The Most Effective Ways to Naturally Get Rid of Clogged Ears

Clogged ears can be a painful and annoying condition that affects your hearing and causes discomfort. The blockage can be due to a variety of factors, including earwax buildup, an infection, fluid accumulation, or sinus congestion. Fortunately, there are many natural and effective home remedies to help relieve the feeling of plugged ears.

Understanding the Causes

• Pressure Changes: This is a common cause, especially during air travel or when driving through mountains. The Eustachian tubes, which connect your ears to your throat and nose, are responsible for equalizing pressure.

• Sinus Congestion: Colds, allergies, and infections can cause inflammation and mucus buildup in the sinuses. Since the ears are connected to the sinuses, this can lead to pressure and a feeling of fullness in the ears.

• Earwax Buildup: The accumulation of earwax can physically block the ear canal, causing a sensation of a clogged ear.

Natural Ways to Unclog Ears

1. Techniques for Pressure Changes:

• Chew Gum, Swallow, or Yawn: These simple actions can help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in your ears.

• Valsalva Maneuver: This technique involves gently breathing out while your nose and mouth are closed. Pinch your nostrils shut, keep your mouth closed, and exhale gently. You might hear a pop, which indicates the pressure has been relieved. Do not do this too forcefully.

2. Remedies for Congestion and Infection:

• Warm Compress: Place a warm, damp washcloth or a wrapped hot water bottle over the affected ear for 10 minutes. The heat can help loosen a blockage and soothe pain.

• Saline Nasal Rinse: A saline rinse using a neti pot or a sinus rinse bottle can clear mucus from your nasal passages, which in turn relieves pressure on the Eustachian tubes.

• Gargle with Warm Salt Water: Gargling with a saline solution can help soothe a sore throat and unblock the Eustachian tubes.

• Tea Tree Oil Steam Inhalation: Add a few drops of tea tree oil to a bowl of boiling water and inhale the steam. This can help thin mucus and fight infections that are causing the congestion.

• Garlic Oil: Garlic has powerful antibacterial properties. Warm some olive oil with crushed garlic cloves and, once cooled to body temperature, put a few drops in your ear for one minute to help fight infection and loosen congestion.

3. Earwax Removal:

• Olive Oil: Warm some extra-virgin olive oil and place a few drops in the clogged ear. Keep your head tilted to the side for a few minutes to allow the oil to soften the wax, then gently remove it from the outer part of the ear.

• Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) and Alcohol: Mix equal parts of ACV and rubbing alcohol. Place a few drops in your ear and let it sit for 10 minutes. This mixture can help soften earwax and has antibacterial properties.

• 3% Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide: Place two drops of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide in your ear. The bubbling action helps to break up and loosen earwax. Wait a few minutes for the fizzing to stop, then tilt your head to drain the solution and loosened wax.

Important Safety Note: Do not use any of these treatments if you suspect you have a hole in your eardrum.

Additional Tips for Prevention

• Use a Humidifier: Using a humidifier in your bedroom can help keep your sinuses moist and prevent pressure buildup in your ears.

• Steam Inhalation: Sitting in a hot, steamy bathroom can help clear the ear canals.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids can help thin mucus, preventing congestion in the nasal passages and ears.

• Avoid Extremes: Avoid sudden changes in body position and temperature extremes, which can worsen sinus-related problems.