Ear blockage is a common ailment that is often accompanied by discomfort and reduced hearing. Stemming from various causes such as colds, allergies, ear infections or changes in altitude, plugged ears are a bothersome condition. Cold can cause many different symptoms including blocked ears. The eustachian tubes, the passages between your middle ear and the back of your nose become inflamed and blocked due to cold. This sensation often manifests as feelings of fullness or pressure in the ears, accompanied by ear pain, dizziness, and muffled hearing. In some cases, once the inflammation from the cold subsides, ear blockage will resolve itself. It is especially bothersome in children when it occurs at night. Knowing the causes, and remedies and when to speak to a doctor will help you in resolving the issue before it gets worse or disturbs sleep at night.

Causes of clogged ears:

Clogged ears could be caused by many different health conditions such as:

• Nasal Congestion: Allergies, colds, or sinus infections can cause the Eustachian tube to become blocked.
• Earwax accumulation: This can obstruct the ear canal, leading to clogged ears and discomfort.
• Changes in Altitude: Rapid changes in air pressure, such as during air travel or scuba diving, can cause temporary ear blockage known as "ear popping."
• Infections: Ear infections especially in the middle ear or outer ear can cause in-ear blockage and pain.
• Fluid Retention: Allergies or upper respiratory infections can cause ear congestion and impaired hearing.
• Structural Issues in the ear: Structural abnormalities or scarring

How to relieve ear pressure?

Discomfort or pressure in the ear associated with plugged ears could be relieved with many remedies such as

• Yawning and Chewing Gum: These actions help equalise pressure in the Eustachian tube, relieving ear pressure. This is especially advised when at higher altitudes such as a long flight.
• Warm Compress: Applying a warm, damp cloth to the affected ear can help soothe discomfort and promote drainage. When using a warm compress, do not use boiling or excessively hot water as it could cause burns or further irritation.
• 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.

Have a telehealth appointment with an Australian registered medical practitioner within 15 minutes about your ear blockage from a cold and get immediate medical attention.

How to unblock an ear from a cold?

If your ear is blocked because of the cold, you can follow some techniques to attempt to unblock or reduce the symptoms such as:

• Nasal spray: Using a saline nasal spray can help clear nasal passages, relieving congestion and ear blockage. Alternatively, steam can also loosen the mucus and clear the nasal passages. Use saline nasal sprays in moderation to avoid rebound congestion.
• Staying Hydrated: Intake of ample amounts of fluids helps thin mucus secretions, making them easier to drain and reducing ear pressure.
• Elevated position: Elevating your head while sleeping can help in sinus drainage and lessen ear congestion.

What to avoid?

Avoiding certain foods, actions and substances can help patients suffering from ear blockage. These simple things when avoided will not allow the ear pressure to exacerbate. They are:

• Avoid Inserting Objects: Do not insert cotton swabs, bobby pins, or any other objects into your ears to remove or reduce blockage. If this is done, earwax can go deeper into the ear canal, leading to further obstruction and potential injury to the delicate structures of the ear.
• Limit Exposure to Loud Noise: Loud noises can worsen symptoms of ear blockage so avoid environments with loud noises or use ear protection.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke can irritate the Eustachian tubes, leading to inflammation and aggravation of ear blockage.
• Limit Allergen Exposure: People with allergies should minimise exposure to allergens that can lead to further congestion in the nasal passages and increase the effect of an ear blockage. In Australia, people with allergies should be careful during the pollen season and when going out in the wild.
• Avoid Rapid Changes in Air Pressure: avoid certain situations or activities such as scuba diving, flying in an aeroplane, or diving at high altitudes.

When should I consult my doctor?

If you are experiencing persistent ear blockage which does not give relief with any of the home remedies, it is important to consult a general practitioner promptly. If you experience any of the below symptoms seek immediate consultation with a doctor.

• Ear blockage which lasts more than a week 
• Accompanied by other symptoms such as pain, fever or ear discharge.
• If the blockage worsens over time causing other symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or ringing in the ears.
• 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

Not able to relieve ear blockage with home remedies? Speak to an online doctor within 15 minutes.

Can a telehealth doctor help with ear blockage with a cold?

Ear blockage with cold can strike at any time of the day or night. It is important to get prompt advice from a doctor before the situation worsens. Telehealth appointments offer the convenience of round-the-clock medical care which vastly benefits the patients. Patients can book a telehealth appointment from home without leaving the bed. Additionally, they can request an online medical certificate, and online script and get medicines delivered home through online pharmacy delivery. In case your online doctor thinks there is further need for investigation, a referral can be made to a specialist or an appropriate diagnostic test. While telehealth can be useful, severe symptoms like high fever, severe ear pain, or sudden hearing loss require immediate in-person attention to ensure a proper diagnosis and treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a clogged ear last from a cold?

Plugged ears caused by a common cold could last anywhere from a few days to a week. Sometimes, if ear blockage is caused by a serious medical condition, it could last longer than a week and would require immediate medical attention.

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.