How to Relieve Ear Congestion
Determine the cause of your ear congestion., Use gravity to your advantage., Try irrigating your nasal passage or using a neti pot., Use a decongestant., Put your finger in your ear and try to create a vacuum., Try a steam treatment using hot water...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine the cause of your ear congestion.
If you have just been on an airplane, you may feel a blockage in your ear that will clear itself.
However, if you have recently had a cold or suffer from allergies, you may be experiencing ear congestion that is similar to nasal congestion.
If you are having difficulty hearing, you also may be suffering from excessive wax buildup.
Seek the advice of a doctor if your symptoms last longer than 48 hours and are accompanied by pain. -
Step 2: Use gravity to your advantage.
Some of the time, ear congestion will be due to fluids caught in the Eustachian tubes, which are a part of the middle ear.
If you think you might have fluids caught in your ear, here are some tricks using gravity that you can use to relieve congestion. /images/thumb/7/7e/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-2-Version-11.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-2-Version-11.jpg /images/thumb/7/7e/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-2-Version-11.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-2-Version-11.jpg Tilt your head to the side (preferably the side that has blockage), and hop slowly and steadily.
Be careful doing this — you don't want to fall down.
This can sometimes help dislodge fluid that is caught in the ear canal.
Lie down on your side with your head resting on a pillow.
Keep the ear that's congested facing downward.
Rest like this for an hour.
Again, gravity may help pull the fluid out from your ear. , Sinus congestion feels a lot like your ears are plugged, and so sinus congestion might really be masquerading as ear congestion.
For some, nasal irrigation may bring quick relief of sinus symptoms without the use of medications.The neti pot works by thinning out mucus and flushing it out of the nasal passage. /images/thumb/0/08/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-3-Version-11.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-3-Version-11.jpg /images/thumb/0/08/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-3-Version-11.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-3-Version-11.jpg Note that you should not put fluid into your ear if you have a perforated eardrum or suspect an ear infection.
See a doctor instead.
All neti pots come with their own set of instructions that should be followed.
Typically, however, one first prepares an irrigating solution made up of 16 ounces lukewarm (and sterile) water, along with 1 teaspoon of salt.
Fill your neti pot with the saline solution.
Tilt your head at a 45 degree angle and bring the tip of the neti pot to your top nostril.
The saline solution will go into one nostril, travel through your nasal cavity, and come out of the other nostril.
If the solution drips into your mouth, just spit it out.
Blow your nose and repeat the process on the other side.
How often should you irrigate with a neti pot? People suffering from severe sinus problems or allergies found relief irrigating daily.Once symptoms get better, the recommended usage is three times per week. , If your ear congestion is a result of seasonal allergies or a cold, take decongestant as directed.
This will work to reduce swelling in your ear canal.
You also may take an antihistamine and a decongestant together as long as you follow label instructions. /images/thumb/e/ea/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-4-Version-11.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-4-Version-11.jpg /images/thumb/e/ea/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-4-Version-11.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-4-Version-11.jpg , Try putting your index finger in your ear and moving the index finger gently upwards.
Ears are shaped differently, so this may take a bit of finessing.
Move your finger around gently until you have created a vacuum.
Try to suction the fluid out of your ear. /images/thumb/5/58/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-5-Version-11.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-5-Version-11.jpg /images/thumb/5/58/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-5-Version-11.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-5-Version-11.jpg , Put hot, slightly steaming water in a large bowl, cover your head with a towel, and rest your covered head over the steam bath.
The steam may help thin out and loosen the mucus, which you can then spit out into another bowl. /images/thumb/6/63/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-6-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-6-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/6/63/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-6-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-6-Version-10.jpg Try putting tea or other herbs into your steam treatment.
Some teas like chamomile have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, making them a nice addition to the steam treatment.
Hot showers, trips to the sauna, or humidifiers will also do the trick.
Avoid placing any steaming object near your ear, as the steam produced this way can sometimes be too hot. , If you are flying, or driving in high altitudes, you may experience "airplane ear." Fast changes in altitude cause air pressure changes and can trigger airplane ear. /images/thumb/8/8d/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-7-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-7-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/8/8d/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-7-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-7-Version-10.jpg , This often will clear the air in your inner ear.
Chewing gum will create more saliva to aid in swallowing. /images/thumb/4/40/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-8-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-8-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/4/40/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-8-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-8-Version-10.jpg Practice the Valsalva maneuver.
Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers and gently blow your nose to regulate the air pressure.
You should hear a slight popping sound if you did it correctly. , Take an antihistamine 30 minutes to an hour before boarding your flight or driving in high altitudes.
Antihistamines will decrease irritants within the ear canal that may cause swelling, which will in turn help the air pass more easily through your inner ear. /images/thumb/d/dd/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-9-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-9-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/d/dd/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-9-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-9-Version-10.jpg , Filtered earplugs are available at pharmacies or shops within an airport. /images/thumb/8/8a/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-10-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-10-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/8/8a/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-10-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-10-Version-10.jpg , Blockage, or what doctors call "impaction," occurs when the wax gets pushed deep into the ear canal.Apply an over-the-counter earwax remover if your congestion is due to wax buildup.
Use as directed on the package. /images/thumb/a/a0/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-11-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-11-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/a/a0/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-11-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-11-Version-7.jpg Q-Tips and other objects like rolled napkins can make impaction even worse.
Q-Tips will remove some wax, but pushes the rest deeper into the ear canal, exacerbating the problem.
People who wear hearing-aids may also suffer from higher rates of impaction., Equal parts apple cider vinegar and isopropyl alcohol, dropped carefully in the ear canal with an eye- or ear-dropper, can help dissolve some earwax as well as remove fluid that may be caught behind the wax. /images/thumb/e/ec/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-12-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-12-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/e/ec/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-12-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-12-Version-7.jpg Alternately, use a mild (3%) hydrogen peroxide and drop a few drop into the ear.
This will clean the ear in addition to easing the earwax.
Note that you should not put fluid into your ear if you have a perforated eardrum or suspect an ear infection.
See a doctor instead. , This is supposed to create a vacuum, drawing wax out of the ear.
Clinical trials have raised questions about effectiveness, however, and doctors worry about the risk associated with the practice. /images/thumb/a/a8/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-13-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-13-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/a/a8/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-13-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-13-Version-7.jpg , If your congestion is accompanied by pain in the inner ear or your outer ear is sensitive to the touch, you may have an ear infection.
This is especially common in young children.
Your doctor will prescribe the following treatments for you. /images/thumb/b/b7/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-14-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-14-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/b/b7/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-14-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-14-Version-7.jpg Take antibiotics as instructed.
Ear infections need to be treated with antibiotics to rid your ear of the bacteria that caused the infection.
Use a prescribed ear-drop, such as antipyrene-benzocaine.
This is a numbing drug that will not alleviate congestion, but will help to ease the side effect of pain. , Use anything from a heating blanket to a hot water bottle.
The heat from a warm washcloth will help to loosen congestion and ease the pain. /images/thumb/6/6a/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-15-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-15-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/6/6a/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-15-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-15-Version-7.jpg , If you have any questions, talk with your doctor about their usefulness and relevancy in your case. /images/thumb/3/3f/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-16-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-16-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/3/3f/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-16-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-16-Version-7.jpg Only take antihistamines if you ear infection is accompanied by congestion.Antihistamines will dry out your throat and respiratory passages, so it's recommended that you drink plenty of water.
If your toddler has an ear infection, bottle-feed him or her upright if possible.Don't put your toddler to bed with a bottle, and try to take your baby off of the bottle as soon as your child's physician feels it's appropriate.
Gargling with a saline solution can help ease a sore throat that accompanies many ear infections, as well as soothing the Eustachian tubes.Try a simple solution of warm water and a teaspoon of salt; or water, a bit of lemon, and honey.
Gargle for 15-30 seconds and spit out. -
Step 3: Try irrigating your nasal passage or using a neti pot.
-
Step 4: Use a decongestant.
-
Step 5: Put your finger in your ear and try to create a vacuum.
-
Step 6: Try a steam treatment using hot water and a towel.
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Step 7: Treat blockage in the inner ear
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Step 8: often called "airplane ear."
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Step 9: Try to yawn or swallow.
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Step 10: Take antihistamine prior to the flight.
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Step 11: Use earplugs to filter the air pressure changes.
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Step 12: Remove earwax with an over-the-counter product.
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Step 13: Use a simple solution of vinegar and isopropyl alcohol to break up earwax.
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Step 14: Doctors do not recommend the use of ear candling.Ear candling is when you take a hollow cone made of paraffin and beeswax with cloth
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Step 15: light one end and place the other end in the ear.
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Step 16: See your doctor.
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Step 17: Place a warm compress over the affected ear.
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Step 18: Consider these tips as well.
Detailed Guide
If you have just been on an airplane, you may feel a blockage in your ear that will clear itself.
However, if you have recently had a cold or suffer from allergies, you may be experiencing ear congestion that is similar to nasal congestion.
If you are having difficulty hearing, you also may be suffering from excessive wax buildup.
Seek the advice of a doctor if your symptoms last longer than 48 hours and are accompanied by pain.
Some of the time, ear congestion will be due to fluids caught in the Eustachian tubes, which are a part of the middle ear.
If you think you might have fluids caught in your ear, here are some tricks using gravity that you can use to relieve congestion. /images/thumb/7/7e/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-2-Version-11.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-2-Version-11.jpg /images/thumb/7/7e/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-2-Version-11.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-2-Version-11.jpg Tilt your head to the side (preferably the side that has blockage), and hop slowly and steadily.
Be careful doing this — you don't want to fall down.
This can sometimes help dislodge fluid that is caught in the ear canal.
Lie down on your side with your head resting on a pillow.
Keep the ear that's congested facing downward.
Rest like this for an hour.
Again, gravity may help pull the fluid out from your ear. , Sinus congestion feels a lot like your ears are plugged, and so sinus congestion might really be masquerading as ear congestion.
For some, nasal irrigation may bring quick relief of sinus symptoms without the use of medications.The neti pot works by thinning out mucus and flushing it out of the nasal passage. /images/thumb/0/08/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-3-Version-11.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-3-Version-11.jpg /images/thumb/0/08/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-3-Version-11.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-3-Version-11.jpg Note that you should not put fluid into your ear if you have a perforated eardrum or suspect an ear infection.
See a doctor instead.
All neti pots come with their own set of instructions that should be followed.
Typically, however, one first prepares an irrigating solution made up of 16 ounces lukewarm (and sterile) water, along with 1 teaspoon of salt.
Fill your neti pot with the saline solution.
Tilt your head at a 45 degree angle and bring the tip of the neti pot to your top nostril.
The saline solution will go into one nostril, travel through your nasal cavity, and come out of the other nostril.
If the solution drips into your mouth, just spit it out.
Blow your nose and repeat the process on the other side.
How often should you irrigate with a neti pot? People suffering from severe sinus problems or allergies found relief irrigating daily.Once symptoms get better, the recommended usage is three times per week. , If your ear congestion is a result of seasonal allergies or a cold, take decongestant as directed.
This will work to reduce swelling in your ear canal.
You also may take an antihistamine and a decongestant together as long as you follow label instructions. /images/thumb/e/ea/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-4-Version-11.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-4-Version-11.jpg /images/thumb/e/ea/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-4-Version-11.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-4-Version-11.jpg , Try putting your index finger in your ear and moving the index finger gently upwards.
Ears are shaped differently, so this may take a bit of finessing.
Move your finger around gently until you have created a vacuum.
Try to suction the fluid out of your ear. /images/thumb/5/58/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-5-Version-11.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-5-Version-11.jpg /images/thumb/5/58/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-5-Version-11.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-5-Version-11.jpg , Put hot, slightly steaming water in a large bowl, cover your head with a towel, and rest your covered head over the steam bath.
The steam may help thin out and loosen the mucus, which you can then spit out into another bowl. /images/thumb/6/63/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-6-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-6-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/6/63/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-6-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-6-Version-10.jpg Try putting tea or other herbs into your steam treatment.
Some teas like chamomile have anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, making them a nice addition to the steam treatment.
Hot showers, trips to the sauna, or humidifiers will also do the trick.
Avoid placing any steaming object near your ear, as the steam produced this way can sometimes be too hot. , If you are flying, or driving in high altitudes, you may experience "airplane ear." Fast changes in altitude cause air pressure changes and can trigger airplane ear. /images/thumb/8/8d/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-7-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-7-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/8/8d/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-7-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-7-Version-10.jpg , This often will clear the air in your inner ear.
Chewing gum will create more saliva to aid in swallowing. /images/thumb/4/40/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-8-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-8-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/4/40/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-8-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-8-Version-10.jpg Practice the Valsalva maneuver.
Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers and gently blow your nose to regulate the air pressure.
You should hear a slight popping sound if you did it correctly. , Take an antihistamine 30 minutes to an hour before boarding your flight or driving in high altitudes.
Antihistamines will decrease irritants within the ear canal that may cause swelling, which will in turn help the air pass more easily through your inner ear. /images/thumb/d/dd/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-9-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-9-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/d/dd/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-9-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-9-Version-10.jpg , Filtered earplugs are available at pharmacies or shops within an airport. /images/thumb/8/8a/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-10-Version-10.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-10-Version-10.jpg /images/thumb/8/8a/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-10-Version-10.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-10-Version-10.jpg , Blockage, or what doctors call "impaction," occurs when the wax gets pushed deep into the ear canal.Apply an over-the-counter earwax remover if your congestion is due to wax buildup.
Use as directed on the package. /images/thumb/a/a0/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-11-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-11-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/a/a0/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-11-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-11-Version-7.jpg Q-Tips and other objects like rolled napkins can make impaction even worse.
Q-Tips will remove some wax, but pushes the rest deeper into the ear canal, exacerbating the problem.
People who wear hearing-aids may also suffer from higher rates of impaction., Equal parts apple cider vinegar and isopropyl alcohol, dropped carefully in the ear canal with an eye- or ear-dropper, can help dissolve some earwax as well as remove fluid that may be caught behind the wax. /images/thumb/e/ec/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-12-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-12-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/e/ec/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-12-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-12-Version-7.jpg Alternately, use a mild (3%) hydrogen peroxide and drop a few drop into the ear.
This will clean the ear in addition to easing the earwax.
Note that you should not put fluid into your ear if you have a perforated eardrum or suspect an ear infection.
See a doctor instead. , This is supposed to create a vacuum, drawing wax out of the ear.
Clinical trials have raised questions about effectiveness, however, and doctors worry about the risk associated with the practice. /images/thumb/a/a8/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-13-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-13-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/a/a8/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-13-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-13-Version-7.jpg , If your congestion is accompanied by pain in the inner ear or your outer ear is sensitive to the touch, you may have an ear infection.
This is especially common in young children.
Your doctor will prescribe the following treatments for you. /images/thumb/b/b7/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-14-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-14-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/b/b7/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-14-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-14-Version-7.jpg Take antibiotics as instructed.
Ear infections need to be treated with antibiotics to rid your ear of the bacteria that caused the infection.
Use a prescribed ear-drop, such as antipyrene-benzocaine.
This is a numbing drug that will not alleviate congestion, but will help to ease the side effect of pain. , Use anything from a heating blanket to a hot water bottle.
The heat from a warm washcloth will help to loosen congestion and ease the pain. /images/thumb/6/6a/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-15-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-15-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/6/6a/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-15-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-15-Version-7.jpg , If you have any questions, talk with your doctor about their usefulness and relevancy in your case. /images/thumb/3/3f/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-16-Version-7.jpg/v4-550px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-16-Version-7.jpg /images/thumb/3/3f/Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-16-Version-7.jpg/v4-300px-Relieve-Ear-Congestion-Step-16-Version-7.jpg Only take antihistamines if you ear infection is accompanied by congestion.Antihistamines will dry out your throat and respiratory passages, so it's recommended that you drink plenty of water.
If your toddler has an ear infection, bottle-feed him or her upright if possible.Don't put your toddler to bed with a bottle, and try to take your baby off of the bottle as soon as your child's physician feels it's appropriate.
Gargling with a saline solution can help ease a sore throat that accompanies many ear infections, as well as soothing the Eustachian tubes.Try a simple solution of warm water and a teaspoon of salt; or water, a bit of lemon, and honey.
Gargle for 15-30 seconds and spit out.
About the Author
Samuel Clark
Brings years of experience writing about organization and related subjects.
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