Overview
As the season shifts, you might find yourself battling with itchy eyes, congested sinuses, clogged ears and constant sneezing ,these are the clear signs that allergy and cold season are in full swing.
Sinus infection can be part of it mostly, leading to clogged ears and pressure buildup. It can also lead to other disturbing symptoms, including fever and trouble breathing, dizziness and sometimes nausea. Other than sinus infections, clogging can also be due to an infection, allergy, earwax buildup, atmospheric pressure changes and stress. Only a healthcare provider can determine the exact cause of clogged ears for long term and suggest the right treatment plan for it.
What are the symptoms of a clogged ear sinus infection?
Some of the significant symptoms of a clogged ear due to sinus infection can be:
- Discomfort or pain in one or both ears. It can also feel like ringing in your ears when you lay down or stand up. It is also termed “tinnitus” (ringing in the ears).
- Muffled hearing can also be a significant symptom, as it becomes difficult to clearly understand the incoming voice or sound. It can more or less resemble “hearing through a tunnel.”
- Pressure in the ear is one of the prominent symptoms of sinus infection, where the feeling of fullness in the ear can be felt.
- Dizziness and imbalance in stature: It is often difficult to keep balance when walking, and dizziness can be felt at certain times.
- Nasal congestion, clogged sinuses, and blockage can be felt.
- Headache and nausea can also be felt simultaneously when ears get clogged due to a sinus infection.
- Mucus dripping down the back of the throat may contribute to ear blockage.
- Facial pain and tenderness are major contributing factors to clogged ears and sinus infections.
“Clogged ears from sinus infections can cause ear pain, pressure, dizziness, and muffled hearing. Addressing both the sinus infection and ear blockage is key to finding relief,” says Dr.Richard Honekar
Why has my ear been clogged for days?
There could be several reasons why your ears have been clogged for days. Some of them are:
1. Earwax buildup
Earwax buildup occurs when the sticky layer in the ear traps dust and other external pollutants and prevents them from entering the ear cavity. When these entrapment layers thicken, they can clog an ear, which can be felt as blockage, ringing, low sound, and difficulty listening. With this buildup, the ear canals narrow and need cleaning with cotton swabs and buds.
Pro tip: Having your ear wax professionally cleaned ensures it’s done safely and effectively, reducing the risk of complications like damaging your ear canal or eardrum, which can happen if you try to do it yourself.
2. Allergies or illness
Medical conditions like colds, flu, or allergies due to foreign objects entering the body can be one of the significant reasons for histamine (chemicals) production in the body in response to allergens. This can lead to mucus production in the sinuses, which gets blocked.
Practical treatment tip: Steaming and prescription antihistamine medications can help eliminate blocked sinuses and clogged ears. Sinus drainage can also be an effective option!
3. Air pressure and change
You might have experienced clogged sinuses and ears when taking the flight! It’s simply the change in atmospheric pressure that affects the sinuses and mucus. It takes some time to get settled, after which the ear gets unclogged. If not while taking the flight, it will get to normal after the flight when the atmospheric pressure gets back to normal.
Fun fact: It’s often said that intentional yawning can help release pressure in the ear. It might work for some people and not for others, but trying will not hurt anyone.
4. Stress
Stress and fluctuations in mental health have a direct impact on health. Stress often triggers the fluids in your sinuses, causing them to swell and lead to blockage. Continued stress for a longer period might result in clogged ears for longer periods. Getting consulted in case of continued stress and getting the well-needed treatment regimen to unclog ears is beneficial.
5. Infections
An ear infection, such as chronic otitis media, otitis externa, or Mastoiditis, can cause fluid to build up behind the eardrum, leading to a feeling of fullness and clogging in the ear. It can also cause persistent discharge from the ear until the infection is healed and treated thoroughly.
Only your healthcare provider can diagnose the exact cause of clogging and discharge from your ear. It’s beneficial to get yourself checked as soon as you can.
6. Acoustic neuroma
An acoustic neuroma is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that develops on the vestibulocochlear nerve. It affects hearing and balance and can put pressure on nearby structures, potentially causing ear fullness and hearing loss.
Proper diagnosis and treatment by a healthcare provider are essential for managing this condition. Until the tumor is treated, relieving symptoms such as clogged ears can be very challenging and difficult.
How to unclog ears?
You can unclog your ears depending on the cause of the clogged ear. It can range from infection, allergy, or any growth that needs to be removed. Some of the most effective approaches to unclogging ears are:
Prescription Medications
In case of bacterial infection, severe cold, and allergic reactions, prescription medication can help you treat it effectively. The choice of medication depends on the diagnosis by the healthcare provider, after which the proper and well-tailored medication will be prescribed to you. Some of the recommended options can be:
- Antibiotics
- Antihistamines
- Steroids
- Ear drops
Over-the-counter medications
Other than the prescription medications, some OTC medications that can help you unclog the ears due to sinus infection or any other problem related to clogging of ears are:
- Decongestants
- Earwax removal drops.
- Pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Ear Irrigation.
How long does it take for ears to unclog after a sinus infection?
Ears can remain clogged for a few days to a few weeks after a sinus infection, depending on the severity of the infection and individual healing processes.
The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, can become inflamed or blocked during a sinus infection, leading to ear congestion.
To help reduce it, you can try :
- Staying hydrated
- Use a humidifier
- Nasal decongestants
- Warm compress
- Ear drops
When to consult a doctor?
The ear can stay clogged even after the sinus infection subsides and gets treated. Consult your healthcare provider in case of persistent and long-term ear clogging for the diagnosis and effective treatment by a healthcare provider.
FAQs about clogged ear sinus infection
Swallowing or yawning also helps to unclog the ear and equalize the pressure inside and outside of the ear. Other than these, steam inhalation, warm compress and chewing gum can also help you decongest your ears naturally.
