How to unclog stuffy ears

It’s ragweed season – the time of year rife with runny noses, sore throats and stuffy ears. You may be dealing with a river of mucus from postnasal drip, but why do your ears become clogged?

Stuffy ears are often caused by sinus inflammation or pressure that affects the Eustachian tubes, creating a clogged sensation. Most people don't realize their sinuses are connected to the nasal passages, ears and back of the throat.

So how do you get rid of stuffy ears? Here are a few tips:

1. Get a humidifier. Humidity and moisture are a great way to treat sinus inflammation or irritation. Try sleeping with a humidifier in your room. To benefit from additional moisture, you can also stand in a nice warm shower.

2. Use a saline mist or nasal spray. Pollen, dust and bacteria cause the sinuses to dry out. A good saline mist or nasal spray can provide much-needed moisture.   

If your symptoms don’t subside, consider using an over-the-counter nasal steroid spray like Nasonex or Flonase.

3. Consider a decongestant. For severe symptoms, a nasal decongestant may help, but use it for only two to three days at a time.

This is also true for pill decongestants like Sudafed or Allegra D.

“These medicines are great short-term therapies for really bad sinus pressure and ear clog symptoms, but after two or three days you should probably think about taking a break from them,” he says.

4. Avoid caffeine, salt, tobacco and alcohol. “These things can affect your circulation and make the congestion feel worse,” Dr. Modi says.

5. Check for wax. A large wax buildup can lead to clogged ears.  

It's a good idea to have a regular routine cleaning system. Take a warm shower, let water gently run into your ears, then dry the outer ear with a washcloth. Try not to use a Q-tip, because it can actually pack wax in more than pull it out.

When to see the doctor for clogged ears

If ear pressure turns into ear pain, or head or facial pain becomes severe, see your doctor.

See a doctor if fever, severe swelling, or congestion persists after three or four days of home treatment. 

Need an appointment with a Piedmont physician? Save time, book online.