup?
If the blockage is due to earwax buildup, your doctor may use a curet or rubber bulb syringe to remove it .
Why does my ear swell?
Colds, sinus infections, and allergies can cause swelling in the Eustachian tube, preventing their opening. This results in pressure changes in the ear, often leading to pain and fluid accumulation.
How do ear waxes clear?
Ears naturally clear themselves through the migration of the ear canal lining. This is how natural wax from the ear canals is cleared without resorting to cotton buds. Some causes of ear clogging can, therefore, clear themselves if given enough time.
How long does a clogged ear last?
Clogged ears can last for a few minutes, such as when landing in an airplane, or many months. It can last even years when due to glue ear, wax impaction, or tumors.
What happens if you have a plugged ear?
You may experience a feeling of fullness or pressure in your ears. You may also have ear pain, dizziness and muffled hearing. As swelling from the cold subsides, the obstruction usually resolves.
How to open eustachian tubes?
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
What to do if you hear a popping noise?
Other options for clearing plugged ears may include: Nasal decongestants, but for no more than a few days. Topical nasal steroids, especially in people with allergies. Ventilation tubes, in severe cases, to drain fluid and relieve pressure.
What is earwax blockage?
Earwax blockage occurs when earwax (cerumen) accumulates in your ear or becomes too hard to wash away naturally. Earwax is a helpful and natural part of your body's defenses. It cleans, lubricates and protects your ear canal by trapping dirt and slowing the growth of bacteria.
Where is wax in the ear?
The wax in your ears is secreted by glands in the skin that lines the outer half of your ear canals. The wax and tiny hairs in these passages trap dust and other foreign particles that could damage deeper structures, such as your eardrum.
Can wax build up in ears be a sign of hearing loss?
Having signs and symptoms, such as earache or decreased hearing, doesn't necessarily mean you have wax buildup. It's possible you have another medical condition involving your ears that may need attention. Wax removal is most safely done by a doctor.
Can you remove ear wax from your ear?
Wax removal is most safely done by a doctor. Your ear canal and eardrum are delicate and can be damaged easily by excess earwax. Don't try to remove earwax yourself with any device placed into your ear canal, especially if you have had ear surgery, have a hole (perforation) in your eardrum, or are having ear pain or drainage.
Why does my hearing get muffled after a cold?
This can happen when a cold progresses to a sinus infection or a middle ear infection.
Why does my ear make a noise?
Tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, humming, or clicking sound in the ear) can also cause muffled hearing. These sounds can be temporary or permanent, and occurs when sensory hair cells in the inner ear become damaged. This can happen with age or due to prolonged exposure to loud noise.
How do you know if you have earwax buildup?
Other symptoms of an earwax buildup include an earache, extreme pressure, and ringing in the ear.
What does it feel like to have muffled hearing?
Muffled hearing can sound and feel like cotton balls in your ear. You may have a sensation that’s similar to the pressure you feel while flying on an airplane. And while there isn’t complete hearing loss, you may strain to hear others clearly. Muffled hearing occurs when sound waves have trouble passing through the inner ear.
Why does fluid accumulate in the middle ear?
Middle ear infection. These bacterial or viral infections occur when fluid accumulates in the middle ear due to swelling or inflammation in the eustachian tube. This tube helps the ears drain fluid from the middle ear. Some middle ear infections are mild and clear on their own.
How to open Eustachian tube?
A decongestant can open your Eustachian tube by constricting blood vessels and reducing swelling. This medication is also useful for airplane ear. Take a decongestant as directed before flying to equalize the pressure in your ears. You can also open your Eustachian tube by yawning, sneezing, or chewing gum.
What causes a child's ear to feel full?
This might include water, an insect, or any small object, which is more common for young children. A foreign object in the ear is serious and requires medical attention to avoid injury to the ear. These types of blockages can cause pain, a feeling of fullness in the ears, and hearing loss.
What is the treatment for congestion in the ear?
There are numerous over-the-counter (OTC), prescription, and natural treatments for ear congestion. However, the exact treatment depends on the underlying cause. Ear congestion refers to a feeling of fullness in the ears. A person may feel that their ears are clogged or blocked up.
Why does my ear pop?
Elevation changes can lead to ear-popping. This occurs when the air pressure outside the ear is different to the air pressure inside the eustachian tubes. The eustachian tubes are narrow canals that connect the middle ear to the upper throat and nasal cavity.
What causes a sneezing nose?
Allergic rhinitis can also lead to: sneezing. runny or stuffy nose. itchy, watery eyes. itchy mouth, nose, and throat. difficulty breathing through the nose. headache. Treatment. To relieve ear congestion that occurs due to allergies, a person can take allergy medications, such as decongestants and antihistamines.
How to reduce ear congestion due to elevation?
Treatment. To relieve ear congestion due to elevation changes, a person can try : yawning or chewing gum during takeoff or landing. wearing a filtered earbud that equalizes air pressure.
How to heal ear infection fast?
Plenty of rest and drinking clear fluids, such as water or tea, may help an ear infection heal faster. A person can use OTC medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain and fevers. Doctors can treat fungal ear infections with topical antifungal medications.
How long does it take for ear wax to fall out?
They should do this twice per day for a few days. Over 2 weeks, the earwax should fall out of the ear, especially during sleep when a person is lying down.
Why is it important to not perform ear candling?
It is important to note that people should not perform ear candling. This is because it is ineffective and may cause injury.
