How to Unplug Ears

Co-authored by Payam Daneshrad, MD and Sophia Latorre

Ear congestion can be an annoying medical issue that makes it difficult to hear and, when left untreated, can lead to dizziness and ear pain. If you experience severe pain or bleeding along with plugged ears you may have a perforated eardrum, which requires immediate medical attention. In most cases, though, you can unplug your ears at home using some simple techniques and over-the-counter aids.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Equalizing Pressure in Your Ears

1
Yawn or chew gum to open your eustachian tubes. Sometimes when your ears are clogged, the remedy is as simple as yawning, which can equalize the pressure in your ears. Or, pop a piece of sugar-free gum in your mouth and chew it for a few minutes. These simple methods can get your ears to pop, providing immediate relief.^{[1]
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- You will know when your ears pop when the pressure built up inside them releases and you can hear again.
2
Try the Toynbee maneuver to unclog your ears. The Toynbee maneuver helps relieve pressure in your middle ear, eliminating the “clog” that causes discomfort. Take a sip of water, but don’t swallow it yet. Keep your mouth closed and use your fingers to gently hold your nostrils closed. Then, swallow the water. You can repeat this maneuver up to 5 times.^{[2]
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3
Do the valsalva maneuver to relieve pressure. Pinch your nose to plug your nostrils and keep your mouth shut. Exhale gently like you are trying to breathe out of your nose. Resist the urge to blow too hard as this could hurt or damage your eardrum. There may be a small pop sound associated with the relief of pressure when using this remedy, but it should not be accompanied by any pain.^{[3]
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- Not only is this good for blockage due to colds, it's also very handy for pilots, airline passengers, and divers.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Removing Earwax from Your Ears

1
Use steam to thin your earwax. Heat a pot of water to boiling, then transfer the water to a heat-safe bowl. Lean over the bowl so your face is above the steam and use a towel or cloth to create a “tent” over your head and the bowl. Breathe in the steam for as long as desired. The pressure in your ears should decrease as the mucus and earwax in your ears thins out due to the steam.^{[4]
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- Use a clean cloth to wipe away any earwax that leaks out of your ear canal.
- Feel free to add a few drops of essential oils, like lavender or tea tree, to the hot water.
2
Apply a warm compress to drain the fluid in your ear. Take a clean washcloth and run it under hot water. Squeeze out the excess water, then place the washcloth on the clogged ear. Leave it there for up to 10 minutes and lie on the side of your affected ear so the fluid in your ear has time to drain out. Repeat as often as necessary.^{[5]
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- Simply use the washcloth to wipe up any excess wax that comes out of your ear.
3
Dry the fluid in your ear with a mixture of a vinegar and water. Mix a solution that is 1 part vinegar to 4 parts water. Lean your head sideways and use a dropper to put a few drops of the solution in your ear. Keep your head tilted and allow the solution to settle in for about 5 minutes.^{[6]
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- To keep it from spilling out, place a cotton ball in your ear before raising your head. If both ears need attention, repeat the process with the other ear.
4
Soften your earwax with a few drops of oil. Tilt your head so the affected ear is facing upward. Use a dropper to put a few drops of warm (not hot) olive oil or mineral oil into your ear. Keep the head in the same position for about 5 minutes.^{[7]
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- After 5 minutes, lean your head upright and wipe away any oil and wax that exit the ear canal with a clean cloth. Repeat on the other side, if necessary.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Trying Medical Remedies

1
Take a decongestant if manual methods don’t work. Nasal decongestants can help clear the sinuses, and return your hearing to some semblance of normalcy. Follow the instructions on the label, and avoid taking the decongestant for more than 3 days in a row.^{[8]
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2
Use a nasal spray with antihistamine if you have allergies. In the event your sinus blockage is caused by allergies, an antihistamine may be just the thing you need. Look for a nasal spray containing antihistamine at your local drugstore, and use it according to the directions on the package.^{[9]
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3
See a healthcare provider if the issue persists. If your ear pain is severe or lasts more than a few days, see your healthcare provider immediately.^{[10]
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Expert Source

Payam Daneshrad, MD
Board Certified Otolaryngologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.} They may prescribe medications such as topical nasal steroids, or help you explore other treatment options depending on the cause of your pain.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Will a clogged ear go away by itself?

Payam Daneshrad, MD
Board Certified Otolaryngologist
Dr. Payam Daneshrad is a board certified Otolaryngologist, a board eligible Facial Plastic Surgeon, and the Owner and Director of Daneshrad Clinic in Los Angeles, California. With over 19 years of experience, Dr. Daneshrad specializes in adult and pediatric Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, packing-less nasal surgery, minimally invasive sinus surgery, and snoring treatment. He also uses the newest surgical ENT techniques for tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, thyroidectomy, and parathyroidectomy. Dr. Daneshrad graduated with a BS and the highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Tulane University School of Medicine, where he was accepted into the AOA, the medical honor's society, and the Tulane University School of Public Health. Dr. Daneshrad received his medical training from the University of Southern California, where he currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor. Dr. Daneshrad is the Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon for the Los Angeles Sparks and the athletic teams of Loyola Marymount University.

Payam Daneshrad, MD

Board Certified Otolaryngologist

Expert Answer

Ear wax is a natural part of every human being’s ear canal, and it will usually move its way out of the ear canal on its own. Patients shouldn't have to clean their ears because they are cleaned automatically, but if necessary, over the counter wax dissolving agents like Debrox can be used to clean the ears. Avoid using Q-tips to clean your ears, as these disrupt the natural movement of the ear wax out of the ear canal that your body does on its own

Warnings

Resist the urge to clean wax from the ears using a cotton swab. More often than not, this pushes wax further into the ear rather than removing it.^{[12]
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Expert Source

Payam Daneshrad, MD
Board Certified Otolaryngologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}

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Consult a doctor if you are experiencing a fever or intense ear pain.^{[13]
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Expert Source

Payam Daneshrad, MD
Board Certified Otolaryngologist
Expert Interview. 30 September 2020.}

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