{"id":8203,"date":"2026-09-22T16:37:43","date_gmt":"2026-09-22T16:37:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/clogged-ear-causes-how-to-clear-it-and-when-to-see-a-doctor\/"},"modified":"2026-09-22T20:42:09","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T20:42:09","slug":"clogged-ear-causes-how-to-clear-it-and-when-to-see-a-doctor","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/clogged-ear-causes-how-to-clear-it-and-when-to-see-a-doctor\/","title":{"rendered":"Clogged ear: causes, how to clear it, and when to see a doctor"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"8203\" class=\"elementor elementor-8203 elementor-8184\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3ebbc39 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"3ebbc39\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" id=\"post-oido\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0152b4a elementor-toc--minimized-on-tablet elementor-widget elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"0152b4a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;],&quot;container&quot;:&quot;#post-oido&quot;,&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No se ha encontrado ning\\u00fan encabezado en esta p\\u00e1gina.&quot;,&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;tablet&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of contents\t\t\t<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__0152b4a\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__0152b4a\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__0152b4a\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7819ea0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7819ea0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a clogged ear is a very common sensation\u2014involving pressure inside the ear, muffled sounds, or the feeling of hearing as if you were underwater. It can occur after a cold, a flight, or getting out of a pool, or even suddenly, without an obvious cause. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In most cases, the underlying cause is a wax plug, congestion, pressure changes, or trapped water in the ear. However, when the blockage appears suddenly, persists for several days, or is accompanied by hearing loss, ringing, or vertigo, it is worth assessing what is going on. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Clinicaudio, we frequently encounter a recurring scenario: people arriving convinced they have an earwax blockage because they notice their hearing is worse in one ear. Sometimes that is indeed the case; at other times, the ear canal is clear, and the underlying cause is different. That is why one of the first things we assess is how the sensation began, whether it affects one or both ears, and whether hearing has actually changed.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Important<\/b><br \/>If you experience a sudden drop in hearing\u2014whether it happens abruptly, upon waking, or over a period of up to 72 hours\u2014seek urgent medical or ENT (ear, nose, and throat) evaluation, even if it feels like a simple blockage or there is no pain. You should be seen the same day or within the first 24 hours. A routine audiological check-up is not a substitute for this type of care.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-33e4161 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"33e4161\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-16a40a2 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"16a40a2\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0a5d2c8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0a5d2c8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice that your hearing has changed, we can help you find out what is happening.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7e19ff e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"c7e19ff\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-075833e elementor-align-left elementor-mobile-align-justify elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"075833e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:300}\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Request your free hearing assessment<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-faac1bc elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"faac1bc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Why does my ear feel blocked?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e2a0a4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3e2a0a4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The sensation of a blocked or full ear occurs when something hinders the normal transmission of sound or when there is a pressure difference between the outside and the middle ear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A key structure is the Eustachian tube, a small passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Its function is to balance the pressure on both sides of the eardrum. When it becomes inflamed or fails to open properly\u2014common occurrences during a cold, an allergy, or a change in altitude\u2014symptoms such as pressure, clicking sounds, and muffled hearing may arise.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The problem may also be located in the external ear canal\u2014for example, due to earwax or water\u2014or behind the eardrum, when fluid accumulates in the middle ear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is why a &#8220;blocked ear&#8221; is a symptom, not a diagnosis. At Clinicaudio, we do not start with the assumption that every blockage is caused by earwax; instead, we first try to identify where the problem might lie. <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da12f8a elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"da12f8a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Most common causes of a blocked ear<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7ccedb6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7ccedb6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><b>Ear blocked by earwax <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Earwax naturally protects the ear canal and normally moves outward on its own. The problem arises when it accumulates and forms a plug. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It can cause muffled hearing, pressure, ringing, itching, or the sensation of having one ear blocked.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the most common errors we encounter in consultations is assuming that reduced hearing necessarily means a buildup of earwax. While a visible obstruction makes the cause clear, if the ear canal is clear yet the person still perceives a difference between the two ears, it makes more sense to evaluate their hearing than to keep trying to &#8220;unblock&#8221; the ear.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For hearing aid users, an accumulation of earwax can also make the device seem quieter. Before adjusting its programming, it is advisable to check the ear, the hearing aid itself, and its filters. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not use cotton swabs to try to remove earwax; they can push it deeper and compact it near the eardrum.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Ear clogged due to mucus or a cold<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you have a cold, sinusitis, or nasal congestion, the Eustachian tube can also become inflamed. This makes it difficult for the middle ear to properly equalize pressure and can cause a sensation of pressure, clicking sounds when swallowing, muffled hearing, or a feeling of fluid. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although people commonly speak of &#8220;mucus in the ear,&#8221; the problem is usually that congestion is hindering the functioning of the Eustachian tube.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One helpful clue is that, when the problem is related to pressure, the sensation sometimes changes when yawning, swallowing, or moving the jaw. While this isn&#8217;t enough for a home diagnosis, it helps explain why two cases of a blocked ear might have different causes. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Ear clogged due to pressure, flying, or diving <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During a flight\u2014especially during takeoff and landing\u2014external pressure changes rapidly. If the middle ear fails to equalize this pressure, the typical sensation of a blocked ear occurs. The same can happen when diving or experiencing sudden changes in altitude.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yawning, swallowing, chewing gum, or gently performing a pressure-equalizing maneuver usually helps. In most cases, it goes away within minutes or a few hours. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the pain is intense or the ear remains blocked for a long time afterward, it is advisable to assess whether barotrauma or another condition has occurred.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Ear clogged with water<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After swimming or showering, water can become trapped in the ear canal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It usually clears up on its own. However, at Clinicaudio, we observe that when there is already an accumulation of earwax, water can become trapped, causing an ear that previously showed few symptoms to feel completely blocked. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If moisture remains for too long, it can also promote otitis externa.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Otitis or fluid in the middle ear<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>After a respiratory or<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/ear-infections\/\"> ear infection<\/a><\/span>, fluid may remain accumulated behind the eardrum even though there is no longer an active infection.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can cause a sensation of fullness in the ear, pressure, and temporary hearing loss.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a distinction we frequently explain during consultations: earwax is located in the external ear canal, whereas in otitis media with effusion, the fluid is behind the eardrum. A person might describe both conditions in the same way, but the approach to treatment differs. <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a465211 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a465211\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Other causes requiring evaluation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7687d6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e7687d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><b>Sudden hearing loss<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rare, but urgent. Sudden hearing loss can manifest as a sensation of fullness, pressure, or a feeling of the ear being blocked, often without pain. If hearing loss occurs suddenly\u2014within hours or up to 72 hours\u2014it requires medical or otolaryngological evaluation that same day or within the first 24 hours, even in the absence of pain. It does not need to affect only one ear or be accompanied by tinnitus or vertigo to be considered urgent.   <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>M\u00e9ni\u00e8re&#8217;s disease<\/b><\/h3>\n<p>A recurring sensation of pressure can also occur in <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/menieres-syndrome-causes-symptoms-and-treatments-to-improve-your-quality-of-life\/\">M\u00e9ni\u00e8re&#8217;s disease<\/a><\/span>, typically accompanied by episodes of vertigo, tinnitus, and fluctuating hearing loss.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When these symptoms appear together and recur, we are no longer simply talking about &#8220;unclogging&#8221; an ear. It is necessary to investigate what is happening within the auditory and vestibular systems. <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d523d1c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d523d1c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How to safely unclog an ear<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-102b3c4 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"102b3c4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is no single method for unclogging the ear. The solution depends on the cause. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>If the ear is blocked due to pressure <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can try yawning, swallowing several times, sipping water, or chewing gum.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You can also perform a gentle Valsalva maneuver: close your mouth, pinch your nose, and try to exhale very gently. It should never be done forcefully. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>If it is related to a cold <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Maintaining good hydration and managing nasal congestion can help the Eustachian tube return to normal function. If you need to use decongestants or other medications, consult a doctor or pharmacist first. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>If you suspect you have an earwax plug <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not insert anything into the ear.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are products available to soften earwax, but they are not suitable for everyone\u2014especially if there is pain, discharge, infection, a history of ear surgery, or a possible perforated eardrum.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Clinicaudio, we prefer to verify before treating. If the ear canal does not explain the blockage, assessing each ear separately makes it possible to determine whether a genuine hearing difference exists. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Depending on the case, tests such as pure-tone audiometry (which measures hearing thresholds), speech audiometry (which assesses speech comprehension), or tympanometry (which provides information about the middle ear) may be used. Not all of them are necessary in every case; they are selected based on symptoms and observations made during the assessment. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>If you have water in your ear<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tilt your head toward the affected side and gently pull on the outer ear to facilitate drainage. Dry only the outer part and avoid inserting paper, cotton swabs, or other objects. <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b53f1c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"4b53f1c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">What you should never do to unclog your ear<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-475840b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"475840b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some common remedies can worsen the problem.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Cotton swabs<\/b>: they can push earwax toward the eardrum.<\/p>\n<p><b>Keys, hairpins, or toothpicks<\/b>: they can cause injuries and even perforations.<\/p>\n<p><b>Ear candles<\/b>: they have not been proven effective and can cause burns.<\/p>\n<p><b>Performing the Valsalva maneuver with too much force:<\/b> excessive pressure can damage the ear.<\/p>\n<p><b>Irrigating without knowing the cause<\/b>: this can be counterproductive if a perforation, infection, or other abnormality is present.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Clinicaudio, we apply a simple rule: before attempting to remove something from the ear, you must verify that there is actually something to remove.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ddb085c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"ddb085c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Clogged ear without pain: should I be worried?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4b8ee01 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4b8ee01\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a blocked ear without pain is common and can be caused by earwax, congestion, pressure changes, or water. However, the absence of pain does not mean it can always be ignored. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another situation we encounter at our centers involves a person who wakes up and notices their hearing is significantly worse in one ear, yet waits because they think it will &#8220;clear up on its own.&#8221; In this case, the timing of the onset matters more than the pain. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you could hear normally yesterday but there is a clear difference between your two ears today, you should not automatically assume it is due to earwax.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bf472cb elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"bf472cb\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Clogged ear and ringing: when to pay closer attention <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2353b68 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2353b68\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A blocked ear accompanied by buzzing or tinnitus can be due to relatively simple causes, such as earwax or pressure changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, if a sensation of fullness, tinnitus, and clear hearing loss appear suddenly\u2014especially in only one ear\u2014the criteria change.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sudden hearing loss can be mistaken for an earwax impaction or congestion. The audiometric criterion\u2014a loss of at least 30 dB across three consecutive frequencies within a 72-hour period\u2014serves to confirm the clinical diagnosis, but it should not be used as a threshold for self-assessment at home; any sudden, distinct drop in hearing requires urgent attention, without waiting to see if it meets those specific figures. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is why, at Clinicaudio, we emphasize the importance of distinguishing between a sensation of blockage and actual hearing loss. If the ear canal is clear but tests reveal a significant drop in hearing, the priority shifts from &#8220;unblocking&#8221; the ear to seeking prompt medical evaluation. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>You can find more information in our article on <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/sordera-subita-perdida-auditiva-repentina\/\">sudden deafness and sudden hearing loss<\/a><\/span>, or in our <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/tinnitus-and-ringing-in-the-ears-what-they-are-causes-symptoms-and-treatment\/\">guide to tinnitus.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6b67f49 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6b67f49\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">How long does it take for an ear to unclog?<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fa05168 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"fa05168\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on the cause. A change in pressure may resolve within minutes or a few hours. Trapped water also tends to clear up quickly.  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When associated with a cold or the Eustachian tube, it can persist for several days. If there is an earwax plug, the sensation may continue until the obstruction is removed. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Clinicaudio, we recommend paying special attention to these signs:<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Did it appear suddenly? Does it affect only one ear? Do you notice that your hearing is actually worse?  <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If there has been a sudden change in hearing, simply waiting for it to &#8220;unblock&#8221; is not the best option, even if only one of these conditions is met. All three do not need to be present for the situation to warrant urgent assessment. <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-581917c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"581917c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">When to consult a specialist<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7c5536 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c7c5536\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is advisable to carry out an assessment if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ear remains blocked after several days.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is persistent pain.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever or discharge develops.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is vertigo or dizziness.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The blockage is recurring.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It affects only one ear, with no apparent cause.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is accompanied by persistent tinnitus.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You notice that your hearing is clearly worse.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/>If sudden hearing loss occurs, you should seek medical evaluation as soon as possible.<br \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Clinicaudio, a check-up involves more than just determining whether you hear well or poorly. Our professionals compare both ears and, where appropriate, assess hearing thresholds, speech comprehension, and the condition of the middle ear. The goal is to gather data that will guide the next step.  <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-b6e8c28 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"b6e8c28\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3e38605 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3e38605\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><strong>Have you had a blocked ear for several days without knowing why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4e0cfcc elementor-align-left elementor-mobile-align-justify elementor-widget__width-auto elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4e0cfcc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:300}\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\"> Book your free assessment<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-92299c7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"92299c7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Frequently Asked Questions About a Clogged Ear<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3be4ffc elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3be4ffc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3><b>How can I unclog my ear quickly? <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It depends on the cause. If it is due to pressure, yawning, swallowing, or performing a gentle Valsalva maneuver may help. If you suspect the presence of earwax, avoid inserting objects into the ear.  <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Why is one of my ears clogged but the other isn&#8217;t?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It could be due to earwax, water, pressure issues, or middle ear problems. If it affects only one ear and you notice a clear difference in hearing, it is worth having it checked. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Can a clogged ear cause ringing?<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes. Earwax, pressure changes, and other auditory disturbances can simultaneously cause a sensation of ear fullness and tinnitus. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>When is a blocked ear an urgent matter? <\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It also requires prompt evaluation if it appears suddenly accompanied by evident hearing loss, especially in one ear, or if there is severe vertigo, discharge, or significant pain. <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-da7346f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"da7346f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">A blocked ear can usually be treated, but first you need to know what is causing it.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-467fc86 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"467fc86\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most cases of clogged ears are caused by common issues such as earwax, congestion, water, or pressure changes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">However, the experience gained by Clinicaudio professionals across their various centers reveals something important: two people may describe exactly the same sensation yet require different courses of action.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That is why we do not simply stop at the complaint of a \u201cblocked ear.\u201d We assess how it started, whether it affects one or both ears, and what other symptoms are present; when necessary, we measure hearing to obtain objective information. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice that the way you hear has changed, we can help you understand what is happening.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a75595c e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"a75595c\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-27c3782 e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"27c3782\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5e5d767 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"5e5d767\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you notice that the way you hear has changed, we can help you understand what is happening.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don&#8217;t normalize hearing less clearly simply because you feel like your ear is &#8220;blocked.&#8221;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e4fc7bc e-con-full e-flex e-con e-child\" data-id=\"e4fc7bc\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4348fe4 elementor-align-left elementor-mobile-align-justify elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"4348fe4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;_animation&quot;:&quot;none&quot;,&quot;_animation_delay&quot;:300}\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/contact\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Request your free hearing assessment<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-66f4385 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"66f4385\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>You might also be interested in<\/b><\/p>\n<p>If a blocked ear is accompanied by dizziness or vertigo, consult our guide on <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/dizziness-or-vertigo-how-to-tell-them-apart-and-when-the-cause-lies-in-the-ear\/\">dizziness and vertigo of auditory origin.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>If you notice a change in your hearing, also consult our article on <a href=\"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/degrees-of-hearing-loss-when-you-need-hearing-aids-according-to-your-audiometry-test\/\">degrees of hearing loss.<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of contents Having a clogged ear is a very common sensation\u2014involving pressure inside the ear, muffled sounds, or the feeling of hearing as if you were underwater. It can occur after a cold, a flight, or getting out of a pool, or even suddenly, without an obvious cause. In most cases, the underlying cause [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":8200,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mo_disable_npp":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[45,52],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8203","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hearing-advice","category-tips"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8203","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8203"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8203\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8204,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8203\/revisions\/8204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8200"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8203"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8203"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/clinicaudio.es\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8203"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}