A clogged, full feeling in the ear is no cause for concern if it is not accompanied by additional symptoms, like pain, itchiness or fluid in the eardrum. Usually, an ear that feels full is either due to wax buildup, or a pressure change like the one that occurs when riding in an airplane. Consult your doctor before using any natural remedies to relieve your clogged ears -- in rare cases, it might signify an underlying condition, like an ear infection.
Baby Oil
When wax hardens and builds up in the ear, it creates a clogged feeling. If your doctor has determined that your symptoms are caused by ear wax buildup, baby oil might soften the ear wax enough to reduce the clog.
Rub a bottle of baby oil between your hands until the liquid is room temperature. With an eyedropper, apply two to three drops into the ear canal. Repeat two times a day until the earwax softens and falls out. If the earwax doesn't fall out on its own, flush it out with water using a rubber bulb syringe.
Rubber Bulb Syringe
If baby oil alone does not remove the impacted earwax, flush out the ear canal with warm water and a rubber bulb syringe, available at drugstores and grocery stores. Fill the bathroom sink with warm water, then plunge the bulb syringe entirely into the water. Squeeze the bulb to fill the syringe with water, then tilt your head so your afflicted ear is facing the ceiling. Place the tip of the syringe carefully in your ear canal, then squeeze the bulb to flush out the ear canal. Wait a few seconds, then tip your ear over the sink to drain the water and excess wax. Apply two drops of rubbing alcohol to the inside of the ear canal with an eyedropper to allow the water inside the ear to evaporate.
Chewing Gum
When clogged ears are caused by a change in air pressure, the Eustachian tube inside the ear does not adjust quickly enough, creating a blocked feeling. Open the Eustachian tubes by chewing gum -- or pretending to chew -- for several seconds. The motion will allow the Eustachian tubes to open and adjust to the current air pressure, eliminating the clogged feeling.
Valsalva Maneuver
If the Eustachian tubes do not open you do a chewing motion, try the Valsalva maneuver if your doctor approves. Shut your mouth and use your thumb and pointer finger to pinch your nostrils closed. Pretend to blow your nose while maintaining this position. As the air pushes through your nose, the Eustachian tubes are forced open, reducing the blocked feeling.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Airplane Ear; October 2010
- "The Doctors Book of Home Remedies"; Deborah Tkac; 1990
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