Do you feel like your blocked ear is affecting your hearing? Here's a comprehensive guide to understanding the causes , identifying symptoms , discovering natural solutions , knowing when to see a professional, and discovering a temporary hearing solution like the Spokeo hearing assistant.
Main causes of a blocked ear
Earwax and buildup
Excess earwax is often the culprit: it clogs the canal, causing a feeling of pressure and muffled hearing. This buildup can also cause ringing or loss of balance. Avoid cotton swabs, which push the wax deeper, and opt for gentle irrigations with saline solution.
Infections and inflammations
An ear infection (external or middle) or congestive sinusitis can cause swelling, discharge, pain, fever, and a blocked sensation. Signs of pain, fever, and discharge should prompt urgent medical attention.
Pressure and Altitude Changes
During a flight, a climb to altitude, or a dive, the Eustachian tube can become blocked, causing a feeling of congestion, pain, or even dizziness. Tricks like yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can help restore pressure.
Foreign bodies and obstructions
Water after swimming or a small object, especially in children, can clog the ear. If the problem persists, consult a professional—do not attempt to remove the object yourself to avoid injury.
Symptoms associated with blocked ears
Sensation of muffled hearing
Hearing appears “muffled”: sounds seem distant or muffled, which can make it difficult to understand conversations.
Temporary ringing and tinnitus
A blocked ear is sometimes accompanied by ringing or tinnitus , amplified by pressure or earplugs.
Ear pain and discomfort
An ear infection or pressure blockage can cause acute pain, accompanied by pulling or tingling.
Impact on balance
If there is abnormal fluid or pressure, you may experience dizziness, unsteadiness, or tinnitus related to the inner ear.
Natural solutions to unclog the ear
Swallowing techniques and yawning
Yawning, swallowing or chewing a candy/gum stimulates the Eustachian tube to restore pressure: a simple and effective method, especially on airplanes.
Steam and saline inhalations
Steam inhalations (add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil if tolerated) and saline irrigations help to thin secretions and soothe the area.
Gentle self-cleaning maneuvers
The Valsalva or Toynbee maneuver (pinching the nose, closing the mouth, and blowing gently) can clear the ear. This should be done with caution to avoid injury.
What to absolutely avoid
No deep cotton swabs, sharp objects or forced extinction with hot/cold water: risk of perforation or aggravation.
When to consult a professional
Warning signs requiring consultation
In case of severe pain, fever, sudden hearing loss, dizziness or discharge, consult an ENT specialist without delay.
Medical examinations and treatments
The ENT can perform an otoscopy, an audiogram, additional examinations (tympanometry, scanner), and suggest irrigation, suction, medication or surgery.
Professional cork extraction
Removing the plug by a professional with specific tools is quick, safe and often painless.
Monitoring and prevention of recurrences
Regular maintenance, gentle hygiene, allergy and infection control help reduce recurrences.
Hearing Recovery and Temporary Solutions
Recovery time depending on the causes
Earwax buildup often clears within a few days. Ear infections typically require 7 to 14 days of treatment for full hearing to return.
Gradual improvement of hearing
Once the cause is treated, the sensation of blockage diminishes day by day, with hearing returning to normal after 1 to 2 weeks.
Hearing assistance during treatment
For swimming, flying, or communicating during the healing period, using suitable earplugs or a device like Spokeo provides temporary hearing comfort.
How Spokeo Helps Temporarily
Spokeo combines patented bi-conduction (via air and bone) to bypass traffic jams, and a directional Smart Mic , maximizing conversation clarity.
👉 Discover our temporary hearing solution here to quickly relieve blocked ears.
