Colds and Clogged Ears 

Your ears are some of the most delicate parts of your body, responsible for important functions like hearing and balance. While multiple parts of your ear contribute to these important functions, today we’ll focus on the eustachian tubes.  

The eustachian tubes, which are important for balancing air pressure, run from your middle ear to the back of the throat. These tubes carry fluid and mucus from the ear to be swallowed down the throat. But when an infection occurs, like a cold virus, your body goes into defense mode, using its best mechanisms to protect you. It does things like create swelling and excess mucus to flush out the infection. Unfortunately, this swelling can cause a blockage, trapping the mucus and fluid from flowing freely.  

This blockage is called Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) and the pressure it puts on your eardrum is what causes the feeling of clogged ears. 

Blocked ears from a cold can cause a few uncomfortable symptoms like  

- Trouble with your balance  

- Difficulty hearing 

- Earache  

- Dizziness 

- Ringing in your ears 

- Runny nose 

- Stuffy nose 

- Sore throat 

- Coughing

Ready to be free from the discomfort of clogged ears? Because one of the most common situations to give you clogged ears is a cold, start at the beginning. Tackle the problem by using some Kleenex^® Lotion Facial Tissues. When the sniffles have you down, you’re going to be reaching for tissues frequently. The Kleenex® Lotion Facial Tissues moisturize to help prevent skin irritation. This also includes 3-in-1 skin-loving benefits to help protect hands with three thick layers to nourish and soothe.  

These soft tissues provide you with a gentle way to soothe the dry skin around your nose. Take care of your cold and help treat and prevent clogged ears from a cold with these tips:

Home Remedies for Immediate Relief

1) Pop your ears 

Known as the Valsalva maneuver, doing this may help you “pop” your ears and unblock your eustachian tube. If you do try this maneuver, remember to be gentle. To do this maneuver, gently plug your nostrils and blow out while keeping your mouth closed. Remember not to blow too hard as this can cause problems with your eardrums by placing too much pressure on them. 

2) Inhale steam/ Use a warm compress 

By using the heat of a hot shower or a warm compress you might be able to loosen the mucus causing your blockage. Alternatively, you can also use a humidifier to get the benefits of its warmth. 

3) Swallow or yawn 

Your Eustachain tubes open when you swallow or yawn.

Over-the-Counter Treatments

If these methods don’t work to unclog your ears, try the over-the-counter treatments below for relief. As always, consult with your medical provider when making decisions on medications. 

1) Nasal rinse or saline spray 

By rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution or using a nasal spray you can help flush out the trapped excess mucus and fluid.  

2) Decongestant 

Using a nasal or oral decongestant will also work to help reduce your nasal congestion and lessen the inflammation in your ear.

As the saying goes “prevention is better than cure.” In this case, taking some preventative measures, if you know that you’re suffering from a cold, can hopefully save you from clogged ears. 

If you know that you’ve got a cold, drink plenty of water to help thin out the mucus and prevent it from becoming trapped.

Clogged ears from a cold aren’t always a cause for concern and can often clear up without medical attention, but there are a few factors you should look out for that let you know that it’s time to see your medical provider.

Signs That Indicate a Need for Seeing Your Medical Provider

If you find that within a week your symptoms haven’t resolved themselves and haven’t improved or if you have any of the below symptoms, it’s time to check in with your medical provider: 

- Pain 

- Swelling and redness of your ear or your face 

- Hearing loss 

- Fever 

- Dizziness 

- Discharge from your ears 

- Ringing in your ears

With three layers and a specially treated middle layer, the anti-viral facial tissue gives you the confidence to face any cold. Designed to eliminate 99.9% of the most common cold and flu viruses† in the tissue, viruses like the Rhinovirus type 1A and 2 and Influenza A and B don’t stand a chance. Don’t let the common cold get you down this season! Stay prepared for life’s most gruesome colds with Kleenex® Anti-Viral† Facial Tissues.  

† Virucidal against: Rhinoviruses Type 1A and 2 (Rhinoviruses are the leading cause of the common cold), Influenza A and Influenza B (causes of the flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV — the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in children)