Why colds cause ear blockage and how to treat it safely

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis. If you have health concerns, consult an AHPRA-registered telehealth doctor or request a medical certificate online if clinically appropriate. Please note: Hola Health does not currently offer Mental Health Care Plans.

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Overview

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 strategies such as hydration and the Valsalva manoeuvre can help relieve pressure and manage symptoms while the body recovers.   Note: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Telehealth doctors or medical practitioners cannot perform physical ear examinations (otoscopy). Diagnosis of ear infections or wax impaction via video is limited to history taking. We recommend sharing your consult summaries with your regular doctor or medical practitioner and bulk billing* is available for eligible patients during Medicare-defined periods; otherwise, private fees apply.   Dealing with the heavy congestion and discomfort of a cold is miserable enough without the stress of working. Give your body the time it needs to clear the infection and request your online doctors certificate  for work or school and rest up at home.

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 that last more than a week or are accompanied by pain or discharge should be treated by a registered medical 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 gently forces air into the Eustachian tube to equalize pressure. Note: Do this very gently. Do not blow hard, as this can damage the eardrum or worsen an infection.
• 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.

 Symptoms

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

When to seek immediate care   Ear blockage can sometimes signal a more serious issue. Call 000 or visit an Emergency Department if you experience:

• Sudden, severe pain followed by fluid drainage (signs of a ruptured eardrum).
• Swelling or redness behind the ear (Mastoiditis).
• High fever with neck stiffness.
• Sudden, profound hearing loss.

 

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.

What to avoid

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 or medical practitioner

• 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 doctors 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 online 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 instant scripts: Request a medication for your ear blockage through a short telehealth consult.
• Online referrals: Need a referral to an ENT specialist or diagnostic tests? Request an online doctor referral, 24/7..
• Online chemist delivery: Get your medicine delivered home at your convenience.
• Bulk-billed* After Hours Doctors: See an AHPRA-registered bulk-billing* after-hours doctor  or medical practitioner via video conferencing. No appointments needed, with bulk-billed* telehealth consults available for eligible patients.

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 or medical practitioner promptly.

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

Most congestion-related blockages resolve as the cold clears. However, if pain increases or fluid discharges from the ear, medical assessment is required.