To clear blocked ears, try swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum; use the Valsalva maneuver (pinch nose, gently blow); inhale steam; use warm compresses; or apply olive oil drops to soften wax, but avoid cotton buds which push wax deeper, and see a doctor for persistent issues.
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.
If you have symptoms of impacted earwax, your healthcare provider will likely advise some kind of treatment. If you don't have any symptoms, your provider likely won't advise treatment, unless you need an ear exam for other reasons. Often the earwax goes away on its own with time.
But if left untreated, it could lead to serious issues like hearing loss, tinnitus or damage to your eardrum and middle ear. If you notice that symptoms don't go away on their own in a week or two, it's important to schedule a visit with your healthcare provider.
Not all GP surgeries remove earwax build-up. Some can: flush the wax out with water (electronic ear irrigation) suck the wax out (microsuction)
If the plugged-up feeling is constant and is affecting only one ear, then a doctor needs to check the opening of the tube in the nasopharynx to make sure it isn't blocked by a tumor. If the plugged-up feeling comes and goes, you can try a non-prescription decongestant or antihistamine.
Symptoms of earwax blockage may include:
Once the wax is loose and soft, all that is usually needed to remove it from the ear canal is a gentle, warm shower. Direct the water into the ear, then tip your head to let the earwax drain out. Use a towel to gently dry your ear. If the warm mineral oil and shower do not work, use an over-the-counter wax softener.
Clinic treatment
During an office visit, we can remove earwax by using a: Special suction device. Rubber bulb syringe. We rinse out the ear with warm water or a saline solution.
Hydrogen peroxide is a solution (liquid) that can be used to treat ear infections or the build-up of wax. It is generally safe to use in all ears.
Ears can become clogged for various reasons, ranging from wax build-up to changes in pressure. Common causes include excess ear wax, sinus congestion, allergies, changes in altitude, water trapped in the ear canal, upper respiratory infections and Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Ear wax removal costs typically range from $70 to over $160, depending on the provider (audiologist, specialist), method (microsuction, manual), location, and if you have concessions or health insurance. Audiologists using microsuction often charge around $100-$110, while ENT specialists might cost $150-$300. Some places offer lower fees for pensioners or if no wax is found.
A pharmacist can help with earwax build-up. Speak to a pharmacist about earwax build-up. They can give advice and suggest treatments. They might recommend chemical drops to dissolve the earwax.
Cerumen impaction (also known as ear wax) is a common presentation to a general practitioner (GP). Ear syringing is often the treatment of choice, and most GPs see a minimum of two patients per week for ear syringing. It is considered by most to be effective and safe.
While there is little research comparing the efficacy of hydrogen peroxide and olive oil in softening earwax buildups1, the potential side effects of hydrogen peroxide suggest that using olive oil carries less risk.
A few days is usually enough time for your body to get rid of any blockage. But the general rule of thumb is that if things persist for more than a week or so, it may be a wise idea to come in for a consultation. That sensation of feeling like your ears are blocked can also be an indication of hearing loss.
Persistent blockage: if the feeling lasts a long time, or if you have pain, drainage, or hearing loss, it may be a more serious problem, like an ear infection. In this case, it's important to see a healthcare professional.
Your healthcare professional may recommend medicated ear drops to help soften the wax, such as carbamide peroxide (Debrox Earwax Removal Kit, Murine Ear Wax Removal System). Because these drops can irritate the delicate skin of the eardrum and ear canal, use them only as directed.
A feeling of fullness in your ear. Pain in your ear (earache). Hearing loss, which may worsen over time. Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).
The drops help to clear your ear canal if it is blocked with wax by softening it and breaking it up. WAXSOL contains a mild emulsifier which penetrates and helps disperse ear wax. What is ear wax? Ear wax is produced by the glands in the skin lining the ear canal, and its purpose appears to be protective.
Both rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide can be effective for ear care, but their uses differ. Rubbing alcohol is primarily for drying out excess moisture, while hydrogen peroxide is more suitable for earwax removal.