A clogged feeling in your ears comes from an issue with your Eustachian tubes—the thin canals that run from your middle ear to the back of the throat and nose. Normally, your Eustachian tubes drain fluid from the middle ear and equalize pressure. When the tubes are blocked, they can cause a feeling of fullness, as if your ears are clogged.
Additional symptoms may include ear pain, muffled hearing, ringing in the ears, popping sounds and dizziness. Let’s look at a few causes for blocked Eustachian tubes and how you can resolve them.
1. Allergies
Allergies are an immune system overreaction to a harmless substance like pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold and certain foods or medications.
Allergies lead to inflammation, which can cause the Eustachian tubes to get blocked. A few ways you can minimize allergy inflammation include:
- Allergy medication. Allergy medications like decongestants and antihistamines provide short-term symptom relief.
- Avoidance. Avoiding allergens you’re sensitive to is crucial to minimizing flare-ups. Depending on your sensitivities, allergen avoidance might look like cleaning your house to reduce pet dander or avoiding Headwaters Park on high-pollen days.
- Immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a long-term treatment that desensitizes you to allergens. It can take anywhere from three to five years to build up long-term tolerance.
2. Cold and Flu
Similar to the inflammation from allergies, colds and flu can block the Eustachian tubes. Colds and flu often clear up on their own. In some cases, your provider may prescribe antivirals to reduce the severity and length of the flu.
While you might not be able to stop all colds and flu, there are ways to reduce your risk of developing them:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds regularly
- Wipe down frequently touched surfaces
- Avoid sharing utensils or drinks (especially during flu season)
- Wear a mask in crowded, public spaces if you’re concerned about getting ill
3. Chronic Acid Reflux (GERD)
Chronic acid reflux is a condition wherein the lower esophageal sphincter, which controls the flow of food and liquid into the stomach, opens at the wrong time and releases stomach acid. If the acid rises to the throat, it can inflame the Eustachian tube.
Effective GERD management changes based on the patient. A few common strategies include:
- Medication. Over-the-counter medications like antacids and alginates, and prescription medications like H2 blockers, Baclofen and proton pump inhibitors can help minimize symptoms.
- Surgery. Nissen fundoplication or LINX device implantation procedures help tighten the junction between the esophagus and stomach, minimizing acid release.
- Lifestyle changes. Lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, minimizing alcohol intake and eating small meals can help prevent excess acid production.
When To Seek Help From an ENT Specialist
If your ears have felt clogged longer than a week or two, or they’re accompanied by other ENT symptoms like acid reflux or allergies, it’s time to see a specialist. Contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today for an appointment with one of our specialists.