Patient Resources

Blocked or clogged ears can be frustrating and uncomfortable, often interfering with your hearing and daily activities. From interrupted hearing to irritation and itchiness, if your ears are blocked, you’re likely dealing with some uncomfortable situations. 

If you’ve ever wondered how to relieve this sensation, understanding the cause and using safe, effective strategies can make all the difference – as well as knowing when to leave ear cleaning to the professionals. 

Why Do Ears Get Blocked? 

Your ears may feel clogged for several reasons. While earwax buildup is a common cause, you could also be experiencing blockages due to fluid in the middle ear or other medical issues. Identifying the cause is essential to figure out the most effective treatment for your symptoms. 

Safe At-Home Steps to Relieve Earwax Blockage 

If earwax is the culprit behind your discomfort, there are specific at-home measures you can try before seeking professional help: 

1. Soften the Wax 

Start by softening the earwax. Over-the-counter earwax softeners can break down wax gently, making it easier to remove. To use these drops: 

• Tilt your head or lie on your side with the affected ear facing up. 

• Place a few drops into your ear canal as directed. 

• Let the solution sit for a few minutes, then tilt your head the opposite way to allow the liquid and earwax to drain out. 

You may initially notice the sensation of increased clogging. This is normal, as the wax may expand as it absorbs the softening drops. 

2. Flush the Ear (with Caution) 

Once you’ve softened the wax, use the bulb syringe provided with your ear drops to gently flush your ear. Here are some important tips: 

• Always use lukewarm water. Water that is too hot or too cold can cause vertigo or dizziness. 

• Gently squeeze the bulb to irrigate, avoiding powerful squirts or any suction effect, which can harm your eardrum. 

• Never use ear drops or bulb syringes if you have a history of holes in your eardrums or have ear tubes in place. 

When to Get a Professional Ear Cleaning 

While some mild blockages can be addressed at home, there are good reasons to seek help from your audiologist: 

• Persistent blockage after cleaning attempts at home 

• Discomfort, pain, or hearing loss 

• Known ear conditions such as perforated eardrums or ear tubes 

Your audiologist will determine not only whether earwax is the source of your problem but also if another condition such as middle ear fluid or infection is contributing.  

Correct diagnosis leads to the safest and most effective outcome so that you can get back to hearing the life you love with ease. 

How Audiologists Safely Remove Earwax 

If earwax removal at home doesn’t work, or if you’d like to avoid any risk to your ears, your audiologist can offer in-office earwax removal solutions for safe and efficient ear cleaning. 

A Closer Look 

To understand how your ears are looking and the scope of your earwax buildup, your hearing care expert will look into your ears with an otoscope to assess the situation with a professional eye. 

Irrigation 

A gentle irrigator carefully flushes the wax out of your ear using controlled streams of water. With the Earigator we use in some of our locations, your ears will be cleaned in style and comfort. 

Manual Extraction 

Using specialized curettes, your audiologist can precisely remove wax with great care, particularly useful when wax is impacted or particularly stubborn. 

The Benefits of Professional Ear Care 

Choosing professional ear care means you get: 

• Accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause 

• Access to safe, gentle removal techniques 

• Peace of mind that your hearing health is protected 

Blockages can result from causes other than earwax, and attempting removal on your own can worsen some conditions or cause injury. 

Take Charge of Your Hearing Health 

If you notice persistent blocked ears, don’t ignore the symptoms. Your hearing is too important to leave to guesswork. Trust professionals to help you hear and feel your best. 

Schedule an earwax removal session with us to restore clarity and comfort. With expert care, you can ensure your ears are healthy and free from preventable problems. 

Questions or concerns holding you back? Request a callback, and we’ll get in touch as soon as we can to help. Alternatively, you can give us a call at (410) 944-3100.