From tea tree oil to Vicks Vaporub – there are tons of ways to unblock stuffy ears!
Your ears may get clogged for a variety of reasons. This can result in pain and discomfort, as well as a loss of hearing. This is where natural remedies to unblock clogged ears come into the picture. Keep reading to learn more about the most common causes of clogged ears, their signs and symptoms, home remedies to treat them, how to prevent them, and when you should see a doctor. Keep reading!
In This Article
What Causes A Clogged Ear?
Signs And Symptoms
8 Home Remedies To Clean Clogged Ears
How To Prevent Clogged Ears
When To See A Doctor For Clogged Ears
Infographic: 4 Easy Natural Ways To Unblock Clogged Ears At Home
What Causes A Clogged Ear?
Woman suffering with clogged ear
Clogged ears can disrupt the balance, affect hearing, and also cause pain and discomfort. Both internal and external factors can trigger the condition. They include:
Barotrauma – It occurs when your ears can’t adapt to the changing pressure on an airplane
Ear Infection (Otitis Media) – It is a result of fluid build-up in the ears that may cause virus or bacteria to multiply A cold or flu often triggers an ear infection.
Earwax Impaction – It occurs due to an excessive production of earwax, which causes a build-up of wax in the ear canal
Presence of a foreign object like cotton inside the ear
Swimmer’s Ear – This condition results from water being trapped in the ear
Smoking
Some of the lesser common causes of ear congestion are migraines and spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage.
The common signs and symptoms associated with clogged ears include:
A sensation of pressure in the ears
Muffled hearing
Ear pain
Earache
A feeling of fullness in the affected ear
Ringing in one or both ears
Loss of balance or dizziness
Decreased hearing
Cough
A clogged ear can indicate fluid build-up in the ear, especially if the person already has a cold or flu. This can increase the risk of developing an ear infection.
Clogged ears can be quite discomforting and may affect your day-to-day life. However, there are several home remedies that may help in unclogging blocked ears. Let’s take a look at them.
8 Home Remedies To Clean Clogged Ears
1. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar in a glass bottle
Apple cider vinegar contains acetic acid, which can heal chronic suppurative otitis media (5).
It also possesses antimicrobial properties . These properties can help with a cold or flu that may have contributed to your clogged ears.
You Will Need
1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon of distilled water
A dropper
What You Have To Do
Mix one tablespoon each of apple cider vinegar and distilled water.
Using a dropper, pour three to four drops of the solution in the affected ear.
Cover the ear using a cotton ball and tilt your head to the opposite side.
Stay in the position for about 5 minutes.
Remove the cotton.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 1-2 times daily.
2. Tea Tree Essential Oil
Tea tree essential oil in a glass bottle
Tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties (7). These activities of tea tree oil can help reduce inflammation inside the ear and fight the infectious microbes that could be clogging your ear.
You Will Need
4-5 drops of tea tree oil
Hot water
A large bowl
What You Have To Do
Add four to five drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of hot water.
Lean towards the bowl, with the affected ear facing the steam from the water.
Cover your head with a large towel or blanket to prevent the steam from escaping.
Do this for 10 minutes.
How Often You Should Do This
You can do this 1-2 times daily.
3. Vicks VapoRub
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