Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Why has my ear been clogged for days?

Ever since I drove over several mountains on Sunday (it’s now Tuesday), my left ear has been clogged. My left nostril has been marginally less open than my right one recently, but I don’t feel stuffed up at all. I tried an ear wax treatment twice and it didn’t help. The strangest thing is that I can unplug my ear with the Valsalva method, but it closes again quickly. I’ve tried chewing, swallowing, ibuprofen, nasal decongestants, and blowing my nose. Blowing my nose has been the most successful at opening my ear, but when I swallow it closes again. There is also some pain in my ear in and off. Please help
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
973741 tn?1342342773
That's frustrating.  Are you dizzy as well?  Things to try are using something like debrox to see if you have a wax blockage.  It happens!  Don't use a Q tip as that can create issues, but remove with debrox that you can get at the drug store.  If you have Eustachian Tube dysfunction, it sounds like you are familiar with ways to combat that.  I'd keep up those ways.  An otc  antihistamine like Clariton really helps me, the reverse ear pops (hold nose, blow gently, repeat over and over.) are a life saver too.  But if this is continuing, I think I'd see your doctor for further help.  
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi hi kindly update us on this I'm experiencing the same, need some advice
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
what has happened you have a pressure block in your nasal and ear canal the best way to fix it is to return to the altitude you went just before your ear got clogged. There is some things I have done that Ear doctors do recommend if you don't know how to do it. I would suggest seeing a ear specialist for wax or ear blockage. I had that happen years a go when I flew to IL and ears were blocked for 6 weeks until I got back on the plane to fly home.
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Ear, Nose & Throat Community

Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
Discover the common causes of and treatments for a sore throat.
Learn about what actually causes your temperature to spike.
Find out which foods you should watch out for.
Family medicine doctor Enoch Choi, MD helps differentiate between the common cold and more threatening (bacterial) infections
Dr. Steven Park reveals 5 reasons why breathing through your nose could change your life