Ear congestion can be brought on by colds, nose-blowing or changes in air pressure. It occurs when the ear tube, or eustacian tube, between your ear and throat becomes blocked or clogged. Colds and allergies can bring on ear congestion because the eustacian tube is connected at the front end to your sinus passages. Most cases of ear congestion are not painful and can be cleared up within 48 hours. If you have persistent pain or an ear discharge, contact your health care professional.
Chewing, Yawning and Swallowing
You can sometimes resolve a congested ear by forcing the blockage to shift. Your blockage may be caused by a sudden descent in an airplane, or in a car or train traveling in the mountains. In this case, chew on a piece of gum and swallow the saliva. A drink of water swallowed quickly while you hold your nostrils closed may also help. You can also force yourself to yawn, or breathe in, pinch your nose shut and close your mouth while trying to exhale. This creates a vacuum that can relieve the blockage.
Nasal Decongestants and Antihistamines
Sometimes your ear congestion and blockage may be caused by a swelling in your ear brought on by colds or allergies. For stubborn ear congestion, a decongestant spray or inhaler applied to your nostrils may help reduce the swelling and open the eustacian tube. Apply the nasal decongestant up to twice a day in each nostril. If a spray or inhaler isn't available, use an oral decongestant, but it may take longer to be effective. If you suffer from allergies, you may benefit from taking an oral antihistamine to relieve ear congestion.
Steam Inhalation
Clogged sinuses can contribute to ear congestion if mucus and fluids from the sinuses seep into your eustacian tube. If you are suffering from blocked sinuses when your ear congestion occurs, try thinning the mucus in your sinus passages to clear the blockage in your ears. Lean over a sink filled with steamy water, and pull a towel over your head to create a tent that keeps the steam from escaping. Breathe in the steam until the water cools. Let the phlegm secrete down the back of your throat, then cough it out into a pail or tissue.
