Why colds cause ear blockage and how to treat it safely

Ear blockage is a common ailment stemming from various causes such as colds, infections, allergies, water trapped in ear and changes in altitude. This could be accompanied by discomfort and reduced hearing. For ear blockages that are not serious, simple and quick remedies such as staying hydrated, Valsalva manoeuvre can help in giving relief and treating it effectively. 

Quick relief tips 

• Stay hydrated to thin out mucus secretions making them easier to drain. This will relieve ear pressure due to congestion and help with the cold as well. 
• Inhaling steam can help loosen mucus and drain it quickly.  
• Decongestants or saline nasal sprays can clear nose blockages and reduce ear pressure due to congestion. 

How can a cold cause an ear blockage? 

Cold causes an inflammation in the airways and increases mucus production. This narrows the airways making it decongested. Eustachian tube is a canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Cold can increase the pressure in Eustachian tube and cause a blockage. It could be due to congestion and because air cannot flow freely due to the inflammation.  

 

"Dr.Lau states that most ear blockages can be treated through at-home remedies but some serious blockages which lasts more than a week or are accompanied by pain or discharged should be treated by a registered practitioner. "

Home remedies 

Ear blockage with cold could be relieved with remedies such as: 

• Yawning and chewing gum: Chewing, swallowing and yawning can clear the ear blockage and relieve the ear pressure. This is helpful when there are changes in altitude such as a trek or when in a flight. 
• Keep nostrils closed and blow out: When chewing, yawning and swallowing doesn’t work, you can try blowing your nose by keeping your nostrils closed and mouth shut. This will force the air to come out of the ear clearing the blockage. This is also called as Valsalva Manoeuvre.  
• Warm compress: This should help the movement of fluid in the ear and encourage draining of any excess fluid. The warm compress will help soothe the ear discomfort. You should always ensure the warm compress has enough heat which is tolerable for you and not hot or boiling.  
• Decongestants: Over-the-counter nasal decongestants can help alleviate nasal congestion, thus relieving ear pressure. 
• Steam: Inhaling steam can loosen mucus and alleviate ear congestion thus relieving ear pressure. 
• Staying hydrated: Taking good amount of water, warm fluids can thin out the mucus and helping it clear out from the nose. When the mucus moves out, it will help decrease the congestion and hence reduce the ear blockage. 
• Elevated position: While lying down, sleeping at an elevated position will help in sinus drainage and lessen ear congestion.  

 

Other causes 

 There are many causes for an ear blockage such as: 

• Upper respiratory tract infections: Common respiratory infections such as sinus infections, colds, COVID-19 can cause swelling in nasal passages as well as lining of upper airways. This can cause ear pressure or pain as well as ear blockage.  
• Changes in altitude: Whether you are flying on an aircraft or hiking a mountain or travelling up a mountain or scuba diving, these changes in altitude will likely cause ear pressure or ear blockage due to rapid changes in air pressure.  
• Ear wax accumulation: Ear wax usually protects your ear from unwanted waste but when it goes hard, it could cause a blockage to the ear.  
• Infections: Ear infections¹ such as swimmer’s ear or middle ear infection can clog your ear. This is usually caused by bacteria or fungi, and it can affect your hearing and balance. 
• Allergies: Allergic rhinitis or hay fever, seasonal allergies, could inflame the lining of the airways. Ears being connected to nose and throat could get affected due to this inflammation or excessive mucus build-up.  
• In some cases, structural defects: If you have structural abnormalities in the ear, it could also cause an ear blockage.  

Symptoms of an ear blockage

There are many symptoms that can indicate that you have blocked ears such as: 

• Reduced hearing 
• Ringing in the ears 
• Pain or Earache 
• Discharge 
• Dizziness 
• Cough 
• Itching in the ear 

What to avoid during ear blockage? 

If you know what’s causing the ear blockage, you can easily understand what to avoid. Here’s a list of things you should avoid during a plugged ear:

• Avoid inserting objects: Do not try to insert cotton swabs, pins or any other items and try to clear out your ear². These things can push the ear wax further deep into the canal causing further blockage or cause injury to the already inflamed ear structures. 
• Avoid allergens: If your ear block is caused by seasonal allergies, hay fever or any allergens, you should avoid them. This could include wandering out during pollen season for people suffering from pollen allergy in Australia.  
• Avoid exposure to loud noise: Loud noises can further irritate your ears so either avoid those conditions or use ear protection.  
• Avoid smoking: Smoking can irritate your Eustachian tubes making the ear blockage and inflammation worse.  
• Avoid certain activities: Avoid activities which will put you through rapid changes in air pressure such as scuba diving, flying, hiking or sky diving. 

When to see a doctor for? 

If you are having persistent ear blockage and no relief with any of the home remedies, it is better to consult a doctor : 

• If you have a blocked ear that lasts more than a week. 
• If you have other symptoms such as fever, pain or discharge which is indicative of an infection. 
• If you have ringing in your ears or the blockage worsens with time. 
• If you have a history of ear infections or recurrent ear blockages 
• If you underwent any trauma or injury recently and developed an ear blockage as an aftermath 
• If you experience significant hearing loss or a sudden decrease in hearing due to the blockage 

How can Hola Health help? 

Hola Health is a 24/7 telehealth service in Australia helping Australians get quick access to healthcare services with Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registered GPs and health practitioners. Here’s how Hola Health can help for an ear blockage: 

• Quick telehealth appointments: Need some medical advice or some treatment for your ear blockage, you can connect with a registered practitioner within minutes from the comfort of your home. 
• Medical certificates online: Need a day off from work due to excessive ear pain or cold? Request a medical certificate online for work, school, university from anywhere in Australia. 
• 24/7 online prescriptions: Request a medication for your ear blockage through a short telehealth consult. If the medication you have requested is in the Medicare Bulk Billing list, you get it at no out-of-pocket costs. 
• Online referrals: Need a referral to an ENT specialist or diagnostic tests? Request an online GP referral within minutes, 24/7. 
• Online chemist delivery: Get your medicine delivered home at your convenience.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long does a clogged ear last from a cold? 

Ear blockage from cold can last from few days to a week. If it lasts more than a week, it is important to consult a doctor immediately. 

Will a blocked ear from a cold go away on its own? 

Yes, if there is no serious underlying medical condition, an ear blockage from a cold usually resolves itself by using home remedies and taking some precautions. 

Can I get a bulk billed online prescription for ear blockage or cold-related symptoms? 

Yes. If you have a valid Medicare card and meet clinical eligibility, you may be able to get a bulk billed online prescription for ear blockage or cold-related symptoms through a telehealth consultation.  At Hola Health, a licensed online doctor can assess your condition and, if appropriate, issue a bulk billing eScript for medications such as decongestants or pain relief — with no out-of-pocket cost if bulk billing applies. The eScript is sent directly to your phone or email, so you can start treatment without leaving home.