A clogged ear is often a problem when you are not feeling well. It is possible for you to feel blocked, closed, or as if you are talking through water. This can be irritating, most of all when you’re hoping to sleep. You can try some basic methods to fix a clogged ear if you’re sick.

Why Do Your Ears Get Clogged When You're Sick?

A sign of being sick sometimes is that you hear sounds like your ears are filling or closing up. Such symptoms usually appear during the cold, flu, or when someone has a sinus infection. The extra mucus found in your nose is made for a good reason.

Mucus sometimes clogs the tight channel that links your ear and nose. The Eustachian tube is the name given to this tube. A plugged ear makes it hard for the ear to control air pressure levels. You can hear a popping noise, and your hearing seems muffled then.

You may also feel pressure or pain. This is very normal. It just means your body is reacting to the illness. Let’s find out how to unclog ears when sick.

How Long Do Clogged Ears Last When Sick?

Clogged ears often last as long as your sickness. If you have a cold for a week, the ear pressure might stick around that long, too.

Sometimes, the ears remain blocked even after other symptoms subside. That’s because swelling inside the ear takes time to calm down. In the majority of cases, clogged ears don’t last longer than ten days.

See a doctor if your clogged ears last for more than the mentioned duration. They can find out if you have an ear infection or fluid behind your eardrum.

Now, let’s look at safe ways to unclog ears when sick at home.

What Are Safe Ways to Unclog Ears at Home?

Using steam is one of the most effective ways to start. Steam can help unwind your nasal and ear passages. Have a hot shower or use steam from a bowl of hot water. Do not get in too close a range with them.

You can also place a warm cloth on your ear as a treatment. The warmth takes away stress and relaxes the muscles. Doing some of these activities, such as swallowing, yawning, or chewing, may help to “pop” your ears.

If you think wax is the problem, you can use tools at home. A good ear wax camera lets you see inside your ear safely. This helps you know if wax is causing the block.

You can also try an ear wax cleaner tool if you spot a blockage. They are designed for home use and are much safer for our ears than cotton swabs.

Using an ear-cleaning kit will make your task easier. It includes everything you need for gentle ear care at home.

Let’s now talk about what to do if your ears feel muffled while you’re sick.

How Do You Fix a Muffled Hearing When Sick?

Muffled hearing is very common when you’re sick. It can feel like your ear is underwater. Most of the time, this is caused by pressure inside your ear.

You can try yawning or gently blowing your nose. These tricks help open your Eustachian tubes. Keep your head raised when resting or sleeping. That helps the fluid drain better.

Sometimes, wax can make hearing worse. In that case, use an ear wax suction tool to gently remove it. These tools are made to clean without pushing the wax deeper.

Avoid loud sounds while your ears are clogged. Your ears are more sensitive during this time. Give them a chance to rest and heal.

If the muffled sound stays for more than a week, visit your doctor.

How to Manage Clogged Ears When Sick?

Taking care of yourself is the best approach to address the challenges of your life. Reduce the thickness of your mucus by drinking as much water as possible. This mechanism stops the tubes in your ears from getting blocked.

A humidifier is another option you may add. Once the air gets humid, your body is able to release mucus and this makes it easier to inhale. Applying some saline solution to your nose will help you clean it and reduce irritation.

It is a bad idea to drive or fly places with blocked ears. The change in air pressure can make things worse.

You can also use ear wax removal tools at home if ear wax is part of the problem. They allow you to clean ears safely and, instead of cotton swabs, use other options.

Early attention to your ears will let you recover faster. The next part will show you how to clear up your nose during a cold.

How Do You Unblock Your Ears When You Have a Cold?

A runny nose due to the cold makes it difficult to keep your ears clear. Make sure to clean each nostril gently by taking it one at a time. This way, you can take out mucus without applying pressure.

Try using a saline spray to moisten your nasal passages gently. It soothes the nasal area and reduces swelling in the Eustachian tubes. Inhaling steam is another method for relieving your congestion.

Chewing gum or sucking on candies may provide a little relief for some people. Doing this exercise helps the muscles in your throat move and possibly clear the tubes.

Make sure your head is slightly above your body when resting. Because of this, pressure in your ears is lessened and fluids can drain more easily.

Whenever you are clearing your ears during a cold, be very gentle with it. Ensure that you use only devices specifically designed for the ear, such as those described earlier.

Let’s go through a brief conclusion on everything you’ve learned.

Summary

When you’re sick, clogged ears are a common problem. They usually happen because of extra mucus and pressure in your head. This can cause your hearing to be muffled or result in pain.

The good news is that most clogged ears clear up in a few days. You can help speed things up by using steam, staying hydrated, and trying safe home tools.

You can use an ear wax camera to check if wax is blocking your ear. Then use proper ear cleaning tools or an ear cleaning kit to clean safely. For deeper wax, try a gentle ear wax suction tool or full ear wax removal tools.

For clogged ears that last for more than ten days, or when the pain becomes intense, go ahead and arrange an appointment with your local doctor. You should look after your ears because they can be easily damaged.

Take it slow, stay warm, and treat your ears with care while they heal.

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