How to Clear a Eustachian Tube Blockage

Last Updated: October 30, 2020 References Approved

This article was co-authored by Payam Daneshrad, MD. Dr. Payam Daneshrad is a board certified Otolaryngologist, a board eligible Facial Plastic Surgeon, and the Owner and Director of DaneshradClinic in Los Angeles, California. With over 19 years of experience, Dr. Daneshrad specializes in adult and pediatric Otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, packing-less nasal surgery, minimally invasive sinus surgery, and snoring treatment. He also uses the newest surgical ENT techniques for tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, thyroidectomy, and parathyroidectomy. Dr. Daneshrad graduated with a BS and the highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley. He earned his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from Tulane University School of Medicine, where he was accepted into the AOA, the medical honor’s society, and the Tulane University School of Public Health. Dr. Daneshrad received his medical training from the University of Southern California, where he currently serves as an Associate Clinical Professor. Dr. Daneshrad is the Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon for the Los Angeles Sparks and the athletic teams of Loyola Marymount University.

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The Eustachian tubes are small passages in the head that connect the ears to the back of the nostrils. [1] X Research source These tubes can become clogged due to colds and allergies. Serious cases need expert medical attention from an ear, nose, and throat doctor. However, you can treat mild to moderate cases on your own with home remedies, over-the-counter medicines, and prescription solutions.

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Eustachian tubes are small tubes that run between your middle ears and the upper throat. They are responsible for equalizing ear pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear, the part of the ear behind the eardrum. The eustachian tubes are usually closed except for when you chew, swallow, or yawn.

These passageways are small in size and can get plugged for a variety of reasons. Blocked eustachian tubes can cause pain, hearing difficulties, and a feeling of fullness in the ears. Such a phenomenon is referred to as eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD).

ETD is a relatively common condition. Depending on the cause, it may resolve on its own or through simple at-home treatment measures. Severe or recurring cases may require a visit to the doctor.

Symptoms of ETD may include:

• fullness in the ears
• feeling like your ears are “plugged”
• changes to your hearing
• ringing in the ear, also known as tinnitus
• clicking or popping sounds
• ticklish feelings in the ears
• pain

The length of time that ETD symptoms last depends on the initial cause. Symptoms from altitude changes, for example, may resolve once you get back to the altitude you’re used to. Illnesses and other causes of ETD may result in longer-lasting symptoms.

Allergies and illnesses like the common cold are the most common causes of ETD. These conditions may cause your eustachian tubes to become inflamed or clogged with mucus. People with sinus infections are more likely to develop plugged eustachian tubes.

Altitude changes can also cause problems with your ears. You may experience the effects of altitude change from:

• hiking
• traveling through mountains
• flying on a plane
• riding an elevator

Anyone can experience ETD from time to time, but some people are more prone to this condition.

• Obesity can increase your risk because fatty deposits may accumulate around the eustachian tubes.
• Smoking can damage protective hairs in the middle ear, called cilia, and increase the chances of mucus getting stuck.
• People with allergies may experience more mucus and congestion, leading to increased risk.

Children are at a greater risk of ETD. This is because their eustachian tubes are smaller, which increases the chance that mucus and germs will become trapped. They also have more frequent colds and are more prone to infections because their immune systems are still developing.

See your doctor if your symptoms are severe or last more than two weeks.

Children are more likely to see a doctor for eustachian tube dysfunction. This is because they are at an overall higher risk of getting ear infections. The pain from ETD can mimic the pain from an ear infection.

ETD is diagnosed through a physical exam. First, your doctor will ask you about pain, hearing changes, or other symptoms you are experiencing. Then your doctor will look inside your ear, carefully checking your ear canal and passages into the nose and throat.

Sometimes ETD may be mistaken for other conditions involving the ears. One example is abnormal patency of the eustachian tubes. This is a condition in which the tubes frequently open on their own.

ETD usually resolves without treatment. But if your symptoms are severe or persist for more than two weeks, talk to your doctor about treatment options.

Treatment for ETD depends on both the severity and cause of the condition, and may include home remedies, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and prescription drugs. Check with your doctor before using any medications or supplements.

Home remedies

Minor symptoms may be resolved with home remedies, especially if they aren’t caused by an illness. You can try:

• chewing gum
• swallowing
• yawning
• breathing out with your nostrils and mouth closed
• using a saline nasal spray to help clean out passageways

To resolve minor ETD symptoms in babies, give your baby a bottle or pacifier to suck.

OTC options

If allergies are causing eustachian tube discomfort, you may consider over-the-counter allergy medications. Antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or cetirizine ( Zyrtec, Aller-Tec, Alleroff) can reduce allergy symptoms and related ear problems.

OTC pain relievers, such as acetaminophen ( Tylenol) and ibuprofen ( Advil, Motrin) can alleviate pain in your ears. Make sure to read the dosage instructions carefully.

Ask your doctor before using these medications to see if they interact with other drugs you might be taking.

Conventional methods

In the case of an infection, your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic. This can come in the form of ear drops, oral tablets, or both. Oral corticosteroids may be used in cases of severe inflammation.

Severe cases of ETD may require more invasive treatments. Pressure equalization tubes (PETs) are implanted in some people to equalize ear pressure and to help with frequent or chronic middle ear infections. Built-up fluids may also need to be drained if the eustachian tube is not functioning properly. This is done by making a small cut in the eardrum to help fluid drain.

Can I use ear candles?

Ear candles are not considered safe options by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA has not found any evidence that ear candles are effective.

More Articles

1. How to Clear the Middle Ear
2. How to Unplug Your Ears When You’re Sick
3. How to Get Rid of Ear Congestion Fast
4. How to Depressurize Your Ears
5. How to Relieve Pressure in the Ears From Sinus Drainage

What does fact checked mean?

At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.

The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.

Difficulty hearing or ringing in the ears from impacted earwax or fluid can be an annoying problem. Ear clogging is common with colds, allergies and sinusitis. The inner ear or eustachian tube will eventually unclog on its own. But for fast relief, you might consider employing a few natural remedies or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines to help irrigate the ears quickly and restore hearing.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Soften earwax with OTC ear cleaners. Apply a few drops (as directed) to both ears to help soften and remove wax and unclog the inner ear.

How to Clear the Middle Ear

Loosen mucus in the inner ear 1. Excess mucus from allergies, colds and sinus problems can become lodged in the inner ear and block hearing. Take OTC decongestants to help get rid of mucus and unclog ears.

Put something hot against your ear to relieve congestion. Run a cloth under hot water and rest the wet cloth on the clogged ear. Steam from a shower or sauna is another effective remedy for unclogging the inner ear or eustachian tube.

How to Unplug Your Ears When You’re Sick

Expel mucus through the nose. Blow your nose repeatedly to help loosen and remove mucus trapped in the inner ear.

Keep gum in your mouth. Chew a stick of sugarless gum t0o help pop and unclog the inner ear.

Lean your head to the side. Fluid can stay in the inner ear after swimming. Lie on your side to promote drainage and unclog the ear. Switch to the other side after a few minutes.

Warnings

See a doctor if an earache accompanies a clogged ear, or if congestion persists for longer than 48 hours.

More Articles

1. How to Unplug Your Ears When You’re Sick
2. How to Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube
3. How to Clear My Eustachian Tubes
4. How to Clear the Middle Ear
5. Good Home Remedy to Unclog a Stopped-up Ear

What does fact checked mean?

At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.

The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.

Fluid or the accumulation of mucus can cause clogging in the eustachian tube, and it may become difficult to hear 2. A clogged ear is common with sinus infections, colds and allergies, and sufferers may deal with ear pain, pressure or tinnitus when the eustachian tube becomes blocked 2. Over-the-counter decongestants are effective for remedying this problem. But if you prefer, there are natural methods to help undo the blockage.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Grab a drink of water or chewing gum to help open the eustachian tube 2. Swallow repeatedly to promote muscular contractions and balance the air pressure in ears to unblock the eustachian tube 2. Drink a glass of water or other liquid or chew gum. Chewing gum exercises the jaw and increases the production of saliva. Do not swallow the gum.

How to Unplug Your Ears When You’re Sick

Stretch your jaw muscles to undo blockage. Open your mouth far enough so you feel a slight stretch, but stop if it becomes painful. Yawning is another method that works the muscles in the jaw to help pop the ears and clear blockage.

Use pressure to pop your ears. Remedy a block eustachian tube by plugging your nose with your index finger and thumb, and then blowing very gently 2. This method helps pop or unclog the ears. Just be sure you don’t blow too hard or you may cause damage.

How to Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube

Lie on your side to drain fluid from the ear. Water in the ears from swimming or showering can block the eustachian tube 2. Tilt your head or lie down on the side with the blocked ear to drain trapped fluid from the ear.

Use steam to break up congestion caused by mucus buildup. Take a hot, steamy shower to clear mucus or use a humidifier to add moisture to the air. Excess mucus is another cause of a blocked eustachian tube 2. Steam thins mucus and helps stimulate drainage.

More Articles

1. Diving & Ear Problems
2. How to Get Pressure Out of Your Ears
3. Relief for Airplane Ear Pain
4. How to Treat Ear Pressure With Peroxide
5. What Causes Fullness in Ears?

What does fact checked mean?

At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.

The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.

Your Eustachian tubes are tubes that connect your middle ear to your nose, and can become blocked due to allergies, a cold or an ear infection. When your Eustachian tubes are blocked, sounds are muffled and can cause ear pain in extreme cases. According to the Mayo Clinic, your Eustachian tubes will open up within a few days or a few weeks, or you can relieve some of the pressure using medication or natural remedies 1.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

Inhale deeply to take in air and pinch both nostrils shut with your fingers. Close your mouth and force air through your nose by blowing.

Diving & Ear Problems

Yawn deeply. The muscles in your jaw will cause the Eustachian tubes to temporarily open up, which can relieve pressure you may be experiencing.

Drink plenty of fluids. The muscle movement that occurs when you swallow aids in clearing the Eustachian tubes. Gulping fluids exaggerates this movement.

How to Get Pressure Out of Your Ears

Take over-the-counter medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines and allergy relief medication reduce the swelling that occurs in your middle ear and allow your Eustachian tubes to open. Follow the directions prescribed with over-the-counter nasal sprays to relieve swelling caused by allergies.

Visit your doctor. If you continue to experience pain or blockage in your Eustachian tubes, you may have an ear infection or something more serious. Your doctor can properly diagnose the problem and prescribe medication accordingly.

Warnings

According to MedicineNet, you should not travel by plane if you are experiencing ear pain as it can exacerbate the problem.

Blocked eustachian tubes, sometimes called, eustachian tube dysfunction, is usually related to an upper respiratory infection, allergy, or inflammation. Discomfort, dizziness, a feeling of pressure and distorted or muffled hearing is usually the result of blocked eustachian tubes. Natural remedies for blocked tubes include apple cider vinegar, herbals, and hydrotherapy.

The eustachian tubes are narrow passageways from the inner ear to the upper back of the throat. They help to regulate pressure in the middle ear.

Sometimes yawning or simply chewing gum will help to open the tubes and allow them to do their work of pressure adjustment. However, if the tubes actually have fluid in them or are inflamed, these first efforts at relieving ear pressure or discomfort usually do not bring complete relief.

1. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw and organic apple cider vinegar, taken as a tonic internally can help to relieve blocked eustachian tubes, especially if the tubes are blocked due to allergies. Add 2 teaspoons of raw apple cider vinegar to a tall glass of water and consume the tonic on a daily basis.

2. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is helpful to a variety of infections or inflammatory responses within the head. Use 2-3 teaspoons of virgin coconut oil or sesame oil. Swish it around in the mouth for 10-20 minutes once or twice a day. Spit the oil into the trash can (not the sink!) Do not swallow the oil.

3. Garlic Oil

Garlic oil kills infection and reduces inflammation. Several drops can be used inside the ear, or the garlic oil can be massaged behind the ear. Garlic oil is easy to make yourself and has many applications.

4. Mullein

The herb mullein is famous for it ability to thin fluids so that the body can expel them. Mullein leaf tincture or tea can be used internally. Mullein oil can be used in the ear or massaged behind the ear.

5. Hydrotherapy

Using warm compresses behind the ears can help to break up congestion and allow the tubes to drain. Soak a washcloth in hot water. Wring it out. Hold against the ear or behind it for 5 – 10 minutes. Repeat the procedure every few hours.

6. Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint oil can reduce inflammation and help to open things up. Use on drop of peppermint essential oil in a teaspoon of olive oil or coconut oil and massage the area behind the ear and down the neck three times a day.

7. Menthol Vapor Rub

Vapor rubs that are created to relieve chest congestion can also relieve ear congestion. Massage vapor rub behind (not in!) the ears several times a day.

8. Cayenne Gargle

Cayenne pepper helps to promote fluids in the body to flow and open up blockages. Gargling cayenne pepper may help the tubes (and the nose!) to drain. Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to 3 ounces of warm water and gargle. Use lip balm before gargling to avoid getting spicy cayenne pepper on the lips.

9. Steam Tent

Boil 2 cups of water. Add 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Carefully make a tent with a towel and slowly breathe in the steam through the mouth. This can help to thin fluids and encourage drainage.

10. Dietary Changes

Staying well hydrated with quality liquids can help keep mucous thin and easier to drain. This can allow fluid in the eustachian tubes to drain. Water and herbal teas are ideal.

Dairy tends to promote mucous production. A temporary fast from dairy products may be helpful. Butter, hard cheeses and raw milk products are less likely to cause difficulty than pasteurized, homogenized milk and ice cream.

11. Heal Other Infections

Often eustachian tubes are blocked because of an ear infection, sinus infection, sore throat or upper respiratory infection. Treating the primary infection will often bring relief to the eustachian tubes as well.

Do you have a natural remedy for blocked eustachian tubes or eustachian tube dysfunction? Please send us some feedback!

Apple Cider Vinegar

I recently had a head cold in which my Eustachian tube was completely clogged. This probably happened due to so much sinus congestion. I tried many remedies, but the one that fixed it was breathing steam from hot water with ACV. Put a towel over your head and inhale over the hot water. The trick is to inhale through your nose very slowly so that you don’t close off the opening to the Eustachian tube. This really helped me out quite a bit. I hope it can help you too.

Did you not try the elder flower, one dessert spoonful a day. It is great to build up immunity. If you feel not right some day, take 2 spoons that day.. People here are finding it great help.

Apple Cider Vinegar cured my ear infection.

I had itchy Eustachian tubes (connection from the ears to the throat) from seasonal allergies. If left untreated I get a very bad cold. I put some drops of ACV into my ears until I felt it pass all the way through to my throat (I could taste it). The itching stopped immediately and I never developed a cold. You can also put some on a Q-tip and it works just as well. Michele-NYC.

Regarding the comment/question on the ACV passing through a person’s ear to their throat: It IS possible for that to happen, without a ruptured ear drum! It happens ALL the time to me in the shower, or when I’ve used rubbing alcohol in my ears. Our ear canals, nose/sinuses, and throat are ALL connected! Ever see some crazy stunt on tv or just some kid when you were in school, pulling spaghetti thru odd places and milk up their nose and out of their eyes. Yes, even your tear ducts are connected. This is why you wash your hands and keep them away from your face! lol. No, I’m no doctor but I read- a lot. and I also have gotten sick – a lot.

Hello! One question, you used the ACV directly or diluted with alcohol? Thanks.

Turmeric

First I want to say I consult with earth clinic whenever I have a health concern. Doctors are a ‘no resort’ for me.

I devised my own recipe based on common use. Here it is. 1 teaspoon turmeric, ground black pepper, 2 tablespoons coconut oil, half mug milk, half mug warm water. Stir well until coconut oil has melted and drink once a day until healed.

I hope other readers find my cure helpful. Good luck. Never give up hope.

Earache cure. I have had annoying ear complaints for years. Tried swimmers ear remedy, no relief, Betadine, giving temporary relief. I refuse to use antibiotics or waste money on an ENT specalist. One day, I thought about how I got rid of a boil using my recipe above, by cleansing from within. I drank my ‘boil recipe’ to cleanse from within, and treated externally by dropping ACV into my ear, allowing to stay for a few minutes. After 2 days I reached for something and I felt/heard a kind of flutter in my ear. Feeling encouraged, I Continued the turmeric drink, . I felt incredible warmth after consumption and the next day I noticed the most exciting thing. After driving up a steep hill, I heard a crackling sound in my ear, as my eustachian tube equalized. I cannot remember when I last heard this crackle. Burping or sneezing brought pain, even yawning. Now I feel like a kid with a new toy, and love to swallow and hear that crackle again. No more pain either.

Hi Leanne, I know you commented this few years ago but may be you read my comment as well.

My middle ear has been causing me inconvenience for long years, I even had a partition’s surgery.

Whenever I go to a doctor, first they send me to another one or if they give me medication it works for only a moment or not even.

It’s getting more and more annoying to me, I am definitely trying this!

Fingers crossed, and thank you for sharing.

Eustachian tube dysfunction is a common ear problem in children and adults. Before knowing Eustachian tube dysfunction symptoms, it causes and its natural treatment, let us know what Eustachian tube is and what its functions are.

Eustachian tube is small tube that connects the middle ear with naso-pharynx. The length of tube is small in growing children as compared to adults.

When the Eustachian tube gets blocked, it prevents fresh air to enter in middle ear. This causes low pressure in the middle ear as compared to pressure on other side of eardrum. Excess of outer pressure pushes the eardrum inwards and it impairs the eardrum to vibrate synchronously with the sound waves. It leads to impaired hearing. In other words blockage of Eustachian tube is what is known as Eustachian tube dysfunction. Usually the problem does not last more than a week.

The Most Common Causes for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction are:

Upper respiratory tract infection such as common cold, sore throat, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, are usually the common causes. There are instances of blockage of Eustachian tube after swimming. It is the water that enters the nose that is responsible for this blockage. Feeding the child in supine position may cause blockage of Eustachian tube.

Glue ear has become increasingly common in children. In this condition the middle ear is filled with Glue like material. The Eustachian tube becomes blocked and prevents free flow of air in the middle ear.

The other common cause for ETD is when you fly in a plane or while you are driving on a mountain or diving deep in the sea. Change of pressure may cause pain in ear and decreased hearing for few hours.

What are the Symptoms of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction?

The symptom of ETD does not last long and they usually heal within a week. The most common symptom is mild hearing loss, with heaviness in ear. There may be ear ache as a result of strained and stressed eardrum. Ringing and buzzing sound in the ear is common ETD symptom especially when you are flying in a plane or while the plane is descending down. Patient may feel dizzy. ETD can affect single ear or both the ears. As said before, the symptoms may not last for more than few days or a week, depending on the cause. For instance in common cold, the person may find relief in a week time. The characteristic crackling sound is usually heard while you swallow. Hearing becomes dull for some time and comes back to normal before completely returning to normal. A blocked Eustachian tube is the leading cause for middle ear infection.

Natural Treatment for Dysfunction of Eustachian Tube

With simple natural treatment it is possible to relieve the symptoms of blocked Eustachian tube.

Yawning, or swallowing helps to relieve the symptoms.

Garlic oil is an effective home remedy for treating ETD as well as middle ear infection caused due to blocked Eustachian tube. To prepare garlic oil, take 2 to 3 garlic cloves and heat them in 1 tsp of coconut oil. After the oil gets cool, strain the cloves and mix the liquid in oil. This can be used as ear drops. Put 1 or 2 ear drops in the affected ear. The anti inflammatory property of garlic oil helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the ear; it helps in opening the tube and kills the organism due to its antibacterial properties.

Use ear plugs while taking bath to prevent water entering in the ears. While you are suffering from Eustachian tube dysfunction avoid drinking cold beverages and drinks, also wear protective head and ear gear when you go out in cool breeze.

A blocked Eustachian tube is a temporary condition that may lead to dulled hearing. The condition usually happens during and after a cold, lasting for a week or so. Often there is no need to take medication. Occasionally, you can try antihistamines, decongestants or a steroid nasal spray to ease the symptoms. This article will explain the causes of the condition as well as some recommended remedies to relieve the symptoms.

Causes of Blocked Eustachian Tube

The condition may be due to inflammation, swelling and mucus from an upper respiratory infection or allergy, causing the build-up of fluids in the middle ear (acute otitis media). A viral or bacterial infection of this fluid usually produces the symptoms.

1. Colds or Infections

The most common cause of the condition is cold. Infections in the ear are more common in children, partly, since their Eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal, making them further difficult to drain and more likely to get blocked.

2. Allergies

Allergies that affect the nose, such as hay fever, can cause extra mucus and inflammation inside and around the tube, leading to blocked Eustachian tube.

3. Glue Ear

Glue ear is a condition where the middle ear blocked up with glue-like fluid. When the middle ear becomes congested and the air can’t flow freely into the middle ear, the difference in air pressure on the sides of the eardrum occurs. The eardrum becomes tight, decreasing its capability to vibrate, causing dulled hearing. The situation worsens by the glue-like fluid, limiting the vibrations of the drum further.

Symptoms of Blocked Eustachian Tube

You would mainly experience dulled hearing. Other symptoms include pain in the ear due to stretched and tensed eardrum. You may also develop dizziness, ringing in the ear, discharge from the affected ears, loss of balance, itching and the feeling of fullness in the ear. Fortunately, in many cases, it may not be related to your actual hearing ability.

The duration of the symptoms can range from a couple of hours to a few weeks or more. Depending on the cause, the symptoms are likely to disappear within a week or so. While your condition is improving, you may have noises in the ear. In addition, the dulled hearing may reoccur for a short time.

When to See a Doctor

If symptoms continue or the cause of the Eustachian tube is not clear, you may visit an ENT for assessment. The specialist will find the source of your hearing problem and give you advice on treatment.

Home Remedies for Blocked Eustachian Tube

1. Valsalva Maneuver

Close your mouth and pinch your nose shut. Attempt a forceful exhalation against the closed airway as if you’re blowing a balloon. This will lead to opening up of the blocked Eustachian tube after hearing of pop noise in the ear.

2. Olive Oil

It is used for wax accumulation in the ear. Use few drops of slightly warm olive oil into the affected ear by a dropper while holding your head sideway. Repeat it for a few times and remove the soften wax by ear cleaner.

3. Alcohol and Apple Cider Vinegar

Mix one part of apple cider vinegar with an equal amount of water or alcohol. Soak an ear cotton ball in the solution. Put the cotton ball in your ear and leave it for about five minutes. Remove it and lie down on your opposite side so the liquid drain from the ear. Dry your ear as much as possible by using a hair dryer.

4. Warm Compress

Try a warm compress against the ear to reduce swelling and pain. Soak a clean cloth in warm water. Put it on the painful area to reduce inflammation. You can also try a heat pad, but don’t leave it on your ear for too long.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide

Another way is using cooled boiled water with an equal amount of hydrogen peroxide. Fill the ear syringe with prepared solution and insert it into your ear while lying on the side. After 30 seconds, turn to the other side and let the hydrogen peroxide pour out of your ear.

6. Other Remedies

If you swallow, yawn or chew gum, air would flow in and out of the Eustachian tube. Theses are generally good things to try if you feel ear pain when you are in a plane and descending to land.

Medical Treatments for Blocked Eustachian Tube

1. Manage Your Pain

Over the counter painkillers can help reduce pain felt due to blocked ears. Children with persistent ear infections may benefit from anesthetic ear drops to relieve pain.

2. Take Antihistamine Tablets

If you have an allergy such as hay fever, Antihistamines will help to ease congestion and inflammation. But you must avoid taking this medicine if you have ear infection.

3. Use Decongestant Sprays or Drops

Since ears and nose are connected, unclog your nose can help you ease your blocked Eustachian tube. If your blockage is caused by a cold, a nasal decongestant may be advised by your doctor. In cases of persistent inflammation, a steroid nasal spray may be recommended. You will not have an immediate relief of symptoms because it needs several days for a steroid spray to reach its full effect.

4. Take Antibiotics

For the ear blockage due to infection, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed by your doctor. But your doctor usually only prescribe you antibiotics when you have a fever of 102 °F or higher. While taking antibiotics, follow the instructions of your doctor and finish the full course even if your symptoms have already been relieved.

5. Surgery

If your problem is really severe, your doctor may recommend you a surgical treatment to allow free flow of the air come into your middle ear. A small incision will be made in your eardrum during the surgery so that fluid can be drained and pressure can be released.

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 3, 2020.

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD)?

ETD is a condition that prevents your eustachian tubes from opening properly. It can also cause them to become blocked. Eustachian tubes connect your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat. These tubes open and allow air to flow in and out when you sneeze, swallow, or yawn.

What causes or increases my risk for ETD?

ETD may be caused by swelling or buildup of mucus in your eustachian tubes. Pressure can build if you travel in an airplane or go scuba diving. Allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection can cause mucus to build up. The following can also increase your risk:

• Smoking cigarettes
• GERD, chronic sinus inflammation, or a tumor in your nose or throat
• An immune system disorder
• Sleeping on your stomach
• In children, long-term use of a bottle, going to daycare, or a condition such as a cleft palate

What are the signs and symptoms of ETD?

• Fullness or pressure in your ears
• Muffled hearing, or a feeling you are hearing under water or have clogged ears
• Pain in one or both ears
• Ringing in your ears
• Popping, crackling, or clicking feeling in your ears
• Trouble keeping your balance

How is ETD diagnosed?

ETD is most common in children younger than 5 years. Adults with ETD may have had it since childhood. ETD can sometimes begin in adulthood, usually because of certain medical conditions that have developed. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and when they began. He or she will examine your ears, your nose, and the back of your throat. He or she may also do a hearing test.

How is ETD treated?

ETD may get better on its own without any treatment. If it continues, you may need any of the following:

• Swallow, yawn, or chew gum to help open your eustachian tubes. Your healthcare provider may also recommend you blow with your mouth shut and your nostrils pinched closed.
• Air pressure devices push air into your nose and eustachian tubes to help relieve air pressure in your ear.
• Treatment for allergies such as decongestants, antihistamines, and nasal steroids may improve ETD. They may help decrease swelling of the eustachian tubes.
• A myringotomy is surgery to make a hole in your eardrum. The hole relieves pressure and lets fluid drain from your ear. A pressure equalizing (PE) tube may be used to keep the hole open and to help drain fluid.
  
• Tuboplasty is a procedure to widen your eustachian tubes.

When should I call my doctor?

• Your symptoms do not improve or get worse.
• You have a fever.
• You have any hearing loss.
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The eustachian tube runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. If this tube becomes plugged or infected, it can cause eustachian tube dysfunction.

There are a few different causes of eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD), and certain factors may make a person more at risk. Eustachian tube dysfunction is often easily treated at home, although persistent symptoms may require a trip to the doctor for treatment.

Share on Pinterest The eustachian tubes (red tube at the back of the ear in diagram) drain excess fluid and regulate ear pressure.

The eustachian tubes are canals on each side of the face that run from the back of the nose and upper throat to the middle ear. They remain closed most of the time but will open as a person swallows, chews, or yawns.

The eustachian tubes help regulate ear pressure and drain excess fluid from the middle ear, moving it to the throat to be eliminated.

The canals in these tubes are tiny so blockages can happen for many reasons. Blocked eustachian tubes can cause discomfort and hearing problems, and any of these symptoms can be referred to as ETD.

ETD covers a broad range of symptoms and has a range of potential causes. Season allergies and illnesses that create inflammation in the area, such as the flu or cold, are common causes of ETD.

Sinus infections can also trigger ETD, as a sinus infection causes the eustachian tubes to become inflamed or filled with mucus. More serious infections can cause ETD as well.

Simple changes in altitude or air pressure may also trigger ETD. Driving up a mountain or sitting in a plane can cause ETD, and even just riding the elevator in a tall building may be enough for some people to develop unpleasant symptoms.

It is common to experience ETD occasionally, but some people get symptoms more regularly than others. People who smoke may be more at risk for experiencing ETD, as smoking damages the delicate hairs in the throat and middle ear.

People who are obese may also be more likely to experience ETD symptoms. This is because fatty tissue deposits can form around the eustachian tubes, making it more likely that they will become closed off.

People with allergies may also experience ETD more often, as allergies can cause increased mucus and congestion.

Engaging in certain activities may also put a person more at risk for pressure changes, which could trigger ETD symptoms. These activities include things like:

• hiking at a high altitude
• rock climbing
• skiing or snowboarding
• scuba diving

Children are also more at risk for ETD, as their eustachian tubes are much smaller and so more likely to become clogged by mucus or germs. A child’s immune system is also less able to fight off infections, as it is not fully developed. Children have more frequent colds and sinus infections, which are direct causes of ETD.

Symptoms of ETD can vary from mild to severe and may be different for each person. Common symptoms include:

• a plugged feeling in the ears
• ears feeling like they are filled with water
• tinnitus, or ringing in the ear
• muffled hearing or partial hearing loss
• ticking or popping sounds
• pain and tenderness around the ear
• a tickling or tingling sensation
• trouble with balance

The length and severity of ETD symptoms depend on their cause. For instance, if ETD is caused by a change in altitude, these symptoms will often go away as the body adjusts to the pressure or reaches a lower altitude.

On the other hand, ETD caused by an illness or infection can last much longer. Anyone with symptoms of ETD that last more than 2 weeks should see a doctor. Children with symptoms of ETD should see a doctor sooner, as the symptoms of ETD are similar to an ear infection.

ETD is often easily diagnosed during a visit to a doctor. The doctor may ask questions about hearing changes, pain in the ears, or feelings of pressure. They will also look inside the ear using an otoscope, checking for any signs of infection or blockages.

If ETD is being caused by another illness or disorder, the doctor may ask questions about that as well in order to determine the correct treatment.

The symptoms of ETD will usually clear up on their own. If another illness is causing the symptoms, they will resolve once the underlying illness is treated.

Home remedies

If the symptoms of ETD are bothersome, some simple home remedies may help. Minor ETD symptoms, such as those caused by a change in altitude or air pressure, can be treated by chewing gum or forcing a yawn.

Many people also find that the symptoms of minor ETD can go away as they swallow, so drinking or having a snack may help. These remedies help open and close the eustachian tube and relieve the pressure.

Children experiencing minor or temporary ETD symptoms can eat a snack or chew a piece of gum. Giving an infant a bottle or pacifier may help relieve the symptoms.

Minor to moderate symptoms may be relieved using a saline nasal spray or irrigation system. Sometimes dried mucus or other particles can get stuck in or near the eustachian tube and cause symptoms. Clearing the passageways can help eliminate anything clogged in the passage.

Ear candles

Despite what many ear candle manufacturers say, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has found no valid evidence that ear candles will help clear symptoms of ETD. Ear candles are not a recommended treatment for any ear-related symptoms.

Over-the-counter medication

Depending on the cause, some over-the-counter drugs may help with ETD symptoms. Someone who experiences ETD caused by allergies may find relief using antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec), diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or loratadine (Alavert, Claritin). A range of antihistamines is available for purchase online.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help with pain and swelling. Ibuprofen is available for purchase over the counter or online.

Medical intervention

If the symptoms of ETD are caused by a bacterial infection, a doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. This may be a topical treatment or an oral antibiotic. In severe cases of ETD, a doctor may prescribe oral steroids as well.

Long lasting, severe cases of ETD are not common but can require extensive and sometimes invasive treatments. In some cases, fluids build up behind the eardrum and cannot escape through the dysfunctional eustachian tubes. In these cases, doctors may make a small cut in the eardrum to help with fluid drainage.

People who experience frequent severe ETD may be treated using pressure equalization tubes. These are implants that balance the pressure in the ears and help reduce the chances of middle ear infections. New treatment methods, such as eustachian tube balloon dilation, are also being studied.

by Dr. Christopher Chang, last modified on 9/23/18.
Read and comment below!

Assuming you thoroughly understand what eustachian tube dysfunction is, the question now becomes how does one use nasal sprays to correctly treat this disorder. Of note, fluid in the middle ears is treated the same way.

Obviously, ear drops will not work because the eardrum prevents anything administered through the ear canal from getting to the eustachian tube which is located BEHIND the eardrum.

Image is a modification of that found in Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

Therefore, the only way medication can be delivered directly to the eustachian tube is through the nose where the other end of the eustachian tube is located (eustachian tube goes from your ear to the back of your nose).

That’s why when you yawn, swallow, chew, or blow your nose, you can (normally) hear a “pop” in your ears. The “pop” is the eustachian tube opening up.

To see what an actual eustachian tube looks like in the nose, here is a video (the eustachian tube can be seen 1 minute into the video). Here’s another video showing an animation of how the eustachian tube works.

Image is a modification of that found in Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

SO, when one uses a nasal spray as prescribed by your physician (steroid and/or anti-histamine nasal sprays and/or Afrin), it needs to be directed towards the eustachian tube. the spray angle is perpendicular to the face (the nozzle needs to be pointed toward your neck/ear).

One sniffs as one sprays just hard enough so one can feel it in the back of the nose, but not so hard that it goes straight down into your mouth. After spray use and hourly while awake, try to pop the ear by pinching the nose and blowing gently. This milks the spray into the eustachian tube.

Because spray bottles use a straw, one needs to bend the head down so you are looking down at the floor when you use the spray.

CORRECT spray angle. Image is a modification of that found in Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

DO NOT use the spray the way most people automatically assume which is with the spray nozzle directed to the top of the head. This is incorrect and the spray will help your sinuses. but not your ears.

INCORRECT spray angle. Image is a modification of that found in Wikipedia under GNU Free Documentation License.

There are other techniques to try and get the medication to where the eustachian tube is located, but are more uncomfortable even though they do seem to work better. If you want to try these other methods of administering medications, click here.

It may take up to 4 weeks for the ears to start feeling normal. One must also try to pop the ears immediately after nasal spray use and every hour while awake throughout this period of time. When one tries to pop the ears, try to blow out your nose with your nose pinched shut with your fingers. Popping the ears in this manner, esp after nasal spray use helps to squeeze some of the medication into the eustachian tube. Do not exceed the pressure one uses as if you have mild constipation. Swallowing or yawning does not work as well in this situation.

As a reminder, though a decongestant spray like Afrin is VERY helpful to resolve eustachian tube dysfunction, do NOT use this spray daily for more than 3 days as people do get addicted to this medication (a condition known as rhinitis medicamentosa). Steroid and anti-histamine nasal sprays can be used indefinitely.

For young children (or even some adults) who just have trouble popping their ears, there are some devices that one can buy over-the-counter that try to pop the ears for you. A few such devices (like the Otovent) are shown here.

Watch a video showing a 3 years old using an Otovent device or the EarPopper here. Whereas the Otovent essentially mimics only the valsalva maneuver (trying to blow air out the nose while pinched shut), the Earpopper simultaneously mimics the valsalva AND physically increases the eustachian tube diameter with swallow (muscles pull the eustachian tube open).

If this method fails, your physician may give a trial of singulair and prednisone and if that fails, placement of tubes is often helpful.

Want to read more about eustachian tube dysfunction? Read FAQ here.

• How Can Nasal Obstruction CAUSE Clogged Ears?
• Negative Ear Pressure Causing Inability to Pop a Clogged Ear
• Balloon Dilation For Treatment of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
• Devices to Help with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction During Airflight and SCUBA
• Study Suggests (Incorrectly?) Steroid Nasal Spray Use Does Not Help with Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
• Jaw Movement Causing Tinnitus and/or Clogged Ear Sensation
• Intranasal Treatment for Clogged Ears
• 1 Out of 5 Kids With Viral URI Develop Ear Infections
• How to Unclog a Clogged Ear