Treatment of ear stuffiness

All patients who have encountered the problem of hearing loss are interested in the question: "How long does ear congestion last?" The period of restoration of normal hearing depends on the causes of its impairment. If congestion is caused by inflammatory processes, then the unpleasant symptoms pass within 10-14 days.

If discomfort is caused by a foreign object or water in the ear canal, the condition normalizes after eliminating the irritants. Ear congestion after a cold persists until the body is fully restored. But according to medical statistics, about 5% of patients experience this symptom on a permanent basis.

What should you not do if your ear is blocked?

If your hearing aid is not functioning properly, you should seek medical help. Self-medication is dangerous, since without determining the cause of the disorder, it is almost impossible to choose effective methods of treatment.

• Warm compresses should not be used in case of internal otitis. Warming is contraindicated in case of purulent discharge from the ear cavity and elevated body temperature.
• You cannot put drops in your ears that are not prescribed by your doctor. If you choose medications on your own, there is a risk of worsening the painful condition. Some medications contain antibiotics, which can have a toxic effect on nerve endings and lead to deafness.
• If warming is prescribed, the procedure cannot be performed using a hair dryer or a closed compress. This is due to the risk of trauma to the eardrum.
• The ban includes radical non-traditional methods that can harm not only the hearing organs, but also the entire body. For example, inserting a paper tube into the ear canal and setting it on fire, putting the ear to a heated surface, etc.
• Traditional recipes based on medicinal herbs are dangerous. Plant components can cause an acute allergic reaction, and their incorrect proportions can cause intoxication and more serious complications.
• If a foreign object or insect gets into the ear, you should not try to deal with this problem on your own. Attempts to clean the ear cavity with a cotton swab or needle can damage the eardrum and cause serious hearing loss.

An otolaryngologist should treat ear congestion. After a comprehensive diagnosis, the doctor prescribes effective treatment methods and gives preventive recommendations.

Effective ear drops for ear congestion

There are many reasons why ears get blocked. If the painful condition is caused by inflammatory, infectious or fungal processes, then special ear drops are used. Drops also help when the ear canal is blocked by a sulfur plug, as they soften the accumulation of secretion and facilitate its removal.

Let's look at the most effective ear drops:

• For otitis against the background of sinusitis or colds, use drops Otipax, Otofa, Otinum, Otikain, Garazon, Sofradex and others. The composition of the drugs includes potent active components, so they should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.
• If the ear canal is blocked by earwax, then 3% hydrogen peroxide drops help. Auro, Remo-Vax, A-Cerumen, Debrox are also used to soften the earwax. Most of the listed drops contain carbamide peroxide, which quickly and effectively softens hardened earwax. The drops can be used for both therapeutic and prophylactic purposes.
• Changes in atmospheric pressure during a flight on an airplane cause not only hearing loss, but also severe ear pain. To relieve painful symptoms, you can use drops with lidocaine: Otipax, Droplex, Anauran, Ototon.

All medications should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.

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Vitamins

Vitamins are an essential component of complex treatment and prevention of hearing disorders. Otolaryngologists recommend taking ascorbic acid, tocopherol, beta-carotene and antioxidants. The interaction of such substances has a beneficial effect on the hearing apparatus.

Let's take a closer look at the vitamins that are good for hearing:

• Vitamin A – accelerates recovery from inflammatory diseases and improves the immune system. Retinol is found in vegetables, fruits, and milk.
• B9 – People with hearing loss have lower levels of folic acid than healthy people. The vitamin is found in green leafy vegetables. It promotes active cell growth and maintains their health.
• B12 – participates in the structure of red blood cells and the maintenance of nerve cells. Maintains the health of the hearing apparatus. Contained in large quantities in animal meat.

The above vitamins have a positive effect on the cells of the nervous system. The duration of vitamin therapy and the dosage of useful substances are determined by the attending physician.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy in otolaryngology is used in combination with other treatment methods and as an independent method. It has anti-edematous, bacteriostatic, vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties.

Main types of physiotherapy:

• Stimulating procedures (pneumatic massage, amplipulse therapy, diadynamic current therapy, magnetic therapy) – relieve swelling, normalize blood flow.
• Cleansing methods (blowing and rinsing the ear) are aimed at restoring the patency of the ear canal and normalizing its functions.
• Warming techniques (sollux, electrophoresis, UHF) – relieve inflammatory processes, alleviate pain.

Physiotherapy treatment helps speed up the recovery process, reduces the risk of complications of the disease and allergic reactions to medications, and relieves pain.

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Ear massage for congestion

Another therapeutic method used for ear congestion is massage. There are many biologically active points on the ear, stimulation of which helps to relax and restore the affected organs and structures.

Indications for the procedure:

• Accumulation of fluid in the tympanic cavity.
• Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the auditory tube.
• Otitis media without pus.
• Prolonged runny nose.
• Weak immunity.

The massage is performed over a long period of time. If the hearing loss is caused by otitis, the massage is aimed at the ear and lymphatic cervical nodes. The procedure improves lymph circulation and helps cleanse the ear cavity of excess fluid.

• Warm up your hands and massage the auricle for 5-10 minutes until you feel a pleasant warmth.
• Press the tragus with your index finger to close the ear canal. Repeat 10-15 times.
• Cover your ears with your hands and lower them 10 times. Massage the cheek muscles and the temporal region.
• Cover your ears with your palms and tap your fingers on the back of your head. It should sound like a drum. Do 10-15 times.
• Place your palms firmly over your ears, quickly open and close your ears. Repeat 10-15 times.

Massage should be performed 2-3 times a day. Regular procedures increase blood flow, prevent atrophy of the auditory nerve and promote hearing restoration.

Massage is contraindicated in infectious diseases, hemophilia, mental and neoplastic disorders, for pregnant women, in purulent otitis, in case of damage to the eardrum and in a state of physical exhaustion.

Acupressure for ear congestion

One of the types of massage is the point technique. There are more than 170 biologically active points on the surface of the outer ear. Each point is associated with a specific internal organ and a network of blood vessels. Stimulation of the points helps to activate the internal forces of the body.

Acupressure for ear congestion depends on the causes of the painful condition:

• If your blood pressure fluctuates, insert your thumbs or index fingers into the ear canal, hold for 40-60 seconds, and remove the cutting tool. Repeat 3 times. Then place one hand on the solar plexus and the other on the crown of the head and hold for 3-5 minutes. It is recommended to do the massage 2 times a day for 5-7 days.
• If congestion has caused hearing loss, then immediately after waking up, massage your ears in a circular motion for a minute. Press your palms to your ears and quickly remove them, repeat 20 times. Massage the lobes for 3-5 minutes.
• In case of hearing loss due to otitis, exudate accumulation, inflammatory, infectious or cold processes, massage the earlobes regularly. Squeeze the ear in your palm and rub it with slow circular movements. Place your index finger in the middle of the ear, pull up and down.

Acupressure is prohibited in case of rashes on the surface of the auricles, fresh wounds, oncology, bleeding. Contraindications include pregnancy, cardiovascular diseases, acute infections, purulent inflammatory processes, psychoses, increased intracranial pressure.

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Exercises for the ear when it is blocked

There are many reasons why hearing loss occurs. Special exercises have been developed to eliminate this unpleasant symptom.

• In the morning, immediately after waking up, rub your ears with your palms clockwise. Do 10-15 rubs. Massage the earlobes thoroughly. This exercise stimulates blood circulation and increases blood flow to the head.
• Cover your ears with your palms and lightly tap your fingers on the back of your head. You should hear sounds in your ears that resemble drumming. Do the exercise for 1 minute, repeat 2-3 times.
• Finish the exercise routine by lightly rubbing your earlobes.

To achieve a positive effect, the exercises should be performed daily for 7-10 days. When performed correctly, they improve blood circulation in the outer and middle ear, stimulate the auditory nerves, and provide an indirect massage of the eardrum.

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Nasal irrigation for ear congestion

The ear-throat-nose system is closely interconnected, so if one of the structures is damaged, it negatively affects the others. One of the reasons for the dysfunction of the hearing aid is nasal congestion. Clogged sinuses are one of the symptoms of colds and can cause the infection to spread to nearby organs.

Nasal lavage for ear congestion helps to relieve the painful condition. The procedure helps to disinfect the nasal cavity and wash out germs. Thanks to this, the nasal passages are cleared of mucus and other contaminants, swelling is reduced. However, if the hearing loss is caused by purulent otitis, the procedure is not performed. This is due to the risk of spreading the infection to other tissues.

Rules for carrying out rinsing:

• Clear your nose of mucus.
• Tilt your head so that one nostril is higher and the other is lower. Insert the tip of the bottle with the rinsing solution into the upper nostril.
• Slowly move the liquid, keeping your ears above your nasal passages.
• After administering the solution, wait until it comes out through the lower nostril.
• Repeat the procedure with the other nostril.

For rinsing, it is recommended to use an isotonic solution of sea water. The liquid should be at a comfortable temperature. This treatment method is not used for acute and exudative otitis, as well as for perforation of the eardrum.

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Warming up for ear congestion

Another method of eliminating disturbances in the perception of sound information is warming up. It helps with acute forms of external, catarrhal and exudative otitis in the recovery stage. It is also used in the initial stages of inflammatory diseases of the ear, provided that the cause of the inflammatory reaction has been eliminated.

Therapeutic effect of warming:

• Improved microcirculation – heating of tissues promotes dilation of blood vessels and blood flow. Accelerates the outflow of toxic substances formed due to inflammation.
• Activation of metabolic processes – heat accelerates metabolic processes in damaged tissues at the cellular level, which accelerates healing.
• Activation of immune defense – an increase in local temperature triggers the anti-infective activity of leukocytes, increasing local immunity.

Alcohol compresses can be used for warming. To do this, take 70% alcohol or vodka and warm it up to room temperature. A small piece of thick fabric is soaked in the liquid and then squeezed out. The flap is applied to the affected organ and covered with cotton wool and a layer of polyethylene. The procedure is carried out 1-2 times a day for 10-15 minutes. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

Dry heat is also suitable for warming up. As a rule, this is a blue lamp (blue light penetrates through closed eyelids and affects the eyes the least). The lamp is turned on and directed towards the ear, at a distance of 30-40 cm. The duration of the procedure is no more than 30 minutes, 2-3 times a day. The course of treatment is 5-7 days.

Warming up is prohibited in case of purulent otitis. Dilation of blood vessels and active microcirculation contribute to the penetration of pathogenic flora into the systemic bloodstream and the development of complications. Treatment is not carried out if there is a suspicion of neoplasms. When heated, tumor cells actively multiply, contributing to the progression of the disease.

Folk remedies

Since ear congestion can be caused by different reasons, the therapy is selected for each specific case. Let's consider popular methods of folk treatment of temporary hearing loss.

• If the discomfort is related to air travel, chewing gum will help. When chewing, a large amount of saliva is released and a person begins to swallow more often, which reduces the pressure in the ear cavity. In some cases, a slightly open mouth with normal nasal breathing helps.
• Onions will help with inflammation. Bake an onion in the oven and squeeze it through cheesecloth. Put a couple of drops of warm onion juice in the morning and evening, covering the ear with a cotton swab.
• If the ear is blocked by a sulfur plug, you can use a couple of drops of hydrogen peroxide or olive oil. Warm the liquid up a little and drop it into the affected organ. After a while, the sulfur will flow out on its own, freeing the ear canal.
• A decoction of bay leaves has anti-inflammatory properties. Pour 250 ml of water over 4-5 leaves and simmer until boiling. Cover the finished decoction with a lid and wrap it up until it cools. Put 8-10 drops of the remedy into the sore ear. The procedure is carried out 2-3 times a day.

The above folk recipes should be used after consultation with your doctor and determination of the cause of the painful condition.

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Propolis for ear congestion

Propolis is a bee glue that bees produce from the resins of various plants. It contains dozens of essential and balsamic compounds, propolis phytoncides, wax, plant resins, and various microelements.

The rich composition of propolis has the following properties:

• Disinfectant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antibacterial
• Antioxidant
• Immunomodulatory

Propolis has a wide range of applications in medicine. Preparations based on it suppress the activity of viruses and bacteria, neutralize poisons, and accelerate regeneration processes. Bee glue activates the production of immune cells in the body. It stops inflammatory processes and accelerates recovery.

If ear congestion is caused by inflammatory processes, then the following recipes based on propolis will help:

1. Melt 0.5 kg of butter in a glass container and add 100 g of propolis to it. Boil the ingredients over low heat for 30 minutes. Add another 50 g of crushed propolis and 100 ml of alcohol to the mixture. The alcohol component should be infused for 48 hours. After this, mix the oil and alcohol tinctures. The finished product is instilled 3 drops at a time for 3 weeks.
2. Soak a cotton swab in propolis alcohol tincture (can be purchased at a pharmacy) and place it in the sore ear for 6-8 hours. If the procedure is performed on a child, the tincture is diluted with warm water in a 1:1 ratio. The course of treatment is 7-10 days.
3. Take 10 ml of 15% propolis tincture and mix with 40 ml of olive or other vegetable oil. Soak a cotton swab in the resulting mixture and insert it into the sore ear for a day. To achieve a lasting therapeutic effect, the procedure is performed 8-10 times every other day.
4. Put 2 drops of 5% propolis solution into the ear. The procedure is carried out twice a day until complete recovery.

Before using propolis, you should take into account the presence of contraindications. It is prohibited in case of allergic reactions to bee products, urticaria, eczema, bronchial asthma.

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Salt for ear congestion

In most cases, blockage of the ear canal is accompanied by painful sensations. Discomfort occurs due to hypothermia, water getting into the ears and other factors. One of the methods of pain relief is dry heat. Salt is excellent as a warming agent. You can use both coarse table salt and sea salt.

• Take a bag made of thick fabric or a warm sock, pour 100-200 g of salt into it, and tie it.
• Place the sock in the microwave for 2-3 minutes. Or heat up the salt in a dry frying pan and pour it into the sock.
• Spread the warm salt so that it takes the shape of a flat pillow.
• Apply a warm compress to the sore ear or lie on it until the salt cools. After the procedure, it is recommended to drip boric alcohol into the ear and close the ear canal with cotton wool.

But using salt for warming up a stuffy ear is only possible with the permission of the attending physician. Since in some cases warm compresses aggravate already painful sensations.

If discomfort is accompanied by an increase in general body temperature, chills and fever, then warming up is contraindicated. Such a symptom complex may indicate purulent processes in the organ of hearing, and warming procedures can lead to an extensive abscess.

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Castor oil for ear congestion

Castor oil is a vegetable emulsion from castor oil plant. It has a unique chemical composition, contains more than 80% fatty acids.

Medicinal properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Bactericidal
• Regenerating
• Antifungal

It is widely used in the treatment of inflammatory processes in tissues, skin and ENT diseases, gastrointestinal pathologies. Castor oil is effective in the treatment of ear congestion caused by inflammatory processes. The product is used not only for otitis, but also for painless extraction of insects from the ear canal.

Vegetable oil is used for instillation, in the form of compresses and ear turundas.

1. If the product is used for instillation, it should be warmed up to body temperature before use. The oil is instilled 2-3 drops into the sore ear, the excess is wiped off with a cotton swab. If the hearing loss is caused by rhinitis or nasal congestion, it is necessary to clear the nose in advance, otherwise the treatment will not bring the desired results.
2. If the ear canal is clogged with sulfur deposits, then a few drops of warm castor oil are instilled into the ear and it is closed with cotton wool. The procedure is carried out once every 4-5 hours for 3-4 days.
3. Another option for using oil is warming compresses. They are effective for otitis at the stage of inflammation resolution. Compresses are contraindicated for purulent processes. To prepare a compress, take gauze and fold it in several layers. Soak the bandage in slightly warmed oil, squeeze it out slightly and apply to the area behind the ear. Cover the gauze with waxed paper and cellophane on top, and cover it with a woolen shawl/scarf. It is better to do the procedure before going to bed.

Regular external use of the herbal remedy relieves symptoms of irritation, hyperemia, and accelerates the restoration of damaged tissues. Unlike other oils, castor oil does not form a film, so it is suitable as an antifungal and antibacterial agent for bacterial and middle otitis, furunculosis, and otomycosis. Instillation of oil helps to normalize the pH of the external auditory canal and strengthens local immunity.

Despite its medicinal properties, castor oil should be used with extreme caution. It is contraindicated in cases of damage to the eardrum or blood vessels, psoriasis, the presence of pus in the auricle, for children under 2 years of age and in cases of individual intolerance to the herbal remedy.

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Camphor oil for ear congestion

An effective remedy for treating ear diseases is camphor oil. It contains the active ingredient racemic camphor (extract from camphor laurel wood), as well as an auxiliary component - sunflower oil.

The drug has a wide range of applications, as it has the following properties:

• Anti-inflammatory
• Painkiller
• Antiseptic
• Vasoconstrictor
• Local irritant

Camphor oil is effective in the treatment of external and middle otitis, swelling of the Eustachian tube, inflammation of the inner ear, and insect penetration into the ear canal. Depending on the indications, there are several methods of using camphor:

1. Instillation is used for external and middle otitis (without purulent processes), penetration of an insect into the ear. In the first case, the drug is instilled into a previously cleaned ear with a couple of drops of warm oil. The procedure is carried out 3 times a day until the discomfort is eliminated.

If the congestion is caused by an insect penetrating the hearing organ, then oil heated to body temperature is instilled 1 drop at a time. The procedure is carried out until the oil pushes the insect out.

2. Compresses have a warming effect, relieve swelling of the Eustachian tube and are effective in non-purulent forms of inflammation of the middle ear. A piece of bandage is folded several times and a slit is made in the middle for the auricle. Gauze is moistened in camphor oil and applied to the ear. A layer of polyethylene and cotton wool are placed on top and wrapped in a scarf. It is better to do the compress at night, without lying on the sore ear.
3. Turundas with oil can be used instead of instillation. A small tampon is rolled from cotton wool and sterile bandage, soaked in camphor and heated to a comfortable temperature. The turunda should be easily inserted into the ear. The tampon is left overnight. Treatment is carried out for 3-5 days.

Camphor oil is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age, in case of trauma to the eardrum, damage and psoriasis of the auricle, allergic reactions to the herbal remedy, ear tumors, purulent processes. Before using the product, consult with your doctor.

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Herbal treatment

Another method of treating ear congestion is decoctions and infusions based on medicinal herbs.

• Chamomile infusion has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Pour 250 ml of boiling water over a teaspoon of the herb and leave to infuse until cool. Strain the finished infusion and use it to rinse the sore ear (the liquid should be at a comfortable temperature).
• Take two tablespoons of crushed sorrel roots and pour 500 ml of water. Boil the mixture over low heat until the liquid evaporates by half. Strain the finished decoction, cool to room temperature. Instill 2-3 times a day.
• Mix a tablespoon of hawthorn with the same amount of periwinkle. Pour 500 ml of water over the plant components and boil for 20-30 minutes. The decoction should be infused for about an hour, then filtered. Take the remedy orally 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before meals.
• Pour 1 liter of boiling water over two tablespoons of crushed raspberry roots and let it brew for 12 hours. Strain the infusion and take 100 ml orally 3 times a day. The course of treatment is at least 3 weeks.

Before using herbal recipes, you should make sure that there are no allergic reactions to the herbs used.

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Aloe for ear congestion

Aloe (century plant) is a plant with a wide range of medicinal properties. It has an anti-inflammatory effect, accelerates regeneration processes, and works as an immunomodulator. The bactericidal effect of aloe is manifested in relation to streptococci, staphylococci, dysentery and diphtheria bacilli.

Aloe juice is effective in treating otitis, Eustachian tube lesions, sinusitis, runny nose. It is used for burns, eczema and many other pathologies. The plant quickly relieves pain in ear diseases, stops the inflammatory process and relieves swelling.

To prepare the medicine, take an aloe leaf (the plant must be older than 3 years), peel it. Carefully collect the gel with a spoon and strain it through gauze. Put 2-3 drops of the resulting juice into the affected organ. The treatment is carried out for 4 days.

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Geranium in the ear for congestion

Another popular herbal medicine used to treat ear diseases is geranium. It contains more than 500 components: tannins, essential oils, vitamins and minerals, phytoncides, tannin, pectin, organic acids, etc.

Geranium is used for acute respiratory viral infections, acute respiratory infections, runny nose, sinusitis, otitis, and tonsillitis. The plant has the following properties:

• Painkiller
• Decongestant
• Antiseptic
• Hemostatic
• Disinfectant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Calming
• Prevents the formation of pus
• Stimulates the production of interferons by the body

Geranium is rightfully considered a natural antibiotic. If ear congestion is caused by pathogenic flora, inflammatory processes and is accompanied by pain, then the following recipes can be used for treatment:

1. Roll a fresh leaf of the plant into a tube and insert it into the ear canal. Cover the ear with a warm cloth or a warming dry compress. Change the leaves every 4 hours. The course of treatment is 3-4 days.
2. Grind a couple of leaves of the plant to a mushy state and mix with 20 ml of olive oil. Soak a gauze turunda in the resulting mixture and insert it into the diseased organ for 6 hours. On average, the treatment lasts 3-5 days, in case of chronic otitis no more than 10 days.

Before using geranium, consult your doctor. The plant is contraindicated for children under 3 years old, pregnant women, those prone to allergic reactions, and asthma attacks.

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Homeopathy

Another alternative treatment method used for ear diseases is homeopathy. In case of congestion, it is used if the problem is caused by inflammatory processes or concomitant disorders of the body.

Main homeopathic preparations and indications for their use:

• Belladonna - otitis media, discharge, stabbing and pulsating pain. Feverish condition, inflammation of the throat and tonsils, severe runny nose.
• Magnesium phosphorus – hearing loss, severe spastic pain.
• Aconite - painful sensations and itching, slight cough and thirst. Throbbing pain in the ear, stuffy nose.
• Hammomilla – deterioration of auditory perception, inflammatory processes in the organ of hearing, pulsating pain.
• Ferrum phosphoricum – discomfort is caused by infection and there is a risk of its spread to the lymphatic system and respiratory tract.

The above mentioned remedies can be used only after examination by an otolaryngologist. All medications are prescribed by a homeopathic doctor, selecting an individual dosage and duration of therapy.

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Surgical treatment

Surgical intervention for ear congestion is performed in particularly severe cases. Surgical treatment is necessary for serious complications of otitis, damage to the eardrum, hearing loss, or the entry of an insect or foreign body into the ear cavity.

In case of exudative otitis, myringotomy or adenotomy with/without shunt installation is performed. An opening is created in the eardrum through which the fluid accumulated in the middle ear (water, blood, pus) is removed. Shunting normalizes the structure of the mucous membrane of the middle ear. The healing process of the eardrum takes about 5-7 days, and the restoration of the functions of the auditory tube - more than 6 weeks.

If an insect has entered the ear or a foreign object has gotten stuck, it causes severe discomfort and makes you seek medical help. The doctor examines the affected organ and decides on further actions. To free the ear canal, they wash it, use tweezers and other medical instruments. Particular attention is paid to subsequent antiseptic treatment. Attempts to remove the insect on your own can lead to injury to the auditory structures.

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