How to unblock an ear ? What to do ?
Having a blocked ear can quickly become a problem, especially when one does not know how to remedy it. Not only does this cause significant discomfort, but it also makes it difficult to hear the sounds around you. This problem can be caused by a number of things, and in most cases, it's fairly easy to clear your ears yourself. But to achieve this, you must first know the safest and most effective tips.
That is why we propose to you to discover here, all that it is necessary to know on the phenomenon of earplug.
Ear plugs, also known as cerumen plugs, are a phenomenon that results in the accumulation of a large quantity of ear wax. The consequence is the partial or complete blockage of the ear canal. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, to hear.
An ear plug can form at any time, and above all, it can happen to anyone. However, it is important to know that adults, and especially men, are more likely to suffer from this condition. This is understandable since they produce a larger quantity of ear wax than the rest of the body.
An important thing that is often forgotten in this regard is that ear wax has beneficial properties for the ear. It is certain that in case of an ear plug, the accumulated earwax must be removed, but this substance should not be considered so harmful that you want to remove it daily. It is this ear wax that lubricates the skin of the ear canal and protects the ear from fungus, bacteria and other microbes.
How to unclog your ears easily ?
In case of ear blockage with or without hearing loss, you can use several solutions. The best thing to do is usually to go see a doctor. He will be able to discover the cause of your ear blockage problem, and find the most appropriate solution. However, there may be situations where this is not an option.
In this case, you will have to take care of it personally.
So, to unclog your ears easily, the best solution is to try to dissolve the wax plug. In this way, it will be able to leave by itself without you having to force it. Doctors recommend the use of saline solution in a pipette, as it is more practical in this type of situation.
So you will have to warm the contents of the pipette in the palm of your hand for a few seconds. Then, while lying down and with your head tilted to the side, you pour the contents of the pipette into the blocked ear. It will be necessary to maintain this position for about ten minutes, to be sure that the liquid is effective.
Once this time has passed, you can tilt your head in the other direction, to bring out the contents of the ear. You can use this procedure several times, once a day, before you are satisfied.
Unclog your ears through your nose
There is a trick that allows you to unclog your ears through your nose. But this usually only works in case of a cold. Indeed, for some people, the cold is sometimes accompanied by a decrease in hearing and an unpleasant sensation of blocked ears. If this happens to you, don't panic, because this problem is not alarming.
All you have to do is wash your nose with saline.
You may have to do this several times a day and over several days before you see an improvement. But if the situation remains unchanged, consider making an appointment with your doctor instead.
You have blocked ears on a plane or in the mountains ?
Whether it is during a hike in the mountains or during a plane trip, it can happen to have a sensation of blocked ear. If this happens to you, then it is proof that your eardrums are sensitive to pressure variations. It is possible to avoid this phenomenon by using earplugs or by stimulating the muscles in the back of the throat.
To achieve this, it is necessary to yawn or swallow often enough. If you can't do it on command, then you can simply chew gum or eat a hard candy.
It is also possible to use a technique called the Valsalva maneuver . It allows you to rebalance the pressure to prevent your ears from becoming blocked. This maneuver consists in pinching your nose and closing your mouth. Then, you have to expel air, a bit like blowing, but very gently.
Do not put anything in if you have a wax plug’ear
If you feel that your ears are clogged, then you must avoid introducing any foreign body into them at all costs. Indeed, in case of ear plugs, we often tend to try to remove the plug with anything we can get our hands on. This is a very bad practice, as it can lead to serious consequences such as :
- A perforation of the eardrum
- A lesion of the auditory canal
- The obstruction of the canal with earwax, because instead of removing the ear plug, your cotton swab will only push it further into your ear.
Avoid ear plugs alone
The ear candle is introduced in the auditory canal in order to soften the earwax, which then goes up by the chimney of the candle. Unfortunately, they are not recommended, as misuse of the candle can lead to burns of the skin, hair, auricle or external ear canal, and contact eczema.
How to unclog an ear with water
If your techniques to unblock your ear remain without effect, you can resort to the use of water. You will need to heat water so that it is slightly lukewarm. Next, you need to tilt your head and put a few drops of this water into your ear canal.
As with saline solution, you will have to let it act for a few minutes, then turn your head to drain the contents of the ear.
This method usually gives results after a day or two. So if the problem persists, don't hesitate to consult a specialist, as it may be more serious than a simple earplug.
To conclude You now know everything about ear plugs and tips for treating them at home. However, you should keep in mind that the best solution is always to consult a doctor. On a daily basis, use earwashes instead of cotton swabs to clean your ears, they will avoid pushing the wax to the bottom of the ear and forming a plug.