{"id":62499,"date":"2024-01-10T13:29:30","date_gmt":"2024-01-10T18:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=62499"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:17:12","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:17:12","slug":"clogged-ears-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/clogged-ears-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"What causes clogged ears? Related conditions and treatments"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 <\/span>pressure in the middle ear<\/span><\/a>. And because these passages are narrow, they can become clogged or blocked.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.  <\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s what to know about the possible cause of clogged ears and what to do about them.   <\/span><\/p>\n

What causes clogged ears?<\/b><\/h2>\n

A number of culprits could be responsible for clogged ears, including the following.<\/span><\/p>\n

Upper respiratory infection<\/span><\/h3>\n

“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 <\/span>Samuel Mathis, MD<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ear infection<\/span><\/h3>\n

Speaking of <\/span>ear infections<\/span><\/a>, 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. <\/span><\/p>\n

Airplane ear<\/span><\/h3>\n

Air travel is famous for causing jet lag, but it can also take its toll on the ears. Ear barotrauma, or “<\/span>airplane ear<\/span><\/a>,” 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<\/span> greater risk of airplane ear<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Allergic rhinitis<\/span><\/h3>\n

Also called hay fever, <\/span>allergic rhinitis<\/span><\/a> 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 <\/span>Eustachian tube dysfunction<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Excessive ear wax<\/span><\/h3>\n

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<\/span> impacted<\/span><\/a> and block part of the ear canal. According to <\/span>Jill Jeffe, MD<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Swimmer’s ear<\/span><\/h3>\n

Also known as otitis externa, swimmer’s ear is a bacterial infection that’s often seen in children. According to the <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Foreign object<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 <\/span>Don Beasley, MD<\/span><\/a>, an otolaryngologist and owner of Boise ENT in Boise, Idaho.<\/span><\/p>\n

Should I be worried about clogged ears?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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. <\/span><\/p>\n

“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. <\/span><\/p>\n

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:<\/span><\/p>\n