Blocked ears can be irritating and uncomfortable, making it difficult for you to listen to your favorite songs or even hear what your loved ones are saying.
This problem can be caused by various factors like earwax buildup, allergies, sinus infections, or even changes in air pressure during flights. However, no matter what the reason is, you don’t have to endure blocked ears forever. There are several simple remedies that can clear out your blocked ear and restore your hearing to normal.
In this article, we will highlight some of the best ways to get rid of blocked ears.
1. Try Some Natural Oils
Natural oils like baby oil, olive oil, or mineral oil can work wonders in clearing your blocked ear. These oils help to soften the earwax, making it easier to remove or drain out.
To use this method, gently warm the oil until it is lukewarm, and then insert a few drops into your blocked ear. Let the oil sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the earwax before tilting your head to drain out the oil and wax.
2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another effective remedy for clearing out a blocked ear. It works by breaking down the earwax, allowing it to flow out easily. To use this method, mix equal parts of water and hydrogen peroxide and a few drops into your blocked ear.
You should feel the solution fizzling as it reacts with the earwax. After a few minutes, tilt your head to allow the solution and wax to drain out.
3. Use Warm Compresses
Warm compresses can help to loosen the earwax, making it easier to clear out. To use this method, dip a clean washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and then place it over your ear. Keep it in place for a few minutes, and then remove it.
Repeat the process several times until you feel the earwax start to loosen up.
4. Try Ear Candling
Ear candling is an alternative method that involves inserting a special candle into your ear and lighting it up. The heat from the candle creates a vacuum that draws out the earwax, leaving your ear clear.
While this method is controversial and not recommended by medical professionals, some people have found it to be effective. If you choose to try ear candling, make sure you do so with caution to avoid any injuries.
5. Use Over-the-Counter Ear Drops
Over-the-counter ear drops can be useful in clearing out a blocked ear, especially if it is caused by excess earwax. These ear drops work by softening the earwax and allowing it to drain out easily.
Some popular ear drops include Debrox, Murine, and Mollison’s ear drops. However, before using any of these ear drops, it is advisable to consult with your doctor to ensure that they are safe for you to use.
6. Use a Warm Water Rinse
A warm water rinse can help to flush out any blockage in your ear canal. To do this, fill a rubber syringe with some warm water and gently squirt it into your ear canal while holding your head over a sink.
Let the water sit for a few seconds before tilting your head to allow the water and any earwax to drain out.
7. Try the Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is a simple technique that involves closing your mouth and nose and then blowing out gently, as if you were blowing your nose. This technique helps to equalize the pressure in your ears and may help to clear out any blockage.
However, you should be careful not to blow too hard, as this could cause damage to your eardrum.
8. Seek Medical Attention
If none of the above remedies work, you should seek medical attention from your doctor or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
They can examine your ears and determine the underlying cause of the blockage before recommending the appropriate treatment. They may suggest using medical-grade ear drops, ear irrigation, or even surgical removal of the blockage if necessary.
Conclusion
Blocked ears can be a frustrating problem that affects your hearing and quality of life. However, with the remedies we have outlined above, you don’t have to suffer from blocked ears any longer.
These simple and effective solutions can help to clear out your blocked ear, restore your hearing, and help you go about your daily activities with ease. Remember, if none of these remedies work, seek medical attention to avoid any complications.