A clogged or plugged ear is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. A clogged sensation in the ear can range from mild to severe, may affect one or both ears, and can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term). Some of the most common reasons for a clogged ear feeling include:
Earwax Buildup
Earwax, also known as cerumen, is produced by glands in the ear canal. It helps protect and clean the ears. However, too much earwax buildup can cause blockage and clogged ear sensations. Wax buildup is one of the most common causes of plugged ears. Using cotton swabs or other objects to clean the ears often just pushes wax deeper into the ear canal and makes clogs worse.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ears to the back of the throat. They help equalize pressure between the ears and atmosphere. If the Eustachian tubes become blocked or impaired, pressure cannot be regulated properly. This can lead to clogged or muffled ears. Eustachian tube dysfunction is often caused by swelling due to colds, flu, sinus infections, or allergies.
Otitis Media
Otitis media refers to inflammation and infection of the middle ear. It often occurs as a complication of upper respiratory infections. Fluid and pressure buildup in the middle ear from otitis media can make the ears feel congested or clogged. Otitis media is a common cause of temporary clogged ear sensations in children. However, adults can also develop otitis media and experience clogged ears.
Allergies
Seasonal or environmental allergies can trigger clogged ears by causing inflammation and swelling of nasal passages and the Eustachian tubes. Congestion from allergic rhinitis may affect the ears and lead to plugged sensations. Allergies are more prone to cause clogged ears during allergy season when pollen and other triggers are high.
Foreign Objects
Small foreign objects inserted into the ear canal can obstruct the canal and make the ear feel blocked. Common examples include beads, insects, eraser tips, popcorn kernels, or cotton from cotton swabs. Trying to remove stuck objects at home often pushes them in farther. Seeking prompt medical attention is recommended if an object gets lodged in the ear.
Swimmers Ear
Swimmer’s ear, also called otitis externa, is an infection of the outer ear canal typically caused by bacterial overgrowth. Frequent swimming, excessive moisture, and inserting foreign objects into the ears can increase risk. Swimmer’s ear causes the ear canal to become inflamed, swollen, and painfully clogged.
Ear Barotrauma
Changes in air pressure outside the ear can cause uncomfortable clogged sensations and pain. This is known as barotrauma of the ear or airplane ear. It commonly occurs during air travel or scuba diving. Pressure changes push the eardrum inward, stretching it abnormally. This interferes with normal function and makes the ear feel plugged.
TMJ Disorders
Temporomandibular joint and muscle disorders (TMJ disorders) can sometimes refer pain to the ear area and cause clogged ear feelings. The temporomandibular joint connects the jawbone to the skull. TMJ conditions range from mild to severe and often cause pain with chewing, speaking, and other jaw movements.
Ménière’s Disease
Ménière’s disease is a chronic inner ear condition that affects balance and hearing. It is characterized by vertigo spells, tinnitus, hearing loss, and a feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear. Ménière’s disease typically starts in one ear, but over time can affect both ears. The clogged sensation is due to excess fluid buildup in the inner ear.
Ear Infection (Otitis Externa or Otitis Media)
Ear infections, including otitis externa (outer ear infection) and otitis media (middle ear infection) can cause the ears to feel clogged. Infections lead to swelling and fluid build-up that blocks the ear canal. Outer and middle ear infections also cause ear pain, discharge, and sometimes hearing loss along with a plugged sensation.
Nasal Polyps
Nasal polyps are noncancerous growths that develop in the sinuses or nasal passages due to chronic inflammation. They often cause obstruction of normal airflow and mucus drainage. The resulting congestion and pressure can radiate to the ears and lead to clogged ear symptoms.
Cholesteatoma
A cholesteatoma is an abnormal skin growth that occurs inside the middle ear, usually due to repeated ear infections. As it expands, it can block the middle ear and Eustachian tube, leading to hearing loss, dizziness, and a sensation of fullness. Cholesteatoma is a serious condition that can permanently damage hearing if left untreated.
Wax Impaction
Earwax impaction is the accumulation and hardening of cerumen in the ear canal. Unlike typical wax buildup, impacted wax forms a solid plug that completely obstructs the ear canal. Symptoms include ear fullness, pain, ringing, and conductive hearing loss. Impaction can be difficult to treat at home and often requires irrigation by a doctor.
Otosclerosis
Otosclerosis is an abnormal bone growth around the small ear bones or ossicles. It causes the bones to harden and fixate, rather than vibrating freely to conduct sound. This leads to progressive hearing loss and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears. Otosclerosis typically affects both ears.
Conclusion
In summary, many different conditions can make the ears feel clogged, blocked, or plugged. Most causes relate to obstruction, fluid buildup, swelling, or infection of the outer, middle or inner ear structures. Determining the exact reason for a clogged ear sensation requires a medical evaluation. An exam and tests can check for wax blockage, Eustachian tube function, infections, TMJ disorders and other possible causes. Prompt treatment of any underlying condition is needed to relieve the clogged sensation and prevent complications such as permanent hearing loss or damage.
| Cause | Description | Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Earwax buildup | Excessive cerumen production causes blockage in ear canal | Feeling of fullness, hearing loss, itching, coughing, earache |
| Eustachian tube dysfunction | Impaired ventilation between middle ear and throat | Muffled hearing, popping/clicking, fullness, pain |
| Otitis media | Middle ear infection, often after a cold | Congestion, muffled hearing, ear pain |
| Allergies | Inflammation from allergic rhinitis | Congestion, itchy ears, sore throat, cough |
| Foreign objects | Objects inserted into ear canal | Pain, blocked sensation, hearing loss, bleeding |
| Swimmer’s ear | Bacterial infection of outer ear | Itching, discharge, swelling, pain |
| Ear barotrauma | Pressure changes during air travel or scuba diving | Fullness, muffled hearing, ear pain, temporary hearing loss |
| TMJ disorders | Temporomandibular joint dysfunction | Jaw pain, clicking/popping, ear pain, tinnitus |
| Ménière’s disease | Chronic inner ear condition | Vertigo, tinnitus, hearing loss, ear fullness |
| Ear infection | Otitis externa or otitis media infection | Ear pain, discharge, swelling, hearing loss |
Diagnosing Clogged Ears
To determine the cause of clogged ear symptoms, doctors typically start with a physical exam of the ears, nose, and throat. They will look for signs of infection, wax buildup, foreign objects, nasal polyps or other anatomical abnormalities. A hearing test may be done to check for conductive hearing loss.
Other tests that can help diagnose the cause of clogged ears include:
- Tympanometry – Measures Eustachian tube function and middle ear pressure
- Acoustic reflex testing – Assesses neural pathways involved in hearing
- CT or MRI imaging – Visualizes ear anatomy and possible lesions
- Blood tests – Helps identify autoimmune conditions or Ménière’s disease
- Allergy testing – Uncovers potential allergic triggers
Identifying the specific cause of the clogged ear sensation directs appropriate treatment. This allows prompt relief of symptoms and prevention of complications like chronic infections or permanent hearing loss.
Treating Clogged Ears
Treatment for a clogged ear depends on the underlying cause but may include:
- Earwax removal – Irrigation with water, saline, or ear drops; manual extraction
- Eardrops – Antibiotics for infections; steroids for inflammation
- Oral medications – Antibiotics, decongestants, antihistamines, steroids
- Surgery – Eardrum incision for fluid drainage from otitis media; removing foreign objects, polyps, or tumors
- Hearing aids – For chronic Eustachian tube dysfunction or Ménière’s disease
- TMJ treatment – Dental devices, physical therapy, pain medication, surgery
For mild cases, home remedies may help relieve clogged ear discomfort:
- Use a warm compress on the ear
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Do a warm oil massage by placing warm olive oil into the ear canal for a few minutes
- Stay hydrated and use nasal saline spray for congestion
- Avoid irritants like smoke, dust, or pool chemicals
However, home treatment should not delay medical evaluation if symptoms persist or worsen. Leaving certain conditions untreated can allow permanent damage to occur.
Preventing Clogged Ears
You can take some simple precautions to help prevent clogged ear sensations:
- Avoid inserting objects in the ears like cotton swabs or bobby pins
- Use earplugs and protective headgear for swimming
- Treat allergies and sinus issues
- Get prompt treatment for respiratory infections before they spread
- See your doctor regularly to check for excessive wax buildup
- Take decongestants when flying to prevent airplane ear
- Avoid smoke, perfumes, or other irritants that worsen congestion
When to See a Doctor
Consult a doctor promptly if you experience:
- Severe, sudden onset of clogged ears
- Bloody or pus-like discharge from the ears
- Hearing loss, dizziness, or balance problems
- Ear pain that persists more than 1-2 days
- Fever over 101°F along with ear congestion
- Foreign object stuck in the ear canal
- Clogged feeling after injury to the ear or head
Chronic or recurrent ear congestion should also be evaluated, especially in people with a history of ear infections. Proper diagnosis and treatment help avoid permanent damage and disability.
Conclusion
A clogged sensation in the ears has many possible causes. Most relate to obstruction and swelling in the outer, middle, or inner ear structures that impair normal function. Common causes include excessive earwax, Eustachian tube dysfunction, infections, foreign objects, and allergies. Determining the exact cause requires examination and testing by a doctor. Prompt treatment is important to relieve discomfort and prevent complications. With the right diagnosis and care, clogged ears can usually be cured effectively.