How To Treat Clogged Ears
In the same way that people get blocked noses, the ears too can get blocked. However, unlike blocked noses most people are less used to it happening and don’t know how to treat it. So how do you treat blocked ears? In this article we will give you the tricks to clear your ears from being clogged up.
Having blocked ears is not only uncomfortable but it can also be a hindrance to your day to day life. Finding yourself asking people to repeat themselves or speak louder, can get old quick. So, what causes blocked ears?
- Allergies
- Sinus infections
- A change in attitude
- Water in your ear
- Too much earwax in the Eustachian tube
- Middle ear infections
Clogged ears are more common in children, however both adults and children can suffer from them. The causes of wax build up can be as a result of various factors.
Causes of wax build up
- You just have more wax in your ears generally – some people are predisposed
- You have hair in your ear canals
- You have narrow ear canals
- Age – as you get older wax becomes harder and more difficult to fall out
- Hearing aids, ear plugs, other things you put in your ear – these push wax further in
So how do you treat blocked ears?
Before we tell you how to unblock ears it is important to know how to NOT unblock ears, do not use objects like your fingers or earbuds to get out ear wax. This will only push the wax in deeper making it harder to unblock your ears. This can result in a worser build up and potentially lead to infection.
There are a number of ways to treat blocked ears that are safe. Depending on the severity some involve medication, however for the most part a lot can be dealt with at home with over the counter medicine.
Nasal spray or oral decongestants
Sprays & decongestants can be used to treat blocked ears however they are a particularly good preventative measure if you’re flying on an aeroplane or if you have nasal or sinus congestion. By using these pre-emptively, you can lower the likelihood of your ears blocking. – buy decongestant.
Using warm oil drops
Oil such as mineral, olive or baby oil are an effective way or loosening up wax in the ear. Warm up two to three table spoons of oil, but being careful not to make it too hot by checking it against your skin.
Then take an eyedropper and use 2-3 drops of either mineral, olive or baby oil twice a day for a few days will help loosen the wax in your ear. Keep your head tilted for 10 to 15 seconds as the oil absorbs into the wax.
This should lead to lumps of wax falling out on its own naturally over 2 weeks, which will likely happen at night when you’re lying down. – buy olive oil ear drops.
Sodium Bicarbonate ear drops
As ear wax is acidic and sodium bicarbonate is alkaline, sodium bicarbonate drops work to chemically dissolve ear wax. Using Sodium Bicarbonate drops often works much quicker than olive oil as the wax is dissolved as opposed to softened. As well if you’re having to have a GP remove more serious wax build up, these are the best drops to take prior to that. – you can buy Sodium Bicarbonate ear drops.
Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide otic
Peroxide works by adding oxygen to the wax, causing it to bubble. Eventually this will soften the wax helping it to fall out naturally. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide otic can also be dripped into your ear. Combine the peroxide with warm water in a bowl first. Then follow the same steps as you would with oil, heating it up and applying it to your ear.
It’s likely you’ll feel it sizzle, this is normal just keep your head at an angle until it stops. – you can buy hydrogen peroxide.
When should you see a doctor?
It is important to keep close attention on clogged ears, as they can be linked to infections. Which may require further medical assistance. If your ear hasn’t cleared up after 5 days or if your ear is so badly blocked that you can’t hear anything, it is important that you see your GP. As you can get an infection if your ears are not cleared out after being badly blocked.
A GP can try a few things to force the wax out. This can include flushing the wax out with water (ear irrigation) or they can suck the wax out (microsuction). These are often painless but may feel a little bit uncomfortable.
We hope from reading this article you’re better equipped to managing clogged ears in future. For our range of ear wax treatments visit our website.
