Having a blocked ear is incredibly frustrating, leaving you wondering: Why are my ears blocked? While it's a common issue, the right fix depends entirely on the cause. Whether you are dealing with a build-up of earwax, sinus congestion, water in the ears, or pressure from a recent flight, you need a solution that works.

If you want to know how to unblock ears safely without a doctor's visit, read on for the 5 most common causes and the best home remedies for fast relief.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) occurs when the small canal that runs from either ear to the back of the nose and upper throat isn’t working properly. These tubes help equalise pressure and drain built-up mucus. When they don’t function as they should, your ears can feel blocked or muffled.

ETD is typically caused by:

• A swelling-induced blockage: When a cold, flu or sinus infection is present, swelling can block the tubes and prevent proper drainage and pressure equalisation.
• A physical blockage: In rarer cases, excess tissue at the back of the nose can block the opening of the eustachian tubes.

A ruptured eardrum: A tear in the thin tissue separating the inner and middle ear. This can be caused by fluid build-up, loud sounds, foreign objects in the ear, head trauma, infections or sudden pressure changes.

Otitis Media (Middle Ear Infection) affects the middle ear, which sits between the eardrum and the oval window. Its main role is to transmit sound from the outer ear to the inner ear, where three tiny bones transform vibrations into sound.

When a sinus infection, allergies, or illness causes the eustachian tubes to become blocked, fluid can build up and affect the middle ear. A bacterial infection can also spread to this area, leading to swelling, fluid buildup, and infection.

Even though ear wax naturally occurs in our ears to protect them from water, bacteria, fungi and other elements, sometimes we can experience excess buildup. Known as excessive ear wax or impacted cerumen, the symptoms can include pain in the ear, itchiness and dizziness.

Normally when the ear is functioning soundly, the ear wax produced will be pushed towards the outer part of the ear where it’s washed away. If ear wax builds up over time, it may harden and become difficult to clear, which makes ears even more prone to blockages and infections. Your best bet is to seek the help of a medical professional who can help remove the wax.

Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear) is a common infection that affects the ear canal between the outer ear and the eardrum. It’s often triggered by water exposure or over-cleaning of the ear.

Symptoms can include pain, reduced hearing, itchiness, discharge in the ear canal, and a buzzing sensation.

Barotrauma (Aeroplane Ear) occurs when the pressure inside your ear is different from the pressure outside your body for an extended period. This difference can cause strain or damage to the eardrum.

It’s common in people who fly, scuba dive, or travel at high altitudes. Symptoms can include dizziness, pain, and a feeling of pressure in the ears. In more severe cases, barotrauma can lead to a ruptured eardrum, hearing loss, or even nosebleeds.

The right remedy depends entirely on the underlying cause of your blockage. While some common home remedies can relieve blocked ears, others (such as ear candling) can be harmful. Seeking medical attention is always the best option if you are having difficulty hearing or notice any changes in your ears.

If you experience barotrauma or blocked ears from a flight, or light congestion from a cold, this method helps equalise pressure in the Eustachian tubes. 

How to do it: Take a deep breath and hold it. Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers, close your mouth, and gently blow air out through your nose as if you were blowing it.

What to expect: You should feel a slight pressure change and hear a gentle "pop" as the pressure releases and returns your hearing to normal.

Note: This will not work for ears blocked by earwax.

A warm compress is one of the best home remedies for blocked ears resulting from a cold or sinus congestion, with the warmth helping unclog the ear and reduce any pain.

How to do it: Simply soak a cloth in warm water, squeeze out any excess, and then place the cloth over the affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes. 

One of the best-known home remedies for blocked ears due to earwax build-up? Olive oil! Yes, that’s right, this kitchen staple can help soften and break down earwax naturally.

How to do it: Using a clean, sterilised dropper or syringe, drip two to three drops of room-temperature olive oil into the ear while lying on your side. Stay there for 5 to 10 minutes, then sit up and wipe away any excess oil. You may need to do this daily for a few days to have an effect.

Warning: If you have a ruptured eardrum, do not try this method.

While there are a few safe at-home remedies for unblocking your ears, it’s important to remember that the ear is an extremely sensitive part of the body. To avoid injury, avoid these common mistakes:

• Never stick foreign objects into your ears: Do not use cotton wool buds, fingers, or any sharp tools. Sticking objects into the ear canal accidentally pushes earwax deeper, compacts it further, and risks scratching the canal or puncturing the eardrum.
• Avoid dangerous remedies: Avoid methods like ear candling, which can cause severe burns and damage.
• Keep it to the outside: Simply using a warm, wet cloth on the outside should do the trick without causing any injuries to your inner ear.

Blocked ears are often temporary and resolve on their own or with the help of home remedies. However, if the blockage or feelings of pressure or fullness persist, or you notice other symptoms such as pain, fever or discharge from your ears, it is important to seek medical attention as it could be a sign of a more serious condition.

To speak to one of our experts about blocked ears, make an appointment with your nearest Bay Audiology clinic today.