Call your health care provider if your symptoms are severe or last more than two weeks.
If the ears stay plugged up for longer than a week or two following a cold, it may be a sign of a persisting problem. Occasionally, fluid remains trapped behind the eardrum, causing a condition known as serous otitis media (middle ear effusion).
See a nurse at your GP surgery if:
you have symptoms of earwax build-up which have not cleared after 5 days. your ear is badly blocked and you cannot hear anything (you could get an infection if it has not cleared)
How can I tell if my child has an ear infection?
The symptoms of an ear infection usually start quickly and include:
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 hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
Temporary blockage: this is often caused by things like earwax buildup, pressure changes (like flying or diving), or a cold. Temporary blockages usually go away on their own or with simple treatments like swallowing or using ear drops.
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.
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.
If you experience these symptoms with clogged ears including hearing loss, fever, swelling, congestion, or ear pain, or if the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it's advisable to book a visit with an ENT doctor.
Five critical warning signs in early pregnancy needing immediate care are vaginal bleeding, severe abdominal/pelvic pain, persistent headaches with vision changes, fever/chills, and severe nausea/vomiting, as these can signal serious issues like miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or infections, says Better Health Channel, Liv Hospital, and Pregnancy, Birth and Baby. Seek prompt medical attention for these symptoms, especially if accompanied by dizziness or fainting, to ensure your and your baby's health, notes CDC and Texas DSHS.
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.
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.
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.
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 symptoms of tinnitus can vary significantly from person to person. You may hear phantom sounds in one ear, in both ears, and in your head. The phantom sound may ring, buzz, roar, whistle, hum, click, hiss, or squeal. The sound may be soft or loud and may be low or high pitched.
Even if there's no pain, a muffled ear could still indicate a blockage, fluid retention, or an underlying issue like sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL). Lack of pain doesn't necessarily mean there's nothing wrong, so if the muffled sensation persists, it's worth getting checked out by a doctor or audiologist.
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.
Common Signs of Earwax Impaction
One of the most common indicators of earwax impaction is a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. This sensation can vary, depending on the extent of the buildup. People often describe it as feeling like their ear is plugged or as if there is something stuck inside.
Untreated earwax buildup can lead to hearing loss, irritation, pain in your ear, dizziness, ringing in your ears and other issues.
Chewing, yawning, and sucking hard candy can all help the ears to pop. However, if the ears feel as though they need to pop but will not, a person should wait to see if they improve on their own. If they do not, they should speak with a doctor. It is important not to force the ears to pop.
While some causes of ear congestion do not require medical intervention, people should contact a doctor if their symptoms persist or if they experience symptoms of a severe ear infection, such as: fever. fluid drainage. severe ear pain.