No, there is nothing stuffed in your ear. But then, why do have problems hearing and feel discomfort in your ear. You may be suffering from a blocked ear, commonly known as clogged ear. As your ear contains liquid that helps to balance your body, you may also feel unbalanced if you experience a blocked ear. Almost everyone senses a blocked ear at any point in their life. Let the cause be a blocked nose or ear wax, every person is likely to suffer from a clogged ear. So, how to clear a blocked ear?
Clogged ear being nothing but a minor problem, can be really very irritating. Simple methods can be used to get rid of the problem very fast. Figuring out the cause is the first and foremost step to get rid of a blocked ear.
Contents
Causes
Common causes of a clogged ear include:
- Sinus infection
- Change in altitude
- Common cold
- Fever
- Blocked nose
How to Get Rid of a Blocked Ear: Home Remedies
1. Chewing gum
Making your mouth busy can sometimes help to open up the blocked ear. Chewing a gum can be the best method to make your jaw in motion. Any other food material that gets your jaw moving can help. Sometimes, when food gets in from your throat, you may get rid of a blocked ear.
2. Mustard oil or olive oil
Used for ages, this remedy aids a lot to open up the blockage caused. Take a considerable amount of mustard oil or olive oil and heat it slightly so that it is lukewarm. Tilt your head sideways and drop 3-4 drops in your each ear to open up the blockage.
3. Gargle with salt water
Gargling salt water is also very much effective in getting rid of the blockage. Boil a glass of water and let it still for some time so that it cools down to lukewarm. Mix a teaspoonful of salt in the glass and gargle. Gargle twice a day until you clear the blocked ear.
4. Give it a warm compress
Giving a warm compress just below the ear can be very effective. Even if the blockage is due to common cold or sinus infection, giving it a warm compress can weaken the disease and also helps in getting rid of the disease. Soak a clean piece of cloth in hot water, draw out the excess water and apply the cloth just below your ear to get relief.
5. Valsalva Maneuver
Easiest and the most common method to open up the blockage in your ear. Close your nose with the help of your forefinger and thumb, take a deep breath and try exhaling your breath. Your ear gets pressurized and makes you free from the blockage. Try not giving a lot of pressure or it may cause inverse effects.
6. Steam
How to clear a blocked ear with steam? Steam is always effective for opening up the blockage; let it be nose or ear. Moreover, if the blockage caused is due to common cold or sinus infection, steam is the most effective remedy. Heat certain amount of water to a extent that the steam won’t burn your face. Cover yourself with a towel and inhale the steam for 10-20 minutes.
7. Warm garlic oil
Garlic can be helpful in preventing and the infection and inflammation caused in your ear. Heat olive oil to some degree and mix garlic extract in equal ratio. Drizzle the prepared garlic oil into your blocked ear to get relief.
8. Apple cider vinegar and alcohol
Another great remedy to get your ear unplugged. Mix apple cider vinegar and alcohol in equal ratio and put 4-5 drops in your plugged ear. Wait and let the solution work.
9. Hot beverages
Blockage caused due to common cold can be prevented and cured by the intake of hot beverages of any kind. Drink hot liquids time to time to open up the blockage. Water, tea, coffee and similar drinks may work.
10. Tea tree oil
Another effective oil types useful on how to clear a blocked ear. Tea tree oil helps in softening your ear wax if it is the major cause of your blocked ear. Pour 3-4 drops of warm tea tree oil in your clogged ear to open up.
