Tips For Unblocking Your Ears

Don't leave blocked ears untreated! Our tips on how to unblock your ears give you several quick and easy solutions for unblocking your ear canal. Having blocked ears is not only an uncomfortable feeling but can also lead to further complications for the ear canal, middle and inner ear. Don't underestimate this problem and take proper action in order to unblock your ear. In this guide, we explain how to unblock ears at home safely, and advise when you need to visit a medical professional. Read on for more information...

What Causes Blocked Ears?

Usually, the cause of blockages is earwax buildup and infections. These can lead to obstruction, growths, vertigo, and in many cases temporary or permanent hearing loss. Sometimes your ear can feel blocked because air pressure changes cause the eustachian tubes to become blocked. Our post on Popping your Ears gives several ways of clearing your eustachian tubes. If unsure as to the cause, it is best to turn to a specialist for a suitable treatment or advice.

How to Unblock Ears Safely at Home

One of the most common reasons for blocked ears is the buildup of ear wax in the ear canal. Ear wax secretion is natural and serves as a protection from dust and debris for the internal ear parts. If not cleaned regularly, though, or if the person is suffering from excess wax, it can accumulate, harden and cause conductive hearing loss. Ear wax removal must be done carefully. Never insert any objects with sharp edges such as hairpins, napkin corners or even cotton buds. They can push the wax even deeper in the canal or puncture the sensitive eardrum membrane.

However, there are some popular options that you can try at home, such as various ear wax removal products you can find easily on the market. You can try the Earpal Ear Wax Removal tool that is made from surgical stainless steel and is completely safe for the eardrum. For general ear hygiene, it is recommended to use a wash or spray to further dissolve wax. Furthermore, you can browse our complete collection of ear hygiene and cleaning products here. Impacted wax can cause severe discomfort, to prevent this escalating, we advise that you visit a medical professional.

When should you seek Professional Help

If you continue to feel uneasy or suffer discomfort and the blockage has not been removed with any of the treatments above, it is best to see a specialist and have your ears examined or have your ear syringed if necessary. In many cases where there is long term ear wax compaction, professional removal will be necessary in order not to damage the ear. The blockage may also come from another source. Colds or flu, infection or a foreign object may be the cause and you may need surgical intervention or medication.

Is it Time to Test Your Hearing?

If you think a blockage has impacted your auditory senses, we recommend you take our online hearing test. The check is free, only takes a few minutes, and you'll get your results instantly.

If the test indicates that you may have some form of hearing loss, we advise that you consult with an audiologist or healthcare professional.

About Hearing Direct

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• Hearing aids,
• Batteries,
• Hearing Aid Accessories such as earplugs,
• and amplified devices such as super loud alarm clocks and amplified phones.

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Author: Joan McKechnie

After qualifying as a Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Joan has spent most of her 20 year career in hearing-care related roles. She has a wealth of experience within the hearing aid and hearing rehabilitation fields and has worked in manufacturing environments with two hearing aid companies helping to develop products and roll out new technologies. Joan has been involved with Hearing Direct since its launch and enjoys the online retail environment which seeks to provide easier access to hearing products and accessories. She is HCPC registered. Read Joan's full bio here.