Because of this condition, a person might be left feeling
uncomfortable and annoyed, basically confined within the sense of hearing and
balancing. Causes may vary from overproduction within the earwax to colds,
congestion of the sinuses, infections, and altitude changes. Whereas most of
the very bad and chronic ones have to be assessed by a professional doctor,
most of those minor cases find it so easy to be treated from home. Some of the
top eight home remedies used in unclogging the ears, followed by the answers to
some of the frequently asked questions about the blocked ear, are enumerated as
follows:
Here Are Top Eight Home Remedies to Unclog Your Ears
1. Warm Compress
Yes, it may be just a very simple warm compress, but it does
work, especially since most of the time the ear canal is blocked due to cold,
sinus infections, and ear infections. Warmth reduces swelling and opens up the
Eustachian tube for good drainage and eased pressure. Soak a clean cloth in
warm water. Wring out the excess water and then place the cloth over your
affected ear for 10-15 minutes. You can do this several times during the day if
necessary.
2. Steam Inhalation
Steam inhalation reduces the mucus, which thins the mucus to
make it easily clear and hence unblocking the ear. This home remedy will work
the best in case you have blocked your ears because of a cold or a sinus
infection. You can inhale steam by filling a bowl with hot water, covering your
head with a towel, bending over the bowl, and taking deep breaths of the steam.
You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil to the hot water
to aid in that process. Try to take steam for about 10 to 15 minutes at a time,
and break if you feel you are getting too hot.
3. Olive Oil
Olive oil is a natural emollient used to
soften earwax and relieve congestion. So, if the problem is seen to be arising
from excess earwax, get some slightly heated olive oil at body temperature and
drop a few drops into your ear using an ear dropper. Now, bend your head and
allow the draining of the ear, along with the oil and now-softened wax. You
gently flush the ear canal with a little warm water in a bulb syringe to just
wash out the little wax that was left in the ear.
4. Valsalva Maneuver
Valsalva is also explained as one way of opening the
Eustachian tubes and equalizing pressure in ears. Valsalva technique is used by
divers and pilots to equalize the ear with changes in altitude. To do the
Valsalva maneuver, take in a very deep breath, and then close the nostrils and
blow gently through the nose while your mouth remains closed. Pressure will be
felt on the ears, which shows that the Eustachian tubes have opened. If you try
to be very forceful, please be very careful; you may just create a hole in your
ear drum.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is a substance good at braking up the
earwax material well. The chemical helps to decongest your ears. Mix the
hydrogen peroxide and water in equal amounts inside a dropper. Tilt your head
to the side and pour a few drops into the ear, which contains wax. You will
start to catch that bubbling sound when hydrogen peroxide starts to break up
the earwax. Let it stay there for about 5 minutes before you tilt the head
sideways and let the solution and the loose wax to go out. Then you have to
clean up the ear using some warm water and after that, gently drying with a
towel.
6. Chewing Gum
Chewing gum unplugs ears and opens Eustachian tubes during
altitude changes. This is helpful especially during flights or while driving on the mountains. The chewing and swallowing actions of the encircling muscles of the
Eustachian tube stimulate for it to open and adjust pressure. Use sugar-free
gum to avoid problems with the teeth. Chew slowly until relieved.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar and Alcohol Solution
This solution can break down the ear wax and hence ease a
blocked ear. Vinegar is an irritant while alcohol has the antibacterial effect.
In this mixture, mix an equal amount of apple cider vinegar with rubbing
alcohol. Drop a few drops into the ear with a dropper and then lie on the side
so that the solution gets into the ear canal. Let it remain for a few minutes,
and then tip your head on the other side to let the solution and the earwax
move out from the ear. Clean the ear with warm water and pat it dry.
8. Gargle with Salt Water
Gargling with salt and warm water can be very helpful to
remove your congestion in the ear, especially if it is the cause of some noted
sore throat or sinus infection. The saltwater will help minimize the swelling
and breakage of the mucus in the body to let it drain; hence, it will alleviate
any pressure on the ears. Simply stir half a teaspoon of salt into one glass of
warm water and gargle. Gargle using the solution for 15-30 seconds then spit it
out. Do this a number of times in a day until relief is felt.
Conclusion
Alert although quite an irritating illness, an ear block is
easily revivable at home most of the time. These range from warm compresses to
steam inhalation, some natural treatments such as olive oil and hydrogen
peroxide will definitely take away your discomfort and improve the health to
your ear. Treatment is hence free from danger and is quite effective when one
learns the right way and the right time to visit a doctor, after due
precautions. Here are some home remedies to help you with congestion in the ear
and maintain good health in your ear.
Please book an appointment with the Best ENT Specialist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
