Zyrtec (cetirizine) starts working for allergy-related ear congestion in about 20-60 minutes, but it can take days or weeks for full relief, especially for chronic issues, as it reduces inflammation and mucus that block the Eustachian tube, requiring consistent daily use. While Zyrtec helps with allergy symptoms, other treatments like nasal steroid sprays might be needed for significant improvement, and severe or prolonged ear plugging (lasting over a couple of weeks) warrants a doctor's visit.
If ETD is caused by allergies, antihistamines such as Benadryl and Zyrtec may help you find relief. OTC pain relievers like Tylenol and Advil may also help relieve mild pain caused by ETD. If your symptoms last more than two weeks, see a doctor.
Eustachian tube dysfunction happens when the tubes that connect your middle ears to your upper throat become blocked. This can cause pain, hearing issues and a feeling of fullness in your ear. Eustachian tube dysfunction usually goes away on its own in a few days. But if it doesn't, seeking treatment is important.
Answer Traditionally, antihistamines and decongestants have been used in the treatment of otitis media; however, recent guidelines, which are based on study findings with negative results, recommend against routine use.
What causes clogged 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Recognizing the Sensation of Muffled Hearing
You may also feel fullness in the ear, along with symptoms like tinnitus, dizziness or general discomfort. This issue can arise suddenly or develop gradually, and it might last a few hours, several days or longer depending on what's causing it.
Because some antihistamines have a drying effect that helps drain the eustachian tubes, they can reduce the buildup of fluids in the middle ear. They can also help dry out your sinuses, relieving ear pressure from allergies, and reducing tinnitus symptoms.
Zyrtec-D® is a combination of cetirizine and pseudoephedrine. This medication is both an antihistamine and a decongestant. It treats or prevents symptoms of allergies. It reduces congestion, sneezing, runny nose and itching in your nose or throat.
If you sleep on your side, make sure to sleep on the side of your uninfected ear. This will allow your infected ear to stay elevated and drain and heal, rather than trapping it against your pillow under the weight of your head. Airflow on your ear can help it stay dry, allowing faster healing.
If ear pressure symptoms persist for an extended period and cannot be relieved by swallowing or yawning, it could indicate an ear pressure imbalance or inflammation. In such cases, you should visit your physician or a hearing care specialist for an examination.
Top 10 Tips To Relieve Ear Pressure
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.
A visit to the ENT surgeon allows the debris and infected material in the ear canal to be thoroughly cleaned. This aids the delivery of the topical ear drops and speeds up the treatment of the infection. This toilet or cleaning of the ear canal may have to be performed regularly in the first few weeks.
Common causes are: colds, flu, viruses or even swimmer's ear, all of which can affect the middle ear and therefore create muffled hearing.
Signs and symptoms of earwax blockage may include:
Typically, clogged ears will ease up within a few days. Symptoms may last a little longer if you have a head cold, COVID infection, or allergies. But, if clogged ears continue beyond a few days, it may be time to see a healthcare professional about your treatment options.
The inflammation and buildup of mucus that occurs in a sinus infection can block the tubes. This type of blockage is known as obstructive eustachian tube dysfunction. Symptoms include the sensation of fullness and diminished hearing that you describe.