Clogged ears can be annoying and uncomfortable. They can affect your hearing, balance, and mood. Clogged ears can occur for various reasons, such as earwax buildup, infection, allergies, pressure changes, or foreign objects. The treatment of clogged ears depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, medication or surgery may be required. However, in many cases, you can unclog your ears at home using natural remedies. These can help relieve the symptoms and speed up the recovery.
In this article, you can find out how to unclog your ears naturally with tips, home remedies, and prevention methods. You can also learn when to see a doctor if your clogged ears persist or worsen.
How to Unclog Your Ears Naturally: Tips
The following tips can help you unclog your ears naturally:
- Pop your ears (Valsalva maneuver): Popping your ears can help open the Eustachian tubes, which are narrow passages that connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. The Eustachian tubes help regulate the pressure in the middle ear and drain fluid and mucus. When they get blocked or swollen, you may experience clogged ears. To perform the Valsalva maneuver, you have to:
- Hold your nose closed with your thumb and index finger placed on either side of your nostrils.
- Keep your mouth closed and gently blow out through your nose until you hear a pop in your ears.
- Repeat until you feel relief.
- Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking enough fluids can help thin the mucus and fluid in your ears and make it easier to drain. Try sipping liquids like water, juice, broth or tea. You can also add honey or lemon to your drinks for extra soothing effects.
- Use a warm compress on your ear: A warm compress can help relieve ear pain and pressure caused by clogged ears. You can use a towel soaked in warm water or a heating pad on your ear for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.
- Keep your head elevated: When you have too much fluid or mucus in your ear or sinuses, it may help to sleep propped up on a few pillows or in a reclining chair. Lying flat can make you feel more congested because it may feel like fluid is collecting at the back of your ear.
- Do not suppress a cough: Coughing is your body’s way of clearing mucus from your lungs and throat. It may also help clear your Eustachian tubes and relieve clogged ears. It may be tempting to use suppressants when you have a nagging, phlegm-filled cough, but they can make it harder for you to unclog your ears. Use cough syrups sparingly or not at all.
- Get rid of phlegm discreetly: When phlegm rises from your lungs into your throat, your body is likely trying to get rid of it. Spitting it out is healthier than swallowing it. You can use a tissue or a cup to spit out your phlegm discreetly.
How to Unclog Your Ears Naturally: Home Remedies
The following home remedies can help you unclog your ears naturally with natural ingredients:
- Use a saline nasal spray or rinse: A saline spray or irrigator can clear mucus and allergens from your nose and sinuses. This can also help unblock your Eustachian tubes and relieve clogged ears. Look for sterile sprays that contain only sodium chloride (salt) and use sterile or distilled water when rinsing. You can also make your own saline solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water. You can use a bulb syringe or a neti pot to rinse your nasal passages with the saline solution.
- Gargle with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help clear phlegm from the back of your throat and soothe a sore throat. Salt water can help reduce swelling and irritation in your throat. To gargle with salt water, follow these easy steps:
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water.
- Take a sip of the salt water and tilt your head back.
- Gargle the salt water for a few seconds and then spit it out.
- Repeat until you finish the salt water.
- Use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide otic: Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide otic can also help dissolve earwax and clear clogged ears. Combine the peroxide with warm water in a bowl first. Then, follow the steps to apply it as you would for the oil below. This can also be done using a rubber bulb syringe and half-strength peroxide mixed with water. You’ll likely experience some loud fizzing — let it do this and keep your head at an angle until it stops.
- Use mineral oil, olive oil, or baby oil: Mineral oil, olive oil, or baby oil can help soften earwax and clear clogged ears. Warm 2 to 3 tablespoons of your oil of choice but be careful not to make it too hot. Check it on your hand or wrist to make sure it’s a safe temperature and doesn’t irritate your skin. Then, use an eye dropper to put one to two drops in your ear. Keep your head tilted for 10 to 15 seconds. Do this a couple of times daily for up to 5 days until the blockage seems to be better.
- Use tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antiseptic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that can help with infection and inflammation that may have contributed to your clogged ears. You can inhale steam infused with tea tree oil by following these steps:
- Boil a cup of water and add a few drops of tea tree oil.
- Pour the water into a bowl and cover your head with a towel.
- Inhale the steam for 10 to 15 minutes, keeping your ear exposed to the steam.
How to Prevent Clogged Ears
Some precautions you can take to prevent clogged ears are as follows:
- Do not smoke: Smoking irritates the throat, damages the vocal cords and causes more mucus to form. Quitting smoking will reduce both your clogged ears and other health problems.
- Stay away from allergens: If you have an allergic constitution, try to avoid exposure to allergens. Pollen, dust, animal hair and other allergens can trigger mucus production and inflammation in your ears. To protect yourself from allergens, clean your home frequently, change your bed sheets, ventilate and use an air filter if necessary.
- Strengthen your immune system: To strengthen your immune system, eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and avoid stress. Also consume immune-friendly foods such as vitamin C, probiotics, ginger, garlic and so on.
- Stay in humid environments: Humid environments help to loosen mucus and make it easier to expel. You can inhale steam or use humidifiers to keep your ears moist.
Conclusion
Clogged ears can be annoying and uncomfortable. They can affect your hearing, balance, and mood. Clogged ears can occur for various reasons, such as earwax buildup, infection, allergies, pressure changes, or foreign objects. The treatment of clogged ears depends on the underlying cause. In some cases, medication or surgery may be required. However, in many cases, you can unclog your ears at home using natural remedies. These can help relieve the symptoms and speed up the recovery.