Blocked Ear
Blocked Ear Got You Down?
Most of the time a blocked ear is a temporary and mild inconvenience. At other times however it may result form a disorder which needs to be dealt with, either through applying a home remedy or thorough the efforts of a care provider. A blocked ear can be the result of changes in pressure, blockage in the ear canal or outer ear, or a blockage in the middle ear.
Changes In Pressure - Changes in pressure account for the vast majority of cases of a blocked ear, and is most often experienced when flying and experiencing changes in air pressure or cabin pressure as altitude is gained or lost. While we may sometimes say our ears are blocked, they technically really aren't, as nothing is actually blocking either the ear canal or the middle ear. A difference in atmospheric pressure between the air in the ear canal and that in the inner ear results in the eardrum becoming less sensitive to sound, and giving one a feeling that the ear is actually blocked. The cure more often than not consists of swallowing or yawning, and chewing gum can serve as a preventive measure. Changes in pressure seldom cause a problem, unless the change is so sudden or severe as to damage or burst the eardrum.
Blockage Of The Outer Ear - A blocked ear can result from an obstruction or growth in the ear canal, which either significantly reduces the area of the opening or closes it completely. A foreign object may become lodged in the ear, or there may be a growth or cyst which eventually blocks the canal. In such cases minor surgery may be required to remove the growth or cyst, and a care provider may be the best person to remove a foreign object. The other cause of a blocked ear in which the outer ear is affected is a wax buildup.
While a wax buildup, especially if it becomes compacted, can put pressure on the eardrum, and even cause pain, the general symptom is one of a decrease in hearing ability. Since wax buildup occurs over a period of time, this loss of hearing may come on so gradually as to be barely noticeable at first. Normally, only one ear is affected at a time, and often one ear seems more susceptible to a wax buildup that causes a problem than the other. Removing the wax obviously solves the problem, and the ear is no longer blocked.
H2O2 To The Rescue - Often the wax can be removed, carefully, with a Q-tip, but very often not all of the wax is removed, and what is left may become compacted, eventually blocking the ear again as more wax forms. This wax plug may become very hard and seemingly impossible to remove. It can be removed by a care provider, but it can also often be done at home. An over the counter product called Debrox is quite effective. A few drops in the ear results in a fizzing and cracking sound as the wax is being broken up. It may take more than one application, but eventually all the wax will be rinsed out, and the ear will become unblocked. Some doctors advise that Debrox is somewhat harsh, especially if relied upon too often. An alternative is hydrogen peroxide, which seems to work just as well, but may take one or two additional applications.
While pure hydrogen peroxide may not necessarily be harmful, a 50-50 solution in warm water is generally recommended. Just fill the ear canal with the solution (lie on your side unless you want to make a mess) and let the hydrogen peroxide go to work. You'll experience the same popping, cracking, and fizzing that Debrox causes, a rather pleasant experience actually. It may take two or three applications to do the trick, but this method usually works.
Middle Ear Blockages - A blocked ear where the middle ear is involved is fairly common, especially among younger children, as it often occurs in conjunction with an illness, such as a throat infection, a bad cold, or the flu. The Eustachian tube, which runs from the back of the throat to the middle ear can become infected, or simply plugged up with mucus. This can back up into the middle ear, blocking the ear. This condition very often cures itself, or is easily treated with an antibiotic if infection results. Pain, in the form of an ear ache can also be experienced, instead of or in addition to the blockage. The pain may be due to pressure on the eardrum, or due to inflammation caused by an infection. In either case, a care provider should be consulted it the pain becomes severe or lasts for more than a day.