What causes clogged ears? Related conditions and treatments

The ear is a deceptively complex organ filled with tiny bones and narrow passages. Those narrow passages include the ear canal, the tube that connects the outer ear to the eardrum, and the Eustachian tube, which links the middle ear to the back of the nose and equalizes pressure in the middle ear. And because these passages are narrow, they can become clogged or blocked.

It’s not necessarily a painful condition, but clogged ears can be disconcerting. Plus, it can muffle your hearing, which can be distressing to some people and, in some cases, jeopardize their hearing.  

Here’s what to know about the possible cause of clogged ears and what to do about them.   

What causes clogged ears?

A number of culprits could be responsible for clogged ears, including the following.

Upper respiratory infection

“One of the most common causes of clogged ears is sinus and upper respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, COVID-19 infections, and ear infections,” says Samuel Mathis, MD, an assistant professor of family medicine in the UTMB Health Department of Family Medicine in Galveston, Texas. The nasal congestion associated with a cold or another virus can temporarily block the Eustachian tube, causing the ears to feel clogged or plugged.

Ear infection

Speaking of ear infections, they’re a common cause of clogged ears. Also called otitis media, ear infections can cause fluid build-up in the ear, which can cause pain and also muffle hearing. Other symptoms of an ear infection include nausea, headache, vomiting, dizziness, and fever. 

Airplane ear

Air travel is famous for causing jet lag, but it can also take its toll on the ears. Ear barotrauma, or “airplane ear,” is stress on the eardrum that develops when the air pressure in the middle ear gets unbalanced with the air pressure in the environment. It can happen in one or both ears. People with smaller Eustachian tubes, like babies and young children, are at greater risk of airplane ear.

Allergic rhinitis

Also called hay fever, allergic rhinitis is a condition in which an allergen—such as pollen, pet dander, or mold—causes allergic symptoms, such as itchy or watery eyes, sneezing, and congestion in the nasal passages. Allergies can also cause swelling or inflammation in the Eustachian tubes, leading to blockages, a condition known as chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Excessive ear wax

The ear naturally produces ear wax to protect the ear canal. But sometimes, it can produce too much, and the wax can build up faster than the body can remove it. It can get impacted and block part of the ear canal. According to Jill Jeffe, MD, a pediatric otolaryngologist and associate professor within the department of otolaryngology at the University of Utah, this buildup is one of the main reasons that patients cite when they see her about clogged ears. “Some people produce more wax than others, and some people produce a kind of wax that is more likely to clog up,” Dr. Jeffe says.

Swimmer’s ear

Also known as otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection that’s often seen in children. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s usually caused by water that remains in the ear canal for a long period of time. This moist environment allows bacteria to grow, causing infection.

Foreign object

Occasionally, the cause of the clogged ear truly is external. “Sometimes foreign objects like insects or small debris can become lodged in the ear canal, causing blockage,” says Don Beasley, MD, an otolaryngologist and owner of Boise ENT in Boise, Idaho.

Should I be worried about clogged ears?

Parents of young children may need to prepare themselves for the possibility—or even the likelihood—that their children may experience clogged or stuffy ears. 

“In general, kids are going to be more prone to this problem because the anatomy of the ear is kind of undeveloped compared to an adult,” Dr. Jeffe says. 

In some cases, it’s not necessary to see a healthcare provider about a case of clogged ears since it often resolves on its own. However, Dr. Beasley recommends consulting with a doctor or healthcare provider if the clogged feeling persists. Other reasons to see a doctor include:

• Severe ear pain 
• Hearing loss
• Drainage from the ear
• A suspected ear infection
• Fever
• A recent head injury
• A recent experience with barotrauma, or decompression sickness
• A history of recurring ear issues
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears

Anyone who wakes up with a sudden unexplained sensation of clogged ears should consider seeking medical attention, says Dr. Jeffe. “Very rarely, a sensation of clogged ears could be a sign of underlying hearing loss,” she says.

It’s rare, but the hearing loss could be a case of sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The hearing loss may happen all at once, or it could unfold over the course of a few days. It’s critical to seek treatment, as delaying treatment can reduce the chances of recovering at least some hearing.

How to treat clogged ears

Sometimes, certain conditions will resolve themselves on their own. For example, Eustachian tube dysfunction often resolves on its own after a few days, according to Cleveland Clinic. “I tell my patients that clogged ears usually go away on their own, but swallowing, chewing gum, and yawning, along with other techniques, can unclog your ears and help prevent infection,” notes Chase Mussard, MD, a family physician and former board member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

There are other times when treatment is appropriate or necessary to treat a case of clogged ears. Dr. Jeffe stresses the importance of not trying to treat fluid in the ears at home. An underlying infection can be treated, possibly with antibiotics when appropriate, but the fluid usually just needs time to resolve on its own. And when it doesn’t, a doctor can intervene.

“Nasal steroid sprays such as Flonase are great at decreasing inflammation and helping the ears equilibrate. Nasal saline rinses are also really good at helping get rid of extra nasal mucus and pressure in the sinuses and ears,” Dr. Mathis adds. 

If excessive ear wax is determined to be the cause of the clogged ear sensation, a doctor can manually remove the built-up wax with special tools or use water to irrigate the ear canal. But it’s often possible to treat it at home. Dr. Jeffe suggests using a half-and-half mixture of water and hydrogen peroxide in the ears of young children to soften the wax so it will eventually work its way out. Meanwhile, adults and older children can use regular hydrogen peroxide twice a day in their ear canals for the same purpose. Of course, ear irrigation should not be done if there is any chance of ear canal infection, foreign body, or a hole in the eardrum, including an eardrum tube. Ask your healthcare provider before attempting ear irrigation.

There are other times when treatment is appropriate or necessary to treat a case of clogged ears. An underlying infection of fluid behind the eardrum can be treated, possibly with antibiotics, when appropriate. But the fluid usually will still need time to resolve on its own. If it doesn’t, a doctor can intervene by draining the fluid or inserting a tube in the eardrum.

In some cases, it may be appropriate to try a technique called the Valsalva maneuver to try to clear blocked ears. The maneuver involves pinching your nose shut, closing your mouth, and then bearing down hard to exhale. It should clear out any air that’s blocking the Eustachian tube inside the inner ear. It’s generally considered safe to do; however, some experts caution that it’s best to check with a doctor and follow the doctor’s instructions for performing the Valsalva maneuver. 

How is the cause of clogged ears diagnosed?

A diagnosis usually starts with some questions. A doctor may want to determine when the clogged sensation began and how long it’s lasted. Next, the doctor may use a lighted tool called an otoscope to look inside the ear for earwax, fluid, or inflammation—or even small foreign objects.

“In some cases, a doctor may also want to perform a hearing test or audiogram,” Dr. Jeffe notes.

How long do clogged ears last?

Clogged ears may last for a short period of time, or the sensation may linger for weeks, even months. It can depend on the cause of the clogged ears, among other factors.

For example, it’s very common for fluid to linger behind the eardrum after a cold or ear infection (otitis media) for a month or even longer, and it’s not usually necessary to take action, according to Dr. Jeffe. “After three months, that’s when we start to talk about doing something because, at that point, it’s not going to go away on its own.”

Living with clogged ears 

Regardless of age, everyone should avoid using cotton swabs in an attempt to clear out earwax or fluid. It may be tempting to insert a Q-tip into the ear, but it’s not a good idea to insert any object into the ear since it can make a bad situation worse.

“This can push earwax deeper, potentially causing injury or impaction,” Dr. Beasley says.

Most importantly, clogged ears can resolve on their own

Causes of clogged ears may include allergies, ear infections, and upper respiratory infections, among other causes. In some cases, the clogged sensation may resolve on its own without treatment. However, if a case of clogged or blocked ears is severe, accompanied by other symptoms, or continues for more than a few days, it is a good idea to see a doctor. Additionally, anyone who develops a sudden onset of hearing loss or a sensation of clogged ears, especially accompanied by dizziness or tinnitus, which is ringing in the ears, should see their doctor right away.

Only your healthcare provider can rule out infection or other serious health conditions. Visit your doctor to determine the best treatment for your particular case of clogged ears.