Yes, olive oil can temporarily make a blocked ear feel worse by softening and expanding the wax, potentially moving it closer to the eardrum, but it's generally safe for softening wax if you don't have an ear infection or perforated eardrum; however, if symptoms persist or worsen, you should see a doctor as overuse can sometimes create a mushy, difficult-to-remove plug.
Ears are designed to be self cleaning, but occasionally they can get blocked with wax and cause deafness. Olive oil softens the wax so that it runs out on its own accord. It does not harm the ear.
More wax production: some people naturally produce more earwax. Use of earplugs or hearing aids: regular use can push earwax deeper into the ear. Improper cleaning: using cotton swabs or other objects can push earwax further in, making it harder to remove.
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut.
Do not try to remove earwax with cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects. This can make the blockage worse and damage the eardrum. If your doctor recommends that you try to remove earwax at home: Soften and loosen the earwax with warm mineral oil.
To sleep with an ear infection, elevate your head or sleep on your non-affected side. Elevating the affected ear makes it easier for the infection to drain.
Frequently people report having had a cold that got better, but left them with a blocked ear (or ears). It usually gets better in a week or two, but can last for months afterwards. Swellings at the back of the nose (the nasopharynx) can cause the Eustachian tubes to become blocked.
The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure in the ears. However, the hormonal changes of pregnancy can cause the lining of the tubes to swell, leading to a feeling of fullness, discomfort, and muffled hearing. This condition is generally temporary and resolves after pregnancy.
It is normal for impacted earwax to be difficult to soften, but after 4-5 days it will have absorbed plenty of oil and be much softer than it was to begin with7. Consult your GP, audiologist or ear care specialist for professional removal after using olive oil, and they should be able to clear the blockage10.
If the earwax is only causing minor problems, you can try buying some eardrops from a pharmacy. Using drops may make your hearing or symptoms a little worse at first before getting better. These can help soften the earwax so that it falls out naturally.
Is Earache a Symptom of Pregnancy? An earache or blocked ear is not typically considered a symptom of pregnancy itself. However, certain physiological changes that occur during pregnancy can contribute to the development of these conditions.
Five key warning signs during pregnancy needing immediate medical attention include vaginal bleeding, severe headaches with vision changes, decreased baby movement, severe abdominal pain/cramping, and signs of preterm labor like regular contractions or fluid leakage, as these can signal serious issues like miscarriage, preeclampsia, placental problems, or infection. Always contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care for these symptoms.
Most nasal sprays are safe to use during pregnancy. Corticosteroid sprays (like Flonase and Nasacort) and saline sprays can provide relief. Be careful with decongestant sprays with the ingredient oxymetazoline. They can cause rebound congestion, which makes it hard to stop using them.
See a nurse at your GP surgery if:
Tilting your head to the side, gently pulling on your earlobe, or chewing can help drain trapped water. Why do my ears clog up during flights? Rapid changes in air pressure during air travel can affect your middle ear, especially during takeoff and landing.
Earwax blockage that has no symptoms can sometimes clear on its own. But if you have signs and symptoms of earwax blockage, talk to your healthcare professional. Signs and symptoms may signal another condition.
Sleeping flat can promote fluid pooling and increase the risk of ear congestion and Eustachian tube dysfunction, especially if you are prone to sinus issues or allergies. Elevating your head reduces these risks.
The anti-tragus is the small prominence just behind the tragus on the outer ear rim. Use your index finger to apply light pressure and massage these areas slowly in circular motions, about one minute per ear. These points may encourage sinus drainage and reduce ear congestion related to sinus swelling.
The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:
Other safe techniques include yawning or chewing gum, applying a warm compress against the ear and making gentle jaw movements. These methods can help relieve pressure and promote the natural clearing of the ears.
Folate helps increase circulation, improving blood flow to the inner ear. Omega 3s, found in many fish (most notably salmon), walnuts, and flax and chia seeds.
Many people experience clogged ears at some point. Allergies, head colds, pregnancy, and changes in air pressure are common reasons it may feel like your ears are full. Typically, plugged ears settle after a few days. The best treatment for ear fullness will depend on the cause.
The "3-2-1 Rule" in pregnancy is a guideline for first-time mothers to know when to call their midwife or doctor for active labor: consistent contractions every 3 minutes, lasting 2 minutes each (or 1 minute long for some variations), for over 1 hour. It helps differentiate true labor from false labor (Braxton Hicks), signaling it's time to head to the birthing center, while subsequent pregnancies often follow the faster 5-1-1 rule.
Most pregnancy symptoms don't start until four to six weeks after conception. While many of the symptoms are common, it's possible to experience no symptoms during the first trimester of pregnancy. The most common early symptoms include a missed period, light bleeding, breast changes or tenderness, and fatigue.