While you can try some home remedies to open a closed ear, it's important to understand the cause of the blockage first. Here are some approaches that may help, but if your symptoms are severe or persist, consult a doctor.
Possible Causes and Home Remedies:
Several issues can cause a feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear. The most common are:
- Earwax Buildup: This is a frequent culprit.
- Fluid in the Middle Ear: Often caused by colds, allergies, or ear infections.
- Pressure Changes: Like those experienced during air travel or diving.
Here are some home remedies you can try, depending on the suspected cause:
1. For Earwax Buildup:
- Warm Olive Oil or Mineral Oil: Tilt your head to the side, and gently instill a few drops of warm (not hot!) olive oil or mineral oil into the affected ear. Keep your head tilted for 5-10 minutes, then tilt your head the other way to allow the oil to drain. Repeat this process for a few days.
- Over-the-Counter Earwax Softeners: These products contain ingredients like carbamide peroxide that help break down earwax. Follow the directions on the package carefully.
- Avoid Cotton Swabs: Cotton swabs often push earwax further into the ear canal, exacerbating the problem.
2. For Fluid in the Middle Ear (Due to Cold/Allergies):
- Valsalva Maneuver (Gently): Pinch your nose shut, close your mouth, and gently try to blow air out of your nose. You should feel a slight pop in your ears. Do not blow too hard, as this can damage your eardrum.
- Yawning and Swallowing: These actions can help open the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, allowing fluid to drain.
- Warm Compress: Applying a warm compress to the ear can help relieve pain and pressure.
- Decongestants: Over-the-counter decongestants (oral or nasal sprays) can help reduce congestion in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes. Follow package instructions.
- Antihistamines: If allergies are the cause, antihistamines can help reduce swelling and congestion.
3. For Pressure Changes (Air Travel/Diving):
- Yawning and Swallowing: Similar to fluid in the middle ear, these actions can help equalize pressure.
- Gum or Hard Candy: Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy stimulates swallowing.
- Valsalva Maneuver (Gently): As described above, perform this maneuver gently.
- Earplanes: These special earplugs can help regulate pressure changes during flights.
When to See a Doctor:
It is essential to seek medical advice if:
- You experience severe pain.
- You notice drainage from the ear.
- You have hearing loss.
- You have dizziness or vertigo.
- You have a fever.
- Your symptoms persist or worsen after trying home remedies.
- You suspect a foreign object is lodged in your ear.
Trying these home remedies might help open your closed ear. However, if the problem persists or if you have any concerns, consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.
