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Writer's pictureDr. Koralla Raja Meghanadh

Blocked Ears: Causes and Solutions


Blocked ears can be incredibly frustrating, leaving you with a sensation of fullness or discomfort. Whether it’s a temporary annoyance or a sign of something more serious, understanding the causes and knowing how to address them can help you find relief and restore your hearing.


Blocked Ears: Causes and Solutions

Common Causes of Blocked Ears

Blocked or clogged ears might not always be due to something physically present in the ear; deafness could also be perceived as blocked ears. Here are the main causes that can make your ears feel blocked:

  1. Wax in the ear canal

  2. Sensory neural deafness

  3. A problem in Eustachian tube

 

Wax in Ear Canal

Having wax in the ear is common and natural. However, excess wax can cause a feeling of fullness or blockage, especially when water gets into the ear. While earwax is usually not a problem, it can become an issue if it causes discomfort. In such cases, it's best to consult an ENT specialist.

 

Avoid cleaning your ears yourself, as this can damage the delicate skin inside the ear and lead to infection. Never insert anything into your ear, particularly when it's wet because the wet skin is fragile and can easily get infected, causing a condition known as otitis externa (ear canal infection). Always see a doctor for safe and effective ear cleaning.

 

Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Sensorineural hearing loss or deafness is a serious condition resulting in a sudden feeling of blockage or deafness in one ear. If you experience this, you must immediately rush to an ENT specialist for testing and treatment.

 

This occurs when the auditory nerve is inflamed. Treatment typically involves administering steroids, and the earlier you start, the better the results. Delays can cause irreparable damage.

 

Can Sensorineural Hearing Loss be Prevented?

Unfortunately, sensorineural hearing loss is a rare condition that cannot be prevented. It often occurs as a response to a mild viral infection, which is usually unnoticeable.

 

Problems Related to Eustachian Tube

A feeling of fullness or deafness in the ear often indicates Otitis Media, a middle ear infection. This typically arises from a blockage in the eustachian tube.

The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the nasopharynx and regulates air pressure in the middle ear. Proper air pressure is crucial for the eardrum to vibrate correctly and transmit sound effectively.


When the eustachian tube becomes partially or fully blocked, it leads to negative air pressure in the middle ear, resulting in blocked ears. Common reasons for this include:

  1. Cold: The most common cause of ear infections is a cold. Excess infected fluids secreted due to cold can enter the eustachian tube. Thick fluids block the tube, causing ear blockage, while thin fluids can seep into the middle ear, leading to an infection known as otitis media.

    1. Blowing nose forcefully: Blowing your nose hard when you have a cold, especially with one nostril blocked, increases pressure in your nose and throat. This can push infected fluids into the eustachian tube. Thin fluids can enter the middle ear, causing infection and blockage. Thick fluids can block the eustachian tube, creating negative pressure in the middle ear.

  2. Chronic Sinusitis: In chronic sinusitis, fluids drain through the back of the nose and can enter the eustachian tube, causing blockage. This creates negative pressure in the middle ear, leading to infection and a blocked ear. Otitis media is a common complication of sinusitis. Read more about it in our article. Clogged Ears from Sinus Infections

  3. Allergy: Allergies can irritate the mucosa membrane lining the respiratory system, including the nose, sinuses, throat, auditory tube, larynx, and lungs. This can cause various symptoms: a runny nose, sinusitis, throat infections, cough, and ear blockage if the auditory tube is affected.

  4. Adenoids: Adenoids are at the back of the nasal cavity. When enlarged or swollen, they can block the eustachian tube, causing negative pressure in the middle ear, leading to ear infections. This is common in children, especially those with frequent infections.

  5. Sudden Air Pressure Changes: Sudden changes in air pressure can affect the eustachian tube, causing blockage and ear discomfort. Activities that can cause sudden pressure changes include:

    1. Driving quickly to a high elevation

    2. Taking a high-speed elevator

    3. Traveling by plane

    4. Diving

  6. Smoking: Both active and passive smoking can inflame the mucosa lining, blocking the eustachian tube and causing negative pressure in the middle ear.

 

Understanding these potential causes of blocked ears can help in both prevention and treatment.

 

What to do when you Experience Clogged or Blocked Ears?

If you frequently experience blocked ears, especially alongside other symptoms such as pain, discharge, or hearing loss, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

 

How to Prevent a Blocked Ear?

Here are some steps to prevent a blocked ear:

  • Treat common colds, enlarged adenoids, sinusitis, or any upper respiratory infections promptly

  • Avoid blowing your nose forcefully

  • Manage your allergies effectively

  • Avoid smoking

  • When flying, use earbuds or cotton balls coated with petroleum jelly


There is nothing much we can do about sensory neural hearing loss and wax. While the occurrence of sensory neural deafness is unpredictable and formation of wax in ear is a natural process.

 

Conclusion

A blocked ear can be uncomfortable and frustrating; understanding its causes and implementing appropriate measures can often provide relief. By taking proactive steps to maintain ear health and seeking medical attention when needed, individuals can effectively manage and alleviate ear blockage.


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