A clogged oor can be very annoying. Sounds sound muffled, it can feel like there's cotton wool in your ear, and sometimes it even accompanies earache Or mild dizziness. How do you actually get an blocked ear? And what can you do about it so it passes as quickly as possible? In this article, we explain the most common causes of a blocked ear out. You'll also read about when it's wise to take action and seek professional help.
Clogged ear due to earwax
The most common cause of a blocked ear is an accumulation of earwax. Earwax is a natural substance that protects the ear from dirt, dust and bacteria. It normally moves earwax itself out by itself.
However, sometimes this doesn't happen properly. Earwax can build up and harden, partially or completely occluding the ear canal. This can lead to:
- Reduced hearing or a dull sound.
- A full or oppressive feeling.
- A whooshing sound or an echo.
- Light earache.
Using cotton swabs often makes the problem worse. Instead of cleaning the ear, they push the earwax precisely deeper into the ear canal.
When there is a blocked ear due to earwax, it's important to address this safely. At Audinc, you can expertly and responsibly treat your have earwax removed, without risk of damaging the ear.
Water in the ear
Water in the ear is a common cause of a temporary blocked ear, especially after swimming or showering. When there is already some earwax in the ear canal, water can get trapped behind it.
This can cause:
- A sudden clogged feeling.
- Temporary hearing loss.
- The feeling that the ear is "plugged up."
Often the water disappears on its own. However, does the ear remain clogged, then there may be a combination of water in the ear and earwax, which may require professional cleaning.
Clogged ear during colds
A blocked ear from colds occurs regularly. With a cold, flu or sinusitis, the Eustachian tube (the connection between the throat and middle ear) can become blocked with mucus or swelling.
This creates pressure in the ear, which can lead to:
- A blocked ear.
- Plopping or cracking sounds.
- Sometimes slight earache.
A Clogged ear after a cold is often temporary. If the feeling persists longer, it is wise to have the cause investigated further. You can easily get a Make an appointment at Audinc For check-ups and advice.
How earplugs can cause a blocked ear
Regularly wearing earplugs or hearing protection can help to prevent a blocked ear. Ear plugs can earwax push deeper into the ear canal, causing it to accumulate faster.
This is most common in:
- Music or sleep plugs.
- Long-term or daily use.
A periodic ear checkup helps prevent symptoms and a blocked ear due to earwax.
Ear pain due to a blocked ear
Important to know: earache is not the cause, but often a result of a blocked ear. If the pain persists or gets worse, it is wise to have your ear professionally checked.
What can you do for a blocked ear?
It's important to exercise caution when suffering from a blocked ear. Therefore, pay close attention to the following:
- Don't use cotton swabs.
- Don't try to stubbornly earwax remove.
- Be cautious with remedies to dissolve earwax.
Does the stuffy feeling last longer than a few days, do you hear noticeably less or do you suffer from earache, dizziness or buzzing? Then it is wise to seek professional help.
Audinc is happy to help you with safe and effective control and can even earwax removal, so that your hearing can function optimally again. Make an immediate appointment And get your ears professionally checked.
