Blocked ear
A blocked ear is caused by earwax which builds up in your ear. It can then no longer effectively get out of the ear and this can have various causes, including:
- Too narrow an ear canal.
- Too much hair in your ear canal.
- Pushed back wax. This is often due to the use of cotton swabs.
- The use of earplugs.
- Wearing a hearing aid.
- Frequent picking in your ear.
- Hard earwax. This is especially common in older people.
A blocked ear may mean you’ll suffer from:
- A sore ear.
- Decreased hearing.
- Pressure in your ear.
- A blocked feeling in your ear.
First of all, it’s important for you to try and prevent a blocked ear. You can do this by:
- Not picking your ear with small and narrow objects and/or cotton buds. This will push the wax further into your ear.
- Remove any visible earwax with a tissue or wash cloth.
- Put a drop of salad or olive oil in your ear. This can certainly help if your earwax has hardened. It will dilute the wax, making it easier to get out of your ear.
If your ear hurts and is blocked, it’s best to contact your GP first. He or she will talk to you about whether your ear needs to be syringed, or whether there’s another solution, such as using a balloon pump. Syringing your ear involves the doctor's assistant injecting lukewarm water into your ear. The plug of earwax then runs out with the water and is collected in a container. Loose particles of earwax are removed with a hook if necessary. The doctor's assistant will check whether all the earwax has been removed from your ear afterwards. Syringing doesn't hurt, but it can feel a little weird. You may also feel a little dizzy or suddenly start coughing. That’s because the nerve to your trachea also runs past your ear. You can syringe your ear yourself with a balloon pump. The balloon can be filled with lukewarm water and the balloon has a little spout. You can put this in your ear while squeezing the balloon. This will spray the water into your ear and the earwax will run out. Repeat this a few times a day.