You know that feeling – you’re battling a cold, and suddenly, your ears feel blocked up. Not only are you sneezing and coughing, but now everything sounds muffled, like you’ve got earplugs in. So why does your ear get clogged from a cold – and what can you do about it? Let’s break down what causes that plugged-up sensation and how to find some relief.
When you catch a cold, your Eustachian tube – the tiny pathway between your ear and your throat – can get blocked. Normally, this tube keeps the pressure in your ears balanced, but with all that mucus and swelling from your cold, it can’t do its job properly. As a result, your ears may start to feel stuffy, blocked, or full.
When your ears get clogged, you’ll probably notice that your hearing is off – everything sounds muffled, or you might feel like you can’t hear out of one ear after a cold. You might also feel ear pressure or have stuffy ears, like your ears are full. It’s not exactly pleasant, but it is common.
If the ear blockage doesn’t clear up, it could lead to some other problems, like an ear infection. This might cause temporary hearing loss, ringing in your ears (tinnitus), or even dizziness. These usually go away once your ears clear, but they can be uncomfortable and/or inconvenient.
Luckily, there are some easy tricks you can try at home to help clear your ears:
If these don’t do the trick, you might want to try ear drops to help clear up the pressure.
If your ear still feels clogged after you’ve tried these remedies, it’s a good idea to see a doctor. Don’t ignore hearing loss, severe pain, or swelling. And if you’ve had a few ear infections lately or notice fluid coming from your ear, it’s time to get checked out. You can always book a hearing assessment to ensure your hearing health hasn’t been affected.
Trying these home remedies early on can help prevent problems from getting worse. But if your ear is still clogged after 48 hours – even after trying at-home relief – it’s important to see a doctor. Don’t wait it out, especially if symptoms are affecting your day-to-day life. Regular hearing tests can also help catch any lingering issues before they turn into something more serious.
If you’re dealing with muffled hearing after a cold or feel like you can’t hear out of one ear, Hearwell Services is here to help. Let’s make sure your hearing health stays in top shape – even after a cold!
Co-Founder | Doctor of Audiology
