What are the Home Remedies for Blocked Ears?
January 30, 2024 | by Sravani Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Certainly! Here are some additional home remedies for blocked ears:
- Steam Inhalation: Inhaling steam can help loosen earwax and relieve congestion, allowing blocked ears to open up. Lean over a bowl of hot water (not boiling) and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Breathe deeply for several minutes.
- Hydrogen Peroxide Drops: Using over-the-counter hydrogen peroxide ear drops can help soften earwax and facilitate its removal. Tilt your head to the side and gently instill a few drops of hydrogen peroxide into the affected ear. Allow it to sit for a few minutes before tilting your head in the opposite direction to allow the solution to drain out.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can help reduce inflammation and promote drainage. Soak a clean washcloth in warm water, wring out the excess, and hold it against the blocked ear for several minutes.
- Olive Oil: Warm olive oil can help soften earwax and facilitate its removal. Gently warm some olive oil and use a dropper to instill a few drops into the affected ear. Allow it to sit for several minutes before tilting your head to allow the oil and loosened earwax to drain out.
- Valsalva Maneuver: The Valsalva maneuver involves gently blowing air through your nose while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth closed. This can help equalize pressure in the ears and relieve blockage caused by changes in altitude or congestion.
- Chewing Gum: Chewing gum can help open up the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure in the ears, particularly during changes in altitude such as when flying or driving in the mountains.
- Warm Shower: Taking a warm shower can help create steam and humidity, which can help loosen earwax and relieve congestion in the ears.
- Avoid Q-Tips: While it may be tempting to use Q-tips or cotton swabs to clean the ears, this can push earwax deeper into the ear canal and worsen blockage. Instead, use ear drops or other gentle methods to soften and remove earwax.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus and promote drainage, which can help relieve congestion in the ears.
- Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants, either in oral or nasal spray form, can help reduce congestion and promote drainage in the ears. However, it’s essential to use these medications according to the instructions and consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions or are taking other medications.
If home remedies do not provide relief or if you experience severe or persistent ear blockage, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. They can determine the underlying cause of the blockage and recommend appropriate interventions to help alleviate your symptoms.