Blocked Ear Treatment Guide: From Professional Ear Cleaning to At-Home Care
Why does your ear suddenly feel like it’s filled with water, even though you haven’t been swimming? Blocked ears are surprisingly common, but when they strike, they can feel confusing and uncomfortable. What starts as mild pressure can turn into frustrating muffled hearing, dizziness, or even pain. While many people assume earwax is to blame, the reality is that blocked ear treatment depends entirely on what's causing the blockage and getting it wrong can make things worse.
At Harley Street ENT Clinic, we understand that blocked ears can impact your daily life. Whether you're struggling to hear, feeling off balance, or worried about persistent symptoms, we're here to help. In this complete guide, we’ll explore common causes, home care options, and the safest professional treatments, all backed by our specialist ENT expertise.
What Causes a Blocked Ear?
Not all blocked ears are caused by earwax. Some stem from infections, allergies, or pressure changes. Knowing the root cause is essential to treating the problem safely and effectively.
In many cases, the blocked sensation comes on gradually. Other times, it strikes suddenly, for example, during a flight or following a cold. Understanding these causes helps you make the right decisions about care and recovery.
Earwax Build-Up
Earwax, or cerumen, is your body’s natural defence. It traps dust, protects the eardrum, and has antibacterial properties. However, too much wax can harden and form a blockage. This often happens if you use cotton buds, which push wax deeper. Symptoms include muffled hearing, discomfort, or even ringing in the ear.
At Harley Street ENT Clinic, microsuction ear cleaning is our most precise solution for wax-related blockages.
Colds, Sinus Pressure, and Allergies
Blocked ears during or after a cold are usually caused by fluid behind the eardrum. When your sinuses are inflamed, they affect the Eustachian tubes, small channels that regulate air pressure in your ears. This can cause a vacuum-like sensation or a persistent “popping” feeling.
In many cases, the fluid clears naturally. But if it lingers, it can affect balance and hearing and may need professional assessment.
Pressure Changes and Barotrauma
Flying, diving, or travelling through mountains? A sudden shift in pressure can trap air in the middle ear. If your Eustachian tubes don’t open properly, you might experience temporary blockage, sharp pain, or even ear damage.
Frequent travellers or divers may need specialist advice on how to protect their ears before and after pressure exposure.
Ear Infections and Fluid Retention
Infections, especially in the middle ear, can cause pain, inflammation, and hearing loss. Children are particularly vulnerable to “glue ear”, a condition where fluid builds up behind the eardrum for weeks or months.
While some infections clear with time, others require antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or drainage. Ongoing issues may lead to chronic hearing loss if untreated.
Recognising the Symptoms of a Blocked Ear
The symptoms of a blocked ear vary depending on the cause, but most people notice a change in hearing, pressure, or overall comfort. These signs help guide treatment options.
Before jumping to home remedies, it’s important to pay attention to how long your symptoms last, and whether they improve or worsen over time.
Muffled or Reduced Hearing
One of the first signs is dulled or muffled sound. It may affect one or both ears and can fluctuate throughout the day. Many patients describe it as “having cotton in the ear” or “hearing underwater”. This symptom is often caused by wax, fluid, or blocked pressure channels.
Fullness, Pressure or Popping
You may feel as though your ear won’t “pop”, particularly after blowing your nose or yawning. This is common during colds or flights. If this sensation persists, it may point to fluid build-up or Eustachian tube dysfunction. At Harley Street ENT Clinic, we can assess this with tympanometry, a painless test that measures ear pressure and middle ear function.
Ringing (Tinnitus) and Balance Issues
Blocked ears can interfere with how your inner ear regulates balance and sound. This might trigger tinnitus (a ringing or buzzing sound) or even mild dizziness. While these symptoms are often temporary, they’re worth evaluating, especially if they disrupt daily activities or sleep.
Why Blocked Ear Treatment Is Important
Ignoring a blocked ear may lead to further discomfort and complications, especially if the blockage is due to wax impaction or infection. Persistent blockage can affect your balance, contribute to tinnitus, and in some cases, may damage the ear canal or eardrum if not treated properly.
Effective blocked ear treatment can restore your hearing and prevent further issues. At Harley Street ENT Clinic, our ENT specialists prioritise accurate diagnosis and effective treatment to ensure you regain clear hearing safely and promptly.
Professional Blocked Ear Treatments at Harley Street ENT Clinic
Professional treatment not only offers fast relief, it also provides clarity about what’s causing your symptoms. At Harley Street ENT Clinic, we combine ENT consultant expertise with state-of-the-art equipment.
We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we select the right treatment based on your medical history, ear anatomy, and test results.
Microsuction Ear Cleaning
Microsuction is a safe and effective Blocked Ear Treatment for removing earwax build-up. This procedure uses a gentle suction device under microscopic guidance to remove wax without using water. It is suitable for patients with perforated eardrums and those who have had previous ear surgery. Microsuction is quick, typically taking only a few minutes, allowing you to leave the clinic with improved hearing immediately.
Manual Removal
In some cases, manual removal using specialised instruments under microscopic vision may be necessary to clear wax or foreign objects safely. This method ensures that the ear canal and eardrum are not harmed during the removal process.
Managing Infections and Fluid in the Ear
If your blocked ear is due to an infection or fluid build-up, treatment may involve prescription ear drops, nasal sprays, or decongestants to reduce inflammation and fluid accumulation. In cases of persistent glue ear, a minor surgical procedure to insert grommets may be recommended to help drain fluid and improve hearing.
The specialists at Harley Street ENT Clinic will guide you through the best treatment plan for your blocked ear, ensuring the approach is tailored to your specific needs.
Addressing Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
Eustachian tube dysfunction can cause a blocked ear sensation, particularly during altitude changes or following a cold. Treatments may include nasal sprays or auto inflation techniques to encourage the tube to open, helping to equalise pressure and relieve the feeling of blockage.
If At-Home Care for Blocked Ears
While professional Blocked Ear Treatment is often the most effective approach, there are some safe methods you can try at home if your symptoms are mild.
Using olive oil or over-the-counter wax-softening drops can help soften earwax, allowing it to move out of the ear naturally over several days. It is important not to overuse these drops and to stop if you experience pain or discharge from your ear.
Steam inhalation may help if your blocked ear is related to congestion, as it can assist in loosening mucus and easing pressure in your sinuses and Eustachian tubes. Gentle jaw movements, swallowing, and yawning may also help open the Eustachian tubes, particularly if your blocked ear is related to changes in air pressure.
While these methods can assist in mild cases, they may not resolve blockages fully, and professional assessment may still be needed if your symptoms persist.
Why Choose Harley Street ENT Clinic for Blocked Ear Treatment?
At Harley Street ENT Clinic, we provide exceptional care in a calm, private setting. Our patients trust us for fast, effective relief, delivered by leading ENT consultants and audiologists.
Whether you’re dealing with a simple wax blockage or a more complex condition, we offer:
- Consultant-led diagnosis and treatment
- Same-day appointments
- State-of-the-art microsuction
- Hearing tests and follow-up care
- Support for both adults and children
We work with most major health insurers, and welcome self-pay patients.
Get Relief from Blocked Ears Today
Blocked ears can disrupt your hearing, sleep, and focus. But the right care can restore your comfort quickly. If you’ve tried home remedies without success, or your symptoms are affecting daily life, it’s time to seek expert support.
Contact Harley Street ENT Clinic today to book your consultation and receive safe, effective blocked ear treatment, tailored to you.
