Blocked Ears From A Cold

Introduction

A cold can bring all sorts of frustrating symptoms: a sore throat, stuffy nose and sometimes, that uncomfortable feeling of blocked ears. If you've ever asked yourself, "Why are my ears blocked?" — you're not alone. Ear congestion is a common side effect of colds, often making sounds feel muffled or causing a sense of pressure in your ears.

In this blog, we’ll unpack how we get blocked ears from a cold, why it happens and the best ways to treat it to help you feel relief faster.

Why are my ears blocked when I have a cold?

Your ears, nose and throat are all connected through a small passage called the Eustachian tube. This tube helps regulate pressure in your ears and drains fluid, but when you have a cold, it can become blocked due to inflammation or mucus buildup. When the Eustachian tube is not functioning properly, it creates a sensation of fullness or pressure, often referred to as ear congestion. Blocked ears from a cold can affect hearing and even cause mild discomfort or pain.

Who can get blocked ears from a cold?

Blocked ears can affect anyone, but children are especially prone due to their smaller Eustachian tubes, which can trap mucus more easily and sometimes lead to ear infections. Recurring congestion in younger individuals can sometimes result in complications like ear infections, which can be painful and, if left untreated, may cause hearing difficulties or more serious infections. Adults with sinus issues, allergies or travel by air constantly may also experience ear congestion symptoms more frequently.

Common blocked ear symptoms

A blocked ear from a cold can feel different for everyone, but common symptoms include:

• Muffled hearing or difficulty picking up sounds

• A feeling of fullness or pressure inside the ear

• Popping or crackling noises when swallowing or yawning

• Mild ear pain or discomfort

• Dizziness or slight balance issues (in some cases)

If ear congestion symptoms persist for more than 10 days, worsen over time or come with severe pain or fever, it may indicate something more serious, like an ear infection.

Treatment for blocked ears from a cold

Most of the time, blocked ears clear up on their own as the cold resolves. However, there are ways to speed up the process and relieve discomfort.

1. Clear your nasal congestion

Since ear congestion is often linked to a stuffy nose, reducing nasal inflammation can help unblock ears quickly. Use a saline spray or rinse to help flush out excess mucus, or over-the-counter decongestants for temporary relief if appropriate. Staying hydrated also helps thin mucus, which can make it easier for the body to clear congestion naturally.

2. Try the Valsalva manoeuvre

The feeling of having a blocked ear is often due to congestion blocking your Eustachian tubes. The Valsalva manoeuvre is a simple technique that can help equalise pressure in the ears and relieve ear congestion symptoms. To do this:

• Pinch your nose shut.

• Close your mouth.

• Gently exhale as if blowing your nose, but don’t force it.

You should feel a slight "pop," which can help unblock ears by opening the Eustachian tubes and restoring normal airflow. If this doesn’t work immediately, wait a few minutes and try again.

3. Use steam or warm compress

Inhaling steam from a bowl of hot water or taking a warm shower can loosen mucus and relieve blocked ears. A warm compress placed over the ear can also encourage drainage and reduce pressure.

4. Chew, yawn or swallow

Simple movements like chewing gum, yawning or swallowing repeatedly can activate the Eustachian tube, which can relieve your blocked ears.

5. Rest and let it resolve naturally

Sometimes, the best treatment for blocked ears from a cold is patience. As your cold clears, the congestion in your ears will usually subside on its own.

When to see a doctor for blocked ears from a cold

While ear congestion symptoms are usually harmless, there are times when medical attention is needed. Consider seeing a doctor if:

• The blockage lasts more than two weeks

• You experience severe ear pain or hearing loss

• There is fluid or pus draining from the ear

• You develop vertigo or significant dizziness

In these cases, there may be an underlying infection or another issue requiring medical treatment. For children, watch for signs of ear infections, such as persistent pain, fever, irritability or trouble sleeping — and take them to a doctor if these symptoms worsen or don’t improve.

Need time off due to blocked ears? Get a medical certificate online

If blocked ears from a cold are making it hard to focus at work or school, taking a break may be the best way to recover. At Medical Certificates Australia, we provide online medical certificates after a virtual consultation with a qualified doctor. We’ve got you covered when you need to call in sick due to ear congestion or other cold symptoms. Get your certificate quickly and focus on feeling better.