Grandchild wearing a straw hat whispering to his grandfather outdoors during a sunny day.

How to unclog your ears the right way

A clogged ear can happen when pressure, fluid, mucus, or earwax affects the way sound travels through the ear. Common causes include changes in air pressure during flying, colds or sinus congestion, allergies, middle ear infections, water trapped in the ear, or a build-up of earwax. Identifying the likely cause is important, because the safest way to relieve the blockage depends on what is causing the sensation.

What causes a clogged ear?

Most individuals have likely encountered the feeling of a plugged or muffled ear on occasion due to various factors. Common causes of plugged ears include mucus and phlegm build-up in the Eustachian tube, water in the ear, altitude changes (often experienced during airplane flights), sinus infections, middle ear infections, allergies, and rhinitis. While both children and adults can experience plugged ears, it is more prevalent in children, particularly when they have a cold.

Remedies for stuffy ears

Experiencing a clogged ear can be both uncomfortable and frustrating, especially when it affects your ability to hear clearly. The sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear can stem from various causes, such as congestion due to illness, a build-up of earwax, or sudden pressure changes like those experienced during flights. Knowing how to unclog ears correctly is crucial not only for comfort but also for protecting your hearing health. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the most effective methods to relieve blocked ears and highlight when it’s time to consult a professional.

When a clogged ear comes from air-pressure changes (on a flight, during a drive through the mountains, or while diving) the goal is to reopen the Eustachian tube that connects your ear to the back of your throat. Try these gentle techniques:
- Swallow, yawn, or chew. These natural movements activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tube. Chewing gum or sipping water during take-off and landing can prevent the blockage before it starts.
- Try the Valsalva manoeuvre. Pinch your nostrils closed, keep your mouth shut, and gently exhale as if blowing your nose. You should feel a soft "pop" as the pressure equalises. Blow gently, never force it.
- Use a warm compress. Holding a warm cloth against the ear can ease discomfort and encourage the tube to relax and open.
When a stuffy ear accompanies a cold, sinus infection, or allergy flare-up, easing the underlying congestion usually clears the ear too:
- Inhale steam. Leaning over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head, or taking a warm shower, helps loosen mucus and relieve pressure.
- Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids thins mucus and supports natural drainage.
- Consider an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine. These can reduce swelling in the nasal passages. Always follow the instructions on the packaging, and check with a pharmacist if you take other medication.
A gradual feeling of fullness, sometimes with muffled hearing, often points to earwax. Handle this area gently:
- Soften the wax. A few drops of over-the-counter ear drops, or a small amount of warmed olive or almond oil, can soften the wax over a few days so it works its way out naturally.
- Let it clear on its own. Ears are self-cleaning, and in most cases softened wax will migrate out without further help.
- Never insert cotton buds or other objects. These push wax deeper, risking a firmer blockage or damage to the eardrum.
Common after swimming or bathing, trapped water usually clears with a little encouragement:
- Tilt and jiggle. Tilt your head to the affected side and gently tug the earlobe or move your jaw to help the water drain.
- Create a gentle vacuum. Cup your palm tightly over the ear, then release, to draw the water out.

What to avoid

Some popular "fixes" do more harm than good:

Ear candling is not supported by evidence and can cause burns or blockages
Cotton buds and other objects risk pushing wax further in or injuring the ear canal.
Forceful blowing during the Valsalva manoeuvre can strain the eardrum, always keep it gentle.

When to see a hearing care professional

Most clogged ears clear up within a few days using the steps above. But some situations call for expert help. Book an appointment with a doctor or hearing care professional if you experience any of the following:

The blockage lasts longer than a week or keeps coming back
Ear pain, discharge, or bleeding
A noticeable drop in your hearing, or ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
Dizziness or a spinning sensation
Recurring earwax build-up that keeps affecting your hearing

A professional can safely remove stubborn earwax, check for infection, and make sure nothing more serious is behind the blockage. If you're noticing that clogged or muffled ears are becoming a regular part of your day, it may be worth having your hearing checked — book a free hearing test with Audika and let our specialists give you clear, personalised advice.

How to unclog your ears the right way

What causes a clogged ear?

Remedies for stuffy ears

If pressure or altitude is the cause

If congestion from a cold or allergies is the cause

If earwax build-up is the cause

If water is trapped in the ear

What to avoid

When to see a hearing care professional