17 Home Remedies to Unclog Your Ears and Relieve Ear Congestion

Causes of Clogged Ears

Before looking at solutions, it's helpful to understand the most common causes of clogged ears:

• Earwax buildup - Excessive earwax production can cause blockage and clogging in the ear canal.
• Fluid retention - Allergies, colds, sinus infections, or changes in temperature and altitude can cause fluid buildup and ear congestion.
• Foreign objects - Small objects like cotton swabs, bugs, or beads can get lodged in the ear canal.
• Swimmer's ear - Bacteria or fungal infections in the outer ear from water exposure can cause swelling and blockages.
• Eustachian tube dysfunction - The tubes connecting the middle ear with the back of the nose can become blocked, causing congestion.

If ear congestion persists for more than a few days or causes pain, you should see your doctor to rule out an infection. But in most cases, you can use home remedies to relieve clogged ears and restore hearing.

1. Use a Warm Compress

Applying something warm near the affected ear can help stimulate blood circulation and open up the Eustachian tubes. This allows trapped fluid and wax to drain out.

Dip a clean washcloth in warm water, wring out excess moisture, and hold it over the congested ear for about 5 minutes. Do this 2-3 times a day to relieve stuffiness.

2. Try a Warm Oil Treatment

Warm oils can also thin out the wax and clear blockages when dropped directly into the ear canal. Oils like olive, coconut, tea tree, almond and mustard oil have natural antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and wax-dissolving properties.

Heat up a spoon of the oil slightly (do not overheat) and use an eyedropper to instill a few drops into the clogged ear. Keep your head tilted for 10 minutes, then drain onto a tissue. Wipe the outer ear clean. Repeat once daily.

3. Use OTC Ear Drops

There are several over-the-counter (OTC) earwax removal drops available at pharmacies. Look for products containing carbamide peroxide or glycerin which help soften and loosen earwax. Follow package directions for use.

Avoid using drops if you have an ear infection, perforated eardrum or ear tubes. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist beyond a few days.

4. Try a Saline Rinse

Saline solution helps draw out fluid and wax by inducing irrigation and drainage. It also prevents bacteria from growing.

Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of lukewarm distilled or sterilized water. Fill an ear syringe or bulb with the solution. Tilt your head and gently squirt the saline solution into the clogged ear. Let it drain out, then wipe away any remaining liquid.

5. Use Steam Inhalation

Inhaling warm steam helps open your Eustachian tubes by loosening mucus. It also aids drainage and reduces swelling.

Fill a large bowl with hot water. Drape a towel over your head and lean over the bowl. Inhale the steam through your nose and mouth for 5-10 minutes. Blow your nose gently afterward to clear out mucus.

6. Try a Humidifier

Using a cool mist humidifier adds moisture into the air and can provide relief from congestion. Breathing in the moist air thins out mucus and unclogs the tubes connecting the ears to the nose and throat.

Use a humidifier in your bedroom when sleeping or next to you while resting. Clean it regularly to prevent microbial growth.

7. Apply Heat Therapy

Heating pads and hot water bags can also help open up nasal passages and stimulate drainage from the Eustachian tubes. The warmth helps loosen up thick mucus.

Place a heat pad or hot water bag over the affected ear for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times a day. Be careful not to burn yourself.

8. Use a Decongestant

Oral decongestants constrict blood vessels to reduce inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and ears. This helps mucus drain out more easily.

Decongestants like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are available over-the-counter as pills, liquids or nasal sprays. Use as directed on the label.

Do not use decongestants for more than 3 days in a row. They can cause side effects like dizziness, insomnia and anxiety.

9. Take Antihistamines

For congestion caused by allergies or colds, antihistamines can provide relief. Cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine and other OTC antihistamines block the release of histamine the chemical your body makes during an allergic reaction.

They help reduce inflammation, open up nasal passages and stimulate ear drainage. Follow dosage instructions based on the medication.

10. Use a Nasal Rinse

Washing out your nasal passages helps remove thickened mucus. This relieves pressure in the ears and allows fluid trapped behind the eardrum to drain out.

Use a Neti pot or nasal rinse bottle to irrigate the nasal passages with a saltwater solution. Lean over a sink, tilt your head sideways and pour/squeeze the solution into a nostril. Let it flush through then drain out the other nostril.

11. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Staying hydrated helps thin out mucus secretions so they can drain properly. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water daily. Warm fluids like herbal tea, broth and lemon water can provide added relief.

Avoid dairy products and cold beverages as they can thicken mucus. Also limit consumption of alcohol and caffeinated drinks which have a dehydrating effect.

12. Use a Eucalyptus Inhaler

Eucalyptus oil acts as a decongestant and helps clear sinus congestion that can lead to clogged ears. Its anti-inflammatory properties also help reduce swelling in the Eustachian tubes.

Add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to hot water in a bowl and inhale the vapors. You can also use a eucalyptus inhaler stick for a convenient method.

13. Take Anti-inflammatory Medication

Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin can help reduce swelling and open up nasal airways. This equalizes the pressure between the nose and ears.

Follow dosage instructions carefully. Long term use or overuse can cause side effects like stomach ulcers, kidney problems and bleeding disorders.

14. Use a Neti Pot

A neti pot is device used to flush out nasal passages with a salt-based solution. This thins out mucus, clears out allergens and provides pressure relief. Follow the directions for use.

Make sure to use sterilized or distilled water and rinse the device after each use. Improper use can lead to serious infections.

15. Try Garlic Oil

Garlic oil contains allicin and selenium - substances that exhibit anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and pain-relieving properties. This can help treat congestion caused by colds or mild ear infections.

Crush 2-3 garlic cloves and steep in heated olive oil for 30 minutes. Strain and allow to cool before instilling 2-3 drops into the clogged ear canal. Lie down for 10 minutes then wipe away excess oil that drains out.

16. Use Onion Juice

Onions have quercetin that acts as a natural antihistamine and reduces allergic reactions. Onions also contain antiseptic properties that help fight infections.

Extract juice from a freshly chopped onion by pressing it through a sieve or cheesecloth. Use an eyedropper to put 2-3 drops of the juice in your clogged ear and keep it plugged for 10 minutes. Then tilt your head to drain out the juice.

17. Try Over-the-Counter Ear Drops

Ear drops containing acetic acid can help break down earwax buildup and remove debris from the ear canal. Look for 2% acetic acid solutions which are available over the counter.

Lie down with the clogged ear facing up. Put 2-3 drops into the ear. After 5 minutes, tilt your head to drain out the solution. Do not use for more than 3 days at a time.

Avoid ear drops if you have an ear infection, discharge or irritation. Stop use if you experience increased pain, ringing or dizziness.

While home remedies can provide relief from temporary ear congestion, see a doctor immediately if you have sudden hearing loss, severe pain, discharge or bleeding from the ears. This could indicate a ruptured eardrum or serious health issue requiring medical treatment.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.