Reasons for that Clogged Ear Feeling
Are you having issues with your ears? Do they feel stuffy and clogged? Are you suffering from sudden hearing loss or difficulty hearing? There could be a simple reason for this – impacted earwax, a sinus infection or something else. Most of the time there’s an easy fix. It is important to discuss your symptoms with a general physician or a hearing specialist to properly diagnose the reason for your ears feeling clogged. They will also help you properly fix it. Let’s explore why your ears feel clogged.
Impacted Earwax
People often see earwax as “gross,” but it’s a very useful way to protect your ears. Your body naturally produces it to trap dirt, dust, or anything else that can get into your ears and keeps your ears clean. Unfortunately, earwax can occasionally become impacted. If your ears feel clogged, you have an earache, and you have itching or discharge, you could have impacted earwax. Luckily, this can be easily removed. It is important to consult a general physician or audiologist for proper treatment. Do not try to remove impacted earwax yourself by using a cotton swab, Q-tip, or any other tool. You could push the earwax deeper into the ear canal or possibly puncture your eardrum.
Sinus Infection
We’re all familiar with the signs of a cold – stuffy nose, congestion, tenderness around your nose. But did you know that sinus inflammation could affect your ears? We have sinus cavities next to our ear canal. Any sinus inflammation or sinus infection can put unwanted pressure on your eardrum. This can be extremely uncomfortable. Typically, the stuffiness you feel in your ears fades when your cold symptoms do. In more severe cases, people experience pain, dizziness, and have difficulty hearing. Nasal decongestants or topical nasal steroids can help with this. If these symptoms persist, it is best to visit your doctor.
Swimmer’s Ear
Most of us have experienced the feeling of having fluid trapped in our ears. Earwax typically stops water from getting into our ear when we’re in the pool or the shower, but water can make its way into our ear canal. Sometimes it becomes trapped in our ear. Even if you’re not a swimmer! The best way to get water out of your ear is to tilt your head sideways and gently pull on your earlobe to release the water. Occasionally, fluid can develop in the ears when the person has a middle ear infection. These are typically minor, but you should contact your doctor if you experience severe pain or you have these symptoms for longer than a day.
Altitude Change
Flying on planes, driving up or down the mountains, or any other altitude changes can cause an uncomfortable, sometimes painful sensation in your ears. Altitude changes can unsettle the auditory tube and that can cause pressure between the middle and outer ear. Swallowing, chewing, or yawning can help allow more air into your auditory tube and help keep you comfortable.
Hearing Aid Specialists
Sometimes the clogging in your ears is more than one of these four problems. The sudden hearing loss or difficulty hearing may be something bigger. That’s where we come in. Here at the Hearing Group, we care about you and your hearing. We have local hearing professionals that can help you determine what the issue is with that clogged feeling in your ear. You can request a hearing evaluation at one of our hearing aid clinics. Our professionals will discuss if you need a hearing instrument and help you determine which one is the best fit for you. We will help you every step of the way.
