The way to unblock the ears

Don’t leave a clogged ear untreated! Our tips on how to unblock your ears provide you with several quick and easy solutions for thawing out your ear canal. Blocked ears are not only an uncomfortable sensation, they can also lead to further complications in the ear canal, middle ear and inner ear. Don’t underestimate the problem and take the appropriate action to unblock your ears. In this guide, we explain how to safely unblock your ears at home and advise you when you need to see a doctor. Please read on for more information…

What causes ear blockage?

Usually, blockages are caused by earwax buildup and infection. These can lead to obstruction, growth, vertigo and in many cases temporary or permanent hearing loss. Our ears are connected to our throat and sinuses. The physiology of this direct connection can be better understood through the eustachian tube that connects them both.

The eustachian tube is important for the proper functioning of the ear. The tube helps to keep the pressure inside your ear equal to the pressure on the outside of your ear. The tube also helps protect your middle ear from bacterial flora and reflux of nasopharyngeal secretions. Finally, the eustachian tube effectively drains secretions from the middle ear into the throat so they don’t become blocked.

Sometimes your ears can feel blocked because changes in air pressure can cause the eustachian tube to become blocked. The eustachian tube is the key to opening the ear and expelling fluid.

Our post on popping your ears provides several ways to clear your ears. If you are unsure of the cause, it is best to seek appropriate treatment or advice from a specialist.

How to safely unblock your ears at home?

One of the most common causes of ear blockage is the accumulation of earwax in the ear canal. Earwax secretion is natural and keeps dust and debris out of the ear canal. However, in some ears, it can build up, harden and cause conductive hearing loss. Earwax must be removed carefully. Do not insert any sharp-edged objects such as bobby pins, napkin corners or even cotton swabs. Even using a cotton swab can push wax deeper into the ear canal or puncture the sensitive eardrum.

However, you can try some popular options at home, such as the various wax removal products you can easily find on the market. You can try ear wax removal tools made of surgical stainless steel that are completely safe to use in the ear canal. For general ear hygiene, we recommend using a wash or spray such as Earol Olive Oil Spray to further dissolve the wax.

In addition, you can browse our complete range of ear hygiene and cleaning products here. Affected wax can cause severe discomfort and to prevent this escalation, we recommend that you see a doctor.
How to diagnose eustachian tube dysfunction

When you are seeing your doctor, they will talk about your symptoms and check for obstruction in the nasal cavity or eardrum. The back of the throat will also be examined. Your doctor may apply a variety of techniques to diagnose eustachian tube dysfunction, including asking you to take a deep breath and swallow while they see your eardrum. They may use specialized tools to measure the pressure level in your ear. Over time, the negative pressure in your ear can cause pain and blurred hearing, which is why doctors sometimes consider this to be an early sign of pharyngeal drum obstruction.

Eustachian tube dysfunction can be very frustrating. It is a common cause of ear discomfort. It is usually felt during flights or when you have a cold.

Now, people who spend a lot of time in the water usually feel ear pain, especially among people who are underwater at all times . The result can be that when you return, the water is trapped in your ear canal.

If you start noticing water in your ears after swimming or bathing, it is recommended that you use over-the-counter ear plugs designed for swimming and bathing. These may be more expensive than basic foam, but they can fit perfectly and be reusable as well.

How can I avoid clogging my ears on flights?

To prevent your ears from getting clogged on a flight, here are some tips to prevent it.

Drink plenty of water before and during takeoff.

Don’t forget the most important part of the flight – your ears! Insert headphones to prevent any cabin pressure from causing pain or discomfort. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can also relieve air pressure on long flights and make you feel less tired when you land. Applying a nasal spray 45 minutes before takeoff or landing can also help.

When should you seek professional help?

If you continue to feel uneasy or uncomfortable and any of the above treatments have not removed the ear wax, it is best to see a specialist and have your ears examined or wear earrings if necessary. In many cases, if there is prolonged earwax compaction, it needs to be removed professionally to avoid damaging the ear. Blockages can also come from other sources. Colds or flu, infections or foreign bodies may be the cause and you may need surgical intervention or medication.

Is it time to test your hearing?

If you think a blockage is affecting your auditory senses, we recommend taking our online hearing test. The test is free, takes only a few minutes, and you will get results immediately.

If the test indicates that you may be suffering from some form of hearing loss, we recommend that you consult an audiologist or healthcare professional.