Clogged ears can be irritating. They can cause discomfort and pain, affecting your hearing. Ears generally feel clogged when the ear canal gets blocked or there is an imbalance of pressure in the Eustachian tubes. Ear congestion can be due to a wax buildup in the ear canal, or an infection in the ear. Other possible causes may also be an accumulation of water, or congested sinuses. Ear blockage can make your ears feel full and may interfere with your hearing or make you feel dizzy.
So, if clogged ears are bothering you, try any of these effective home remedies.
1. Valsalva maneuver
Relieve pressure from your ears using the Valsalva maneuver . This remedy can be done anytime and anywhere and can be effective in equalizing the pressure in your middle ear. To do this simply close your nostrils tightly and keep your mouth closed. Then breathe out as if trying to exhale through a closed nose. Do not do this in a forceful manner as you may damage the eardrum. If you hear a popping sound, the pressure has been relieved.
2. Adopt a good sleeping position
Your sleeping position may also help ease ear congestion by allowing fluid to drain easier from the ears. If you sleep on your back use a few pillows to keep your head up and sleep in a semi-upright position. This should enable the ear canals to drain properly, preventing clogged ears. You may also find relief lying on your side. Lay down for about an hour with the congested ear facing down. This can help reduce pressure and enable your ears to unclog easier.
3. Warm compress
Place a warm compress over a clogged ear caused by a cold or an ear infection. The heat from the compress helps soothe the pain and discomfort. Simply soak a clean washcloth in warm water and wring it out. Then place it over the blocked ear for 10 minutes, allowing the heat to unblock the congestion.
4. Saline nasal rinse
Rinsing your nasal passage with saline water is a great way to unclog your ears. Salt is a well-known antibacterial agent that can help clear your sinuses, kill infections and reduce inflammation in your nasal passages. Using a neti pot (pictured) is a great way to help clear the nasal passages. Add 1 teaspoon salt to 1 liter lukewarm water. Add the salt mix to the neti pot. Place the end to one of your nostrils, tilting your head slightly back, then forwards over the sink. Keep your mouth slightly open enabling you to breathe. The salt water should flow up through one nostril and out of the other.
5. Gargle warm salt water
This remedy will help you get relief from a congested ear caused by an ear infection. To do so mix one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth, gargling for 15 to 20 seconds. Then spit it out. Repeat as often as possible until you feel like your ears are no longer clogged.
6. Tea tree oil combined with a steam inhaler
If your ears feel clogged due to a cold, use tea tree inhalation to get rid of the infection quickly relieving the congestion. Combining tea tree oil with a steam inhaler can naturally relieve blocked ears, cure congestion, sore throat, chest infections and will help clear up mucus. To do this pour boiling water in a bowl, add a few drops of tea tree essential oil, then carefully inhale the steam. The steam should also help thin and loosen the mucus in your nasal passages, which in turn will give you relief from clogged ears. Use regularly.
7. Garlic oil
This natural antibacterial remedy may seem unusual, however it has been found to kill off infections. To use this remedy, mash two cloves of garlic and let them stand for 10 minutes, allowing the allicin to form. Then, put the crushed garlic in a saucepan with 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Warm for 10 to 15 minutes over a very low heat allowing the beneficial properties of the garlic infuse into the oil. Allow the mix to cool down to room temperature than put it in your ear for 1 minute, helping loosen any blockage or wax that's causing your ears to feel full. Drain the oil out.
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