Plugged ears can be caused by earwax buildup, colds, sinus infections, allergies, or ear infections. Sticking objects in the ear is not recommended. Treatment may include cleaning by a doctor or home remedy, decongestants, or seeing a doctor for severe or persistent symptoms.
Plugged ears can be the result of many things, including too much earwax buildup, a cold or sinus infection, or even allergies. A cold, infection, or allergy can make a person feel like their ears are plugged up even though they aren’t. Sometimes, particularly when a person regularly stuffs something into their ear, such as cotton swabs and earplugs, earwax builds up enough to plug their ears. In some cases, clogged ears eventually heal themselves. Other cases may require a doctor to clean the ears or prescribe treatment.
The common cold and allergies can cause the ears to become clogged, muffling sounds and sometimes causing pain. While an ear infection is possible, sometimes it’s just a symptom of a cold. This problem is usually temporary and goes away on its own in a few hours to a couple of weeks. A nasal spray or oral decongestants can usually provide temporary relief, though it’s generally recommended to see a doctor if the hoof seems severe or doesn’t go away within a few weeks.
Doctors generally agree that sticking cotton swabs or anything else in your ear is a bad idea. Earwax protects the inner ear, and when removed, the ear becomes itchy. This itchy sensation tends to make people think their ears need more cleaning, and the cycle continues. Some people naturally produce too much wax, in which case regular cleaning by a doctor or a doctor-approved home remedy is likely required. If not, the wax will continue to build up until the sounds are muffled or the person is near or completely deaf in the affected ear.
An ear infection can also cause plugged ears, muffled sounds, and fluid coming from the ears. In young children, an ear infection should probably be suspected if the child pulls at his ears or doesn’t seem to hear well. Many ear infections go away on their own, but it’s usually advisable to see a doctor, especially if there’s pain or a history of ear infections.
Occasionally, people plug their ears and a doctor can’t properly diagnose the cause. Sometimes the real cause eludes the person for years, leaving them with limited hearing in the meantime. In this case, persistence in getting a correct diagnosis and treatments that relieve the blockage at least somewhat are generally recommended.
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