What Causes A Clogged Ear?

Object Stuck In The Ear

Individuals who have a clogged ear may have an object stuck in their ear. This is most common in children, who may place objects in their ears while playing, and it can also occur in adults who use cotton pieces as temporary earplugs. Sometimes, objects used to clean the ears could become lodged in the ear canal. Patients who believe they have an object stuck in their ear should seek urgent treatment. If the patient's primary care doctor does not have any available appointments on the day of the injury, patients should seek assistance at an urgent care center or the emergency room. Doctors will examine the ear to locate the object, and it can then be removed using a special gripping device. There are usually no long-term effects if the object is removed promptly.

The Common Cold

A clogged ear is sometimes caused by a blockage of the Eustachian tube, which is responsible for connecting the middle ear to the throat. When an individual's ear becomes full of mucus and fluid, it flows through the Eustachian tube into the throat, at which point individuals swallow it. There are times when the mucus and fluid might become trapped inside the middle ear and cause clogging. One of the infections that can cause this is the common cold. Patients might experience other symptoms in addition to the ear clogging, including a sore throat, sneezing, coughing, and a runny nose. If individuals do have a blocked Eustachian tube, it's important to unblock it as soon as possible so they don't get an ear infection. There is no cure for the common cold, but there are ways to manage symptoms until it goes away.