Blocked ear

[Aprilx]

Does anyone have any ideas for helping with a blocked ear? I have a cold at the moment and think it is related to that. I am not in any pain and I don’t think it is wax, it feels more like an unadjusted ear after flying. It is very annoying, I can’t hear properly and sometimes feel a bit dizzy. (So far I have tried Sudafed and some of the things you do whilst flying but nothing has helped).

Steam with essential oil?

That sounds very much like a wax build up.
You can put olive oil drops in is a few times a day to help it clear.

If it won’t go, have it looked at. If you’ve already been using olive oil in it, you’ll be able to have it cleared more quickly,

Thank you for suggestions. I hadn’t tried oils so far because I don’t usually have problems with ear wax, but it sounds like it is worth a go. DH keeps telling me to try the doctors but I am hoping I can resolve it myself rather than run the gauntlet of trying to get to my GP these days.

It would be worth talking to a pharmacist. I appreciate that might be hard with them wearing a mask and your hearing being affected. They could recommend a suitable product to try.

Hope you get it sorted soon.

Depends if it’s wax. If it is, oil will help, but tends to make the blockage worse initially as the wax melts.

I had a Eustachian tube problem appear after a cold. Caused a blocked ear for a year!

If it's related to a cold it could be either swelling or congestion / mucous. You could try an over the counter decongestant or ibuprofen to reduce any swelling.
It may be ear wax which would of course persist after your cold clears up, in that case oil or bicarbonate of soda drops may help.
It is most likely to be a combination of the above

@FrownedUpon

Depends if it’s wax. If it is, oil will help, but tends to make the blockage worse initially as the wax melts.

I had a Eustachian tube problem appear after a cold. Caused a blocked ear for a year!

Oh no, I am going to convince myself this is what will happen to me now.

Microsuction is more effective at removing ear wax and less likely to result in an ear infection than oil and syringing.

You don't use oil before microsuction as the ear wax needs to remain intact to come out in one piece.

You don't use oil before microsuction as the ear wax needs to remain intact to come out in one piece.

This is wrong. It’s better to use olive oil (or another suitable product) to soften the wax before micro suction. It reduces discomfort. I don’t know where you’ve got that thing about wax having to come out in one piece from. That’s nonsense.

@PurpleDaisies

You don't use oil before microsuction as the ear wax needs to remain intact to come out in one piece.

This is wrong. It’s better to use olive oil (or another suitable product) to soften the wax before micro suction. It reduces discomfort. I don’t know where you’ve got that thing about wax having to come out in one piece from. That’s nonsense.

I'm going on the advice I got from both my GP and the doctor who did the microsuction on my ears, it wasn't uncomfortable and the wax came out in one piece.

I would suggest you Google the advice given to people awaiting micro suction. The advice to use something to soften the wax first is widely available on reputable NHS sites as well as Specsavers hearing department who also do microsuction privately. There is no reason why it would be beneficial for the wax to come out in one blob apart from it being more satisfying for the person doing it.

Olbas oil in boiling water in a bowl in your room before bed

It works wonders - should take 3 nights

OP, don’t want to worry you but, it could be an infection affecting your
Aural nerve ( is that what it’s called? Ear to brain anyway ).
That will cause hearing loss AND dizziness.

Treatment is 5 days of steroid tablets to reduce swelling on nerve BUT they need to be started ASAP when symptoms start.

I thought it was a wax problem, so did GP.
COVID meant I didn’t go in for a 2 minute wax check and now I have 80/90 loss in one ear.

Hopefully your situation is just cold related.

Try otrivine.
I always got ear infections from colds, and using otrivine has knocked that on the head! Helps to clear the Eustachian tubes.

I went to the pharmacy and they suggested I try a decongestant first, but I am going to try oil as well. I might see if I can get through to the medical centre in the morning if it has not changed. I have never had a blocked ear for this long before (two days) and am starting to feel a bit deaf. 🙁

Hi Aprilx
I’m in the same boat just now, did it get better? I’m looking for reassurance as mine is in both ears ☹️😫 started during a cold x

@Rottontomato how long did yours go on for ?

Hi
it went on for about 8 weeks

@Rottontomato fid you get any dizzyness with it ?