Hearing health

Head cold and clogged ears: things you should know about them

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Author: EarPros Team

Young girl covering her ear with her hand because of the pain

If you’ve ever had a head cold and clogged ears, you’ll know just how uncomfortable it can be. Along with a blocked nose and heavy head, many people experience stuffy or muffled ears that make it harder to hear and create a feeling of pressure or fullness. This happens because a head cold doesn’t just affect your sinuses — it also impacts the small tubes that connect your middle ear to the back of your throat, known as the Eustachian tubes.

When these tubes become inflamed or blocked with mucus, air can’t flow normally, causing a pressure imbalance that makes your ears feel clogged. You might notice popping sounds, mild discomfort, or even temporary hearing changes. While this is a common side effect of a cold, it can still be irritating and, in some cases, linger for days after other symptoms improve. In this article, we’ll explore why cold and clogged ears often go hand in hand, what’s actually happening inside your ears, and — most importantly — how to find relief safely. From simple home remedies to when it’s time to see your GP, here’s everything you need to know about dealing with head cold–related ear congestion.

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Everyday causes of clogged ears in the UK

Clogged or “bunged-up” ears are a common nuisance, especially in the UK where damp weather, frequent colds, and seasonal allergies can easily affect our sinuses and hearing. Understanding the everyday causes can help you manage symptoms safely and know when it’s time to seek help.

Colds and sinus infections

Colds and sinus infections are among the most frequent culprits. In the UK’s cool and changeable climate, it’s easy to pick up a cold that leads to nasal congestion and inflammation. When your sinuses and nasal passages become blocked, the small tubes that connect your middle ear to the back of your throat — known as the Eustachian tubes — can also become swollen. This prevents air from flowing normally, leading to that familiar feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or popping sounds.

Hay fever and seasonal allergies

Hay fever and seasonal allergies are another major cause, especially in spring and summer when pollen levels are high. Allergic reactions cause the nasal passages to swell and produce extra mucus, which can block the Eustachian tubes in much the same way as a cold.

Air pressure changes

Air pressure changes can also affect the ears. Many people notice blocked ears when flying from major UK airports or driving through hilly or coastal regions. Rapid altitude or pressure shifts make it difficult for your ears to equalise pressure, resulting in temporary clogging.

Earwax build-up

Earwax build-up is a common reason for persistent ear blockage. Some people naturally produce more wax, and attempts to remove it with cotton buds often push it deeper. The NHS no longer routinely offers ear syringing, but many high-street hearing centres, such as Specsavers and Boots Hearingcare, provide safe removal options. Using olive oil drops to soften wax at home is often recommended before seeking professional help.

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Can a head cold cause clogged ears?

Yes, a head cold can definitely cause clogged ears. When you have a cold, your body produces extra mucus, and the Eustachian tubes, the small passages that connect your middle ear to the back of your throat, can become swollen or blocked. These tubes normally help equalise pressure and drain fluid from the ear, but when they’re congested, air and mucus can get trapped, leading to a feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing. This type of ear congestion is very common during or after a cold, especially if you also have sinus pressure or nasal congestion. You may notice your ears “popping” occasionally as pressure changes, or feel as though you’re underwater. Usually, clogged ears from a cold improve as your congestion clears — typically within a few days to a week. You can help relieve the pressure by using saline nasal sprays, steam inhalation, or warm compresses to open up your nasal passages. Decongestant nasal sprays, such as Vicks Sinex, can also offer short-term relief by reducing swelling in the nasal tissues. However, if your ears stay blocked for more than two weeks, or you experience pain, dizziness, or hearing loss, it’s best to see a doctor, as you may have a middle ear infection or fluid build-up that needs treatment.

Head cold and stuffy ears: symptoms and causes

A head cold often brings along a feeling of stuffy or blocked ears, which can be uncomfortable but is usually temporary. This happens because a cold causes inflammation and excess mucus in the upper respiratory tract, particularly in the nasal passages and sinuses. These areas are connected to the ears through the Eustachian tubes — narrow passages that help balance air pressure and drain fluid from the middle ear. When you have a head cold, congestion and swelling can block these tubes, preventing normal airflow. As a result, pressure builds up behind the eardrum, leading to symptoms such as muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, popping or crackling sounds, and sometimes mild discomfort or pain. In some cases, fluid may accumulate in the middle ear, increasing the sense of pressure.

Common symptoms of a head cold with stuffy ears include nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, mild headache, and fatigue. The condition usually improves as the cold resolves. To ease symptoms, stay well hydrated, inhale warm steam, use a saline nasal rinse, and avoid sudden altitude changes. If ear pain, hearing loss, or fever develop — or if symptoms last more than 10 days — medical evaluation is recommended to rule out an ear infection or sinus complication.

Cold symptoms and blocked ears

Clogged ears are a common symptom during or after a cold. This happens because colds often cause inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and sinuses, which can affect the Eustachian tubes — the small channels that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. When these tubes become swollen or blocked, air can’t flow freely, leading to pressure changes that create the sensation of fullness or “plugged” ears. Mucus build-up from a cold can also contribute to temporary hearing loss or muffled sounds, as it prevents the eardrum from vibrating properly. In some cases, trapped fluid behind the eardrum may lead to discomfort or mild pain. To relieve blocked ears caused by a cold, it can help to stay hydrated, inhale steam, use a saline nasal spray, or apply a warm compress to the affected ear. Yawning, swallowing, or performing the gentle Valsalva manoeuvre can also equalise pressure. Over-the-counter decongestants may provide short-term relief, but they should be used only as directed. If the blockage persists for more than a week, worsens, or is accompanied by ear pain, drainage, or fever, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional, as this could indicate an ear infection or fluid accumulation requiring medical attention.

Why is my ear clogged when I have a cold?

When you have a cold, your ear can feel clogged because the infection triggers inflammation and congestion throughout your upper respiratory system — especially in the Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ear to the back of your throat. These tubes are responsible for equalising air pressure and draining fluid from the middle ear. During a cold, your body produces excess mucus to trap and clear viruses. This mucus, along with swelling in the nasal passages and throat, can block the Eustachian tubes. When that happens, air becomes trapped behind the eardrum and can’t move freely, creating a feeling of fullness, pressure, or muffled hearing. Essentially, the ear feels clogged because air pressure inside the middle ear becomes unbalanced — there’s less air than usual behind the eardrum, which makes it retract slightly. This pressure imbalance can also cause popping or crackling sounds when you swallow or yawn. In some cases, fluid may accumulate in the middle ear due to the same blockage, intensifying the sensation. The congestion typically improves as your cold resolves and inflammation subsides. However, if the Eustachian tubes remain blocked, it can lead to fluid build-up or infection, which is why persistent clogging should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

How long do blocked ears from colds last?

Blocked ears caused by a cold are usually temporary and tend to clear up once the infection or congestion improves. In most cases, ear blockage from a cold lasts a few days to about one week. This happens because the Eustachian tubes — small passages that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat — can become swollen or filled with mucus during a cold, preventing proper air flow and causing pressure or a “full” feeling in the ears. As your cold symptoms ease and nasal congestion subsides, the tubes typically open again, allowing trapped fluid or air to drain and restoring normal hearing. However, if the blockage persists for more than two weeks, it may be due to lingering sinus inflammation, fluid build-up, or even a secondary ear infection. You can help relieve the pressure by using saline nasal sprays, steam inhalation, or gentle Valsalva manoeuvres (pinching your nose and exhaling softly to equalise ear pressure). Over-the-counter decongestants can also provide short-term relief. If your ears remain blocked for several weeks, or you experience pain, dizziness, or hearing loss, it’s best to consult a GP or ENT specialist to rule out infection, fluid retention, or other underlying conditions.

How to unblock ears from a cold

How to get rid of clogged ears from a cold? If your ears feel clogged after or during a cold, the sensation is usually caused by congestion or swelling in the Eustachian tubes — the small passages that connect your middle ear to the back of your throat. When these tubes become blocked, they can’t equalise air pressure properly, leading to fullness or muffled hearing. Here are safe, effective ways to relieve it:

1. Try gentle pressure-equalising techniques

Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum helps open the Eustachian tubes naturally.
Valsalva manoeuvre: take a deep breath, close your mouth, pinch your nose, and gently blow — this can help balance pressure. Don’t blow too hard, as it may damage the eardrum.

2. Reduce nasal congestion

Use a saline nasal spray or rinse to clear mucus and reduce inflammation.
A warm compress over your nose and ears can improve circulation and ease pressure.
Short-term use of an over-the-counter decongestant (oral or nasal) can help relieve Eustachian tube swelling — but avoid prolonged use of nasal sprays, as they can cause rebound congestion.

3. Stay hydrated and inhale steam

Drinking plenty of fluids and breathing in steam from a hot shower or bowl of warm water helps thin mucus, promoting drainage.

4. Rest and manage allergies

If allergies are contributing to congestion, antihistamines may help.

If your ears remain clogged for more than a week, or you develop ear pain, dizziness, or hearing loss, it’s important to see a healthcare professional to rule out infection or fluid build-up.

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Why has my ear been clogged for days?

If your ear has felt clogged for several days, it’s usually a sign that something is blocking the normal flow of air or fluid in your ear canal or middle ear. Common causes include:

1. Earwax (cerumen) build-up

Hardened or impacted earwax can block the ear canal, leading to fullness, muffled hearing, or mild discomfort. Trying to remove wax with cotton buds can push it deeper, making the blockage worse.

2. Eustachian tube dysfunction

This is one of the most frequent reasons for persistent ear congestion. The Eustachian tubes, which regulate pressure between the middle ear and throat, can become swollen or blocked by allergies, a cold, sinus infection, or even sudden air pressure changes.

3. Fluid behind the eardrum

After a respiratory infection or sinus congestion, fluid may remain trapped in the middle ear, causing a lingering clogged sensation.

4. Ear infection (otitis media or externa)

Infections can cause inflammation, fluid build-up, and hearing loss. These are often accompanied by pain, redness, or drainage.

5. Other causes

Changes in altitude, allergies, or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues can also cause prolonged ear blockage.

If the feeling persists for more than a week, or you notice pain, dizziness, drainage, or hearing loss, you should see a healthcare professional. They can examine your ear to determine whether it’s wax, fluid, or infection and recommend safe treatment options.

My ears have been blocked for months: what should I do?

If your ears have been blocked for months, it’s important not to ignore the problem. Persistent ear blockage can be uncomfortable and may affect hearing, balance, and overall quality of life. While temporary ear congestion is often caused by colds, sinus infections, or allergies, long-term blockage could indicate an underlying condition that requires medical attention. Common causes include earwax build-up, Eustachian tube dysfunction, sinus problems, or fluid trapped behind the eardrum. In some cases, prolonged ear pressure can be linked to allergies or nasal inflammation that prevents proper drainage between the ear and throat. Trying home remedies such as gentle steam inhalation, saline nasal sprays, or over-the-counter decongestants may provide short-term relief — but they won’t solve the issue if it persists. You should see a GP or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist if the blockage lasts more than a few weeks, affects your hearing, or is accompanied by pain, dizziness, or discharge. A professional examination can identify whether earwax removal, medication, or other treatments are necessary. Avoid inserting cotton buds or other objects into your ears, as this can push wax deeper or cause injury. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can restore clear hearing and prevent further complications.

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Waking up with plugged ears: things to know

Waking up with plugged or “full” ears is a common experience and usually results from temporary, benign causes. One of the most frequent reasons is Eustachian tube dysfunction. This small canal connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps balance air pressure. When it becomes blocked due to allergies, a cold, or sinus congestion, you may feel pressure, fullness, or muffled hearing. Another common cause is earwax (cerumen) build-up. During sleep, earwax can harden or shift, leading to a blocked sensation upon waking. Environmental allergens such as dust or pet dander can also inflame nasal passages, affecting the ear’s ability to drain properly. Sleeping position and dry indoor air may make this worse by reducing fluid movement through the Eustachian tubes. Simple remedies can often relieve the discomfort. Yawning, swallowing, or performing the Valsalva manoeuvre (gently blowing with your nose pinched and mouth closed) can help equalise ear pressure. Using a humidifier, staying hydrated, and avoiding the use of cotton buds in the ear canal may also prevent further irritation. If the feeling of blockage lasts more than a few days or is accompanied by pain, hearing loss, dizziness, or fever, it’s important to seek medical attention, as these may indicate an infection or other underlying condition.

How do I decongest my head and ears?

Decongesting your head and ears involves reducing inflammation, clearing mucus, and restoring normal air pressure in your sinuses and Eustachian tubes — the small passages that connect the middle ear to the back of your throat. Here are evidence-based ways to relieve the pressure safely and effectively:

1. Use steam and warmth

Inhale warm steam from a shower or a bowl of hot water for several minutes. The moist heat helps loosen mucus in your nose and sinuses, allowing better drainage. You can also apply a warm compress over your nose, cheeks, or ears to relieve pressure and pain.

2. Stay well hydrated

Drink plenty of water and warm fluids like tea or broth. Proper hydration thins mucus, making it easier for your body to clear nasal and ear congestion naturally.

3. Try nasal saline rinses or sprays

A saline nasal rinse (such as with a neti pot or saline spray) can flush out mucus, allergens, and irritants. Use sterile or distilled water to avoid infection.

4. Use decongestants wisely

Short-term use of oral or nasal decongestants (such as pseudoephedrine or oxymetazoline) can reduce swelling in nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, but nasal sprays shouldn’t be used for more than three days to prevent rebound congestion.

5. Gentle pressure equalisation

Swallow, yawn, or chew gum to help open your Eustachian tubes. The Valsalva manoeuvre — gently blowing with your mouth closed and nose pinched — can also help equalise pressure.

6. Manage underlying causes

If allergies contribute to congestion, antihistamines or nasal steroid sprays may help. If symptoms last longer than 10 days, worsen, or are accompanied by severe ear pain, dizziness, or fever, consult a healthcare professional, as this may indicate a sinus or ear infection.

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How to open a blocked ear at home: safe methods

If your ear feels blocked and you want to relieve it safely at home, the right method depends on the cause — whether it’s due to pressure changes, earwax, or congestion. Here are effective, medically approved ways to help open a blocked ear:

Equalise ear pressure (for colds, allergies, or altitude changes): Swallow, yawn, or chew gum to help the Eustachian tubes open naturally. Try the Valsalva manoeuvre: take a deep breath, close your mouth, pinch your nose, and gently blow as if trying to exhale through your nose. This helps balance ear pressure — but do it gently to avoid harming your eardrum. The Toynbee manoeuvre (swallowing while pinching your nose) can also help.
Loosen earwax safely: If you suspect earwax build-up, soften it using ear drops made of olive oil, mineral oil, glycerin, or over-the-counter carbamide peroxide drops. After a few days, the wax may fall out naturally. Avoid inserting cotton buds or objects into your ear — this can push wax deeper or cause injury.
Relieve congestion: If your blocked ear is linked to a cold or sinus pressure, use a saline nasal spray, stay hydrated, and inhale warm steam from a shower or bowl of water to clear mucus and open the Eustachian tubes.
Use warmth for comfort: A warm compress over the affected ear for 10–15 minutes can improve circulation and ease the sensation of fullness.

If your ear remains blocked for more than a few days, or you experience pain, hearing loss, dizziness, or drainage, it’s important to see a healthcare professional — these may be signs of an ear infection or another underlying issue requiring treatment.

Stuffy nose and clogged ears: can COVID cause them?

Yes, COVID-19 can cause both a stuffy nose and clogged ears. These symptoms are linked to how the virus affects the upper respiratory system, including the nasal passages, sinuses, and Eustachian tubes (the narrow canals that connect the middle ear to the back of the throat).

When you have COVID-19, your body’s immune response triggers inflammation and mucus production in the nasal and sinus tissues. This congestion can block the Eustachian tubes, trapping air and fluid behind the eardrum — leading to pressure, fullness, muffled hearing, or “popping” sensations in the ears.
In some people, COVID-19 may also cause sinus inflammation (sinusitis) or exacerbate existing allergies, both of which can make ear congestion worse. Additionally, inflammation of the auditory system has been reported in a small number of COVID-19 cases, occasionally contributing to temporary hearing changes or tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
For most people, these symptoms improve as the infection resolves. You can relieve discomfort by staying hydrated, inhaling steam, using a saline nasal spray, or applying a warm compress.
If ear fullness, pain, or hearing loss persists after recovery, it’s advisable to see a healthcare professional — lingering Eustachian tube dysfunction or fluid build-up may need medical treatment, especially if symptoms last beyond a few weeks.

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What’s normal vs when to see a doctor

It’s completely normal for your ears to feel a bit blocked from time to time — particularly after a cold, flight, or swim. In most cases, the sensation will ease on its own within a few days as your sinuses clear or earwax works its way out naturally. However, there are times when a blocked ear can indicate something more serious and it’s important to know when to seek medical advice.

If your symptoms are mild, such as occasional fullness or muffled hearing without pain, you can usually start by speaking to your local pharmacist. They can recommend over-the-counter olive oil drops or saline sprays to help soften earwax and ease congestion.
If the blockage doesn’t clear after a week, or if it’s causing discomfort, reduced hearing, or recurring issues, it’s a good idea to book an appointment with your GP. Your doctor can check for earwax impaction, infection, or fluid behind the eardrum.
The NHS no longer routinely offers ear syringing, but earwax removal services are widely available at private ear care clinics and high-street hearing centres such as Specsavers, Boots Hearingcare, or Hidden Hearing. They use safer methods like microsuction or irrigation to remove wax effectively.
You should call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical advice if you experience sudden hearing loss, severe ear pain, dizziness, drainage, or bleeding, as these can be signs of an infection or other underlying issue that needs prompt treatment.
While occasional ear blockage is common and usually harmless, persistent symptoms should never be ignored. Early assessment can help prevent complications and ensure your hearing — and overall ear health — stays protected.

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How to unclog ears from congestion in a safe way?

If your ears feel blocked due to a cold, sinus infection, or allergies, the problem often lies with the Eustachian tubes — small passages that connect your middle ear to the back of your throat. When these tubes become inflamed or filled with mucus, air can’t flow freely, creating that familiar feeling of pressure or fullness. The good news is that most cases clear on their own, and there are several safe ways to ease the discomfort at home.

1. Try gentle pressure-equalising techniques

Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum can help open the Eustachian tubes naturally. You can also try the Valsalva manoeuvre — gently blow while keeping your mouth closed and nose pinched. This helps balance ear pressure, but be careful not to blow too forcefully.

2. Use warmth and steam

Inhaling steam from a shower or bowl of hot water loosens mucus in your sinuses and helps relieve pressure. A warm compress held against the ear for 10–15 minutes can also soothe discomfort.

3. Reduce nasal congestion

Use a saline nasal spray or rinse to clear mucus and ease swelling. Short-term use of decongestant tablets or sprays can help too, but nasal sprays shouldn’t be used for more than three days to avoid rebound congestion.

4. Stay hydrated and rest

Drinking plenty of fluids keeps mucus thin and easier to drain. Resting helps your body recover and reduces inflammation more quickly.

If your ear remains blocked for more than a week, or you notice pain, dizziness, hearing loss, or discharge, it’s best to see a GP or pharmacist. Persistent congestion could signal an ear infection or fluid build-up that needs medical treatment.

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Best medicines and drugs for cold and clogged ears

When your ears feel clogged during or after a cold, it’s usually due to Eustachian tube congestion — swelling and mucus in the small canals that connect your middle ear to the back of your throat. This pressure imbalance can make sounds seem muffled or cause popping sensations. While clogged ears often clear on their own, several safe over-the-counter medicines can help relieve discomfort and speed recovery.

1. Decongestants

Decongestants help reduce swelling in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, improving airflow and pressure balance.

Oral decongestants: Medicines such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) can help relieve both nasal and ear congestion.
Nasal decongestant sprays: Sprays containing oxymetazoline (e.g. Vicks Sinex, Otrivine) can provide quick relief, but should only be used for no more than three days to prevent rebound congestion.

2. Antihistamines (for allergy-related congestion)

If your cold is worsened by hay fever or seasonal allergies, antihistamines can reduce inflammation and mucus. Non-drowsy options like cetirizine or loratadine are available at pharmacies and are safe for most adults.

3. Pain relief

If pressure in your ears causes discomfort, paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease pain and reduce inflammation.

4. Saline nasal sprays and rinses

These are drug-free options that clear mucus and allergens from your nasal passages, helping to unblock the Eustachian tubes naturally.

5. Steam inhalation and hydration

While not medicines, inhaling warm steam and drinking plenty of fluids help thin mucus and support recovery.

If your ears stay blocked for more than a week, or you develop ear pain, fever, or hearing loss, see your GP or pharmacist. Persistent congestion may signal fluid build-up or infection that requires prescription treatment.

Ear drops for clogged ears from cold

If your ears feel clogged during or after a cold, ear drops can help in some cases — but only when used appropriately and for the right cause. Here’s what you should know about using ear drops safely when dealing with congestion.

✅ When ear drops can be appropriate

Ear drops are useful if the blockage is caused by earwax build-up. Drops designed to soften wax — such as those containing olive oil, carbamide peroxide, or water-based softeners — can help the wax loosen and work its way out naturally. However, if your ears feel clogged because of fluid or pressure behind the eardrum (common during a cold when the Eustachian tubes are blocked), ear drops are not usually effective. In those cases, it’s better to focus on treating nasal congestion with saline sprays, steam inhalation, or decongestants.

⚠️ When to avoid ear drops

You should not use ear drops if you suspect a ruptured or perforated eardrum. Warning signs include sharp pain, sudden hearing loss, or discharge from the ear. Using drops in that situation can worsen the problem. If your ear blockage is mostly due to nasal or sinus congestion, ear drops alone will not fix it — you need to relieve the pressure in your nose and Eustachian tubes. Always use drops exactly as directed on the packaging, as incorrect use may irritate the ear canal.

🔍 Practical advice

Ask a pharmacist whether ear drops are suitable for your symptoms, especially if you have had ear problems in the past. If you use wax-softening drops and they don’t help after about a week, book an appointment with your GP or hearing specialist. Persistent hearing loss, pain, or discharge should always be checked. For congestion from a cold, complement any ear drops with nasal saline sprays, steam inhalation, and gentle techniques such as yawning or swallowing to equalise pressure. These methods target the root cause and help your ears return to normal more quickly.

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Practical lifestyle advice for clogged ears

Keeping your ears healthy and preventing that uncomfortable feeling of fullness often comes down to a few simple daily habits. These small adjustments can make a big difference — especially during the UK’s colder months or when you’re travelling.

Stay hydrated and maintain healthy indoor humidity: Dehydration and dry indoor air can thicken mucus and make congestion worse, leading to blocked ears. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, particularly in winter when central heating can dry the air. Using a humidifier or placing a small bowl of water near radiators can help keep your home’s air moist, which supports healthy sinus and ear function.
Take precautions when swimming or flying: Swimmers should use earplugs or a swim cap to prevent water from becoming trapped in the ear canal, which can lead to irritation or infection. After swimming, tilt your head gently to each side to let water drain out. For frequent flyers, changes in air pressure can cause ears to pop or feel blocked. Try swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum during take-off and landing, or use filtered earplugs designed to regulate pressure. Staying hydrated and using a nasal spray before a flight can also help.
Manage symptoms during colds, flu, or COVID: When you’re ill, inflammation and mucus build-up can affect your Eustachian tubes, causing that bunged-up sensation. Rest, stay hydrated, and inhale warm steam to relieve pressure. Using a saline nasal spray or taking an over-the-counter decongestant for short-term relief can also help.

If ear blockage lingers beyond a week, or you develop pain, dizziness, or discharge, it’s best to seek advice from your GP or pharmacist.

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