OpenHealth Q&A

Dealing with a Blocked Ear Overnight

I'm 18 years old and not on any medication. My height is around 5'10" (don’t laugh, I’ll reach 6 feet soon, I promise!). Yesterday, during my shower, I let water in my ears and usually, I just tilt my head to let it flow out. However, this time only the water from my right ear drained out easily. When I tilted my head to the left, nothing came out. In an attempt to flush it out, I tried adding more water, but it wouldn’t budge. Concerned, I exited the shower and started tapping my ear with my palm and trying to create a vacuum with my finger, but nothing worked. I have never experienced such a blockage before; anxiety was rising. Eventually, after some firm taps, I managed to dislodge a bit of water, bringing a wave of relief. I continued tapping and wiggling my finger, gradually getting the water out until it felt completely clear. There was mild discomfort for a short time, but afterward, everything seemed fine, and I quickly forgot about it. Last night, the same problem reoccurred. No amount of tapping or manipulation seemed to help this time. I followed various techniques I found online, like covering my ear with my palm and pulling outward, massaging around the jaw, tugging at my earlobes, and even hopping on one leg while leaning towards the affected ear. I applied more pressure while tapping, hoping for the best, but instead, my ear started to ring, which was bothersome. I was careful not to tap too hard since I didn’t want to cause any damage. I thought about sleeping on the blocked side, hoping it would resolve by morning, but waking up brought no improvement. After six hours, it felt like the water was gone, but my ear was still congested. This morning, I took another warm bath, thinking the heat might help dissolve any wax. I kept my head in the water for a minute and tried to flush my ear, repeating this action several times, but now it feels even worse. I ended up getting frustrated last night and, despite knowing it's generally advised against, I twisted a tissue and very slowly inserted it into my ear to see if it would absorb any water. However, I was too cautious to push it deep, fearing I’d cause more harm. I did spot some earwax on the tissue tip, indicating there's some wax build-up, but it’s frustrating that it won’t just come out! I flew twice over the weekend, and had experienced that blocked sensation intermittently — typical for air travel, as I usually alleviate it by pinching my nose and blowing gently. The current blockage started Wednesday, four days post-flight. I also haven’t used earbuds in over two years, preferring headphones, which I haven't used for about a week. I didn’t even use them during the flights as I find distractions like that only heighten my anxiety about flying; that sensation of falling is something I detest. I’m seeking some advice as I’m genuinely worried. I’d be open to answering any questions, and I plan to visit a doctor later today if there’s no improvement. I’ve heard stories of people suffering from blocked ears for a week and eventually clearing them, but I'm too anxious to wait that long. Throughout this ordeal, I haven’t felt any pain, just persistent muffled hearing in my left ear. Closer to the ear, sounds feel as if they're underwater, which is quite disorienting.

Answers (1)

6/19/2025, 7:50:50 AM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you're experiencing significant discomfort with a blocked ear that is affecting your hearing and causing anxiety. It's great that you've taken steps to try and resolve it, but persistent blockages can be frustrating. Here are some insights and actionable steps to help address this situation.

Main Points:

1. You may have water trapped in your ear or earwax buildup.
2. There are safe methods to help relieve the blockage at home.
3. If symptoms persist or worsen, seeking medical assistance is wise.

Explanation:

Blockages in the ear are common, especially after exposure to water, as the shape of the ear canal can trap water. Additionally, flying can cause pressure changes that lead to feelings of blockage. It seems you have tried various methods to clear the blockage, but discomfort with muffled hearing still lingers, indicating that further efforts may be needed.

Next Steps:

1. Try to Relax and Avoid Forcing Solutions: Anxiety can exacerbate feelings of discomfort. Giving your ear some time might help alleviate the blockage naturally. Avoid inserting anything into your ear to prevent injury or pushing wax further in.

2. Gentle Techniques:

   • Gravity Method: Lie on your side with the affected ear facing down for several minutes. The water may flow out due to gravity.
   • Jaw Movement: Chew gum or open and close your mouth in a way that mimics chewing. This can help open the Eustachian tube and release pressure.
   • Valsalva Maneuver: Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow to equalize pressure. This should be done cautiously.

3. Warm Compress: Applying a warm, moist cloth against the ear can help soothe discomfort and potentially loosen any blockage, including wax.

4. Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften wax may be beneficial. If wax buildup is suspected, these drops can help break it down naturally. Follow the product’s instructions carefully.

5. Monitoring Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms. If you notice persistent ringing, severe discomfort, or if there’s any discharge coming from the ear, it’s important to seek medical advice.

When to Seek Help:

Since you mentioned planning to visit a doctor soon, it would be wise to do so if there’s no improvement. Medical professionals can check for more serious conditions and safely remove any wax buildup if necessary.

Final Note:

It's completely understandable to feel anxious about this situation, but with the right care, most ear blockages resolve relatively quickly. Take a deep breath and try the gentle techniques mentioned above, and remember that visiting a doctor can provide peace of mind as well.