If you’ve ever experienced that frustrating sensation of blocked or clogged ears whilst battling a cold, you’re certainly not alone. This common complaint affects countless people across Sussex and beyond each year, particularly during the colder months when respiratory infections are more prevalent. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we regularly hear from patients who are concerned about ear congestion during or after a cold, and we understand how unsettling this symptom can be.
The good news is that blocked ears from a cold are typically temporary and resolve on their own. However, understanding why this happens, what you can do to find relief, and when to seek professional help can make all the difference in managing your symptoms effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about ear blockage related to colds, drawing on our experience as a family-run audiology provider serving communities throughout Sussex.
The connection between a common cold and that uncomfortable feeling of ear fullness lies in the anatomy of your ear and how it responds to upper respiratory infections. When you catch a cold, the virus doesn’t just affect your nose and throat; it can have a knock-on effect on your ears as well.
Your ears, nose, and throat are all interconnected through a complex system of passages. The key player in this relationship is the eustachian tube, a narrow channel that runs from the middle ear to the back of your throat. Under normal circumstances, this tube opens and closes regularly to equalise air pressure in your middle ear and drain any fluid that accumulates there. You might notice this happening when you yawn, swallow, or chew, particularly when experiencing changes in altitude.
When you have a cold, however, the inflammation and excess mucus production that affect your nasal passages and sinuses can also impact your eustachian tubes. The lining of these tubes can become swollen and inflamed, whilst mucus can block the opening. This prevents the tube from functioning properly, leading to what’s known as eustachian tube dysfunction.
Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is the medical term for when your eustachian tubes don’t open and close as they should. During a cold or upper respiratory infection, this dysfunction typically occurs due to inflammation and blockage caused by the viral infection.
When your eustachian tubes can’t equalise pressure properly, several things can happen. Air pressure builds up in the middle ear, creating that sensation of fullness or blockage. Fluid may also accumulate in the middle ear space because it can’t drain properly through the blocked tube. This collection of fluid is called middle ear effusion or serous otitis media, and it’s one of the main reasons you might experience muffled hearing alongside the blocked feeling.
According to research from Stanford Medicine, illnesses like the common cold are often the primary cause of temporary eustachian tube dysfunction. The good news is that once your cold resolves and the inflammation subsides, your eustachian tubes typically return to normal function.
Whilst the sensation of blocked ears is the most obvious symptom, eustachian tube dysfunction from a cold can cause several other uncomfortable experiences. Understanding these symptoms can help you recognise what’s happening and decide whether you need professional assistance.
Many people describe the feeling as though their ears are stuffed with cotton wool or as if they’re underwater. You might notice that sounds seem muffled or distant, and you may even hear your own voice differently (a phenomenon called autophony). Some people experience a sense of pressure or fullness in one or both ears, which can range from mildly annoying to quite uncomfortable.
Ear pain or discomfort is another common symptom, though it’s typically less severe than the sharp pain associated with an ear infection. You might also notice occasional popping, clicking, or crackling sounds in your ears as the eustachian tube attempts to open and equalise pressure.
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, can sometimes develop or worsen during a cold due to the pressure changes in your middle ear. If you already experience tinnitus, you might find it becomes more noticeable when you’re congested.
Some people also experience mild dizziness or a sense of imbalance, particularly when standing up quickly or moving their head. This occurs because the fluid in your middle ear can affect your vestibular system, which helps control balance. If you experience significant vertigo or balance problems, we recommend seeking advice from our team at Sussex Audiology Centre, as we offer specialised balance testing and rehabilitation services.
One of the most common questions we hear from patients is how long they can expect their ears to feel blocked after catching a cold. The answer varies from person to person, but there are general timelines that can help you know what to expect.
For most people, ear congestion begins to improve as their cold symptoms resolve. Typically, you might notice your ears feeling blocked for a few days to a couple of weeks after your other cold symptoms have subsided. This is because it takes time for the inflammation in your eustachian tubes to settle down and for any accumulated fluid in your middle ear to drain or be reabsorbed.
In some cases, particularly if there was significant fluid buildup, it can take up to several weeks for your hearing and ear pressure to completely normalise. Children often experience longer recovery times than adults because their eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making drainage more difficult.
If your ear congestion persists beyond three weeks, or if you notice your symptoms worsening rather than improving, it’s important to seek professional advice. Prolonged eustachian tube dysfunction can sometimes lead to complications that require intervention.
Whilst most cases of cold-related ear blockage resolve without intervention, persistent eustachian tube dysfunction can occasionally lead to complications that require professional attention.
One of the most common complications is the development of an ear infection, known medically as acute otitis media. When fluid sits in your middle ear for an extended period, it can become infected with bacteria. Signs that your blocked ear has progressed to an infection include increased ear pain, fever, fluid draining from your ear, and generally feeling unwell.
Another potential issue is the development of persistent middle ear effusion, where fluid remains trapped in the middle ear for weeks or even months. This condition can cause ongoing hearing difficulties and may require medical treatment to resolve. According to NHS guidance on middle ear infections, seeking timely advice can help prevent these complications from developing.
In rare cases, chronic eustachian tube dysfunction can lead to changes in the eardrum or the formation of a cholesteatoma (an abnormal skin growth in the middle ear). These conditions require specialist intervention to prevent long-term hearing damage.
If you’re experiencing blocked ears from a cold, there are several safe and effective home remedies you can try to help ease your symptoms and promote drainage.
Steam inhalation is one of the most beneficial approaches. Breathing in warm, moist air can help reduce inflammation in your nasal passages and eustachian tubes whilst loosening mucus. You can do this by having a hot shower, using a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head, or using a humidifier in your bedroom. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus or peppermint oil can provide additional relief, though this isn’t necessary for effectiveness.
Applying a warm compress to the affected ear can also provide comfort and may help reduce inflammation. Simply soak a clean flannel in warm (not hot) water, wring it out, and hold it against your ear for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.
Staying well-hydrated is crucial when you have a cold. Drinking plenty of water helps thin mucus secretions, making them easier to clear from your nasal passages and eustachian tubes. Warm fluids like herbal tea or broth can be particularly soothing.
Over-the-counter nasal decongestants or saline nasal sprays can help reduce swelling in your nasal passages and may improve eustachian tube function. However, you shouldn’t use medicated nasal decongestant sprays for more than a few days, as prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion. Always follow the instructions on the packaging and consult with a pharmacist if you have any concerns.
When your ears feel blocked due to pressure differences, you might find relief through gentle techniques that encourage your eustachian tubes to open and equalise pressure. Cleveland Clinic experts recommend several safe methods to help pop clogged ears. We often recommend these techniques to our patients at our hearing assessment appointments when they mention ear congestion.
Yawning and swallowing are two of the most natural ways to open your eustachian tubes. You might find that deliberately yawning several times in succession provides temporary relief. Chewing gum or sucking on hard-boiled sweets can also help, as the repeated swallowing action encourages the tubes to open.
The Valsalva manoeuvre is another technique that some people find helpful, though it should be performed gently. To try this, take a deep breath, pinch your nostrils closed, close your mouth, and gently try to exhale through your nose. You should feel a slight popping sensation as air is forced through your eustachian tubes. However, it’s important not to blow too hard, as this can potentially damage your eardrum or push infection further into your middle ear.
A gentler alternative is the Toynbee manoeuvre, which involves pinching your nostrils closed and swallowing at the same time. This creates a different type of pressure change that can help open your eustachian tubes without the risks associated with forceful blowing.
When you’re dealing with ear congestion from a cold, certain activities can worsen your symptoms or potentially cause complications. We always advise our patients to be mindful of these situations until their ears have returned to normal.
Flying is one of the most significant concerns. The pressure changes during takeoff and landing can be extremely uncomfortable when your eustachian tubes aren’t functioning properly, and in some cases, it can even cause damage to your eardrum. If you must fly whilst congested, try using a decongestant before your flight and practice ear-popping techniques frequently during ascent and descent. The British Tinnitus Association offers helpful guidance on managing ear pressure during air travel.
Similarly, scuba diving should be avoided until your ears have completely cleared. The significant pressure changes underwater require properly functioning eustachian tubes, and diving with congested ears can lead to serious complications including barotrauma.
Swimming, particularly diving underwater or swimming at depth, can also be problematic. Water pressure can exacerbate ear discomfort, and there’s an increased risk of introducing infection if water enters the ear canal. If you do swim, stay at the surface and consider wearing earplugs designed for swimming.
Exposure to loud noises should also be minimised when your ears are congested. Your middle ear plays a role in protecting your inner ear from loud sounds, and when it’s filled with fluid or experiencing pressure imbalances, this protective mechanism may not work as effectively.
Whilst most cases of ear congestion from a cold resolve on their own, there are certain situations where professional assessment is important. At Sussex Audiology Centre, we’re here to help when home remedies aren’t providing relief or when you’re concerned about your symptoms.
You should seek professional advice if your ear blockage persists for more than two to three weeks after your cold symptoms have resolved. Prolonged eustachian tube dysfunction or persistent fluid in the middle ear may require intervention to prevent complications or long-term hearing issues.
If you develop signs of an ear infection, such as severe ear pain, fever, fluid draining from your ear, or sudden worsening of symptoms, it’s important to get professional help promptly. Whilst we’re audiologists rather than doctors, our team can assess your ears and direct you to appropriate medical care if needed.
Sudden or significant hearing loss in one or both ears should never be ignored, even if you have a cold. Similarly, if you experience severe dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems beyond mild unsteadiness, this warrants professional assessment through our vestibular rehabilitation services.
If you already have an existing hearing condition or wear hearing aids, it’s worth having your ears checked if you experience prolonged blockage after a cold. Sometimes what seems like eustachian tube dysfunction can actually be earwax buildup that has become more noticeable due to your cold symptoms. Our professional ear wax removal service using microsuction can safely and effectively clear any buildup.
We also encourage you to seek advice if you experience recurrent episodes of ear congestion, even without having a cold each time. This could indicate chronic eustachian tube dysfunction or another underlying condition that would benefit from assessment and management.
Whilst you can’t always prevent ear congestion when you catch a cold, there are steps you can take to minimise your risk and reduce the severity of symptoms.
Managing your cold symptoms promptly and effectively is key. The sooner you address nasal congestion and inflammation, the less likely it is to affect your eustachian tubes. Using saline nasal rinses, staying hydrated, and resting adequately can all help your body fight off the infection more quickly.
Avoiding exposure to cigarette smoke and other pollutants is particularly important when you have a cold. These irritants can worsen inflammation in your respiratory system and eustachian tubes, prolonging your recovery.
If you’re prone to ear congestion during colds, you might consider sleeping with your head slightly elevated. This can help promote drainage and reduce congestion overnight.
For those who experience recurrent issues, maintaining good overall ear health year-round is beneficial. Regular hearing assessments can help identify any underlying conditions that might make you more susceptible to ear problems during colds.
One concern we often address at our clinics across Sussex is helping patients understand whether their blocked ear sensation is temporary or indicative of a more significant hearing problem. This distinction is important because it influences whether you need immediate intervention or simply time to heal.
Temporary hearing changes from a cold typically affect both ears (though not always equally), come on gradually as your cold develops, and are accompanied by other cold symptoms. You’ll likely notice a consistent muffled quality to sounds rather than complete inability to hear certain frequencies. This type of hearing change should improve as your cold resolves.
However, if you experience sudden hearing loss in one ear without other ear symptoms, or if your hearing doesn’t improve as your cold gets better, this could indicate a different issue such as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, which requires urgent medical attention.
If you’ve had multiple colds or ongoing ear congestion and you’re concerned that your hearing hasn’t returned to normal, a comprehensive hearing assessment at Sussex Audiology Centre can help determine whether there’s any lasting impact on your hearing. Our team includes Hearing Aid Audiologists, Audiological Scientists, and Hearing Therapists who can provide thorough evaluation and personalised recommendations.
Children are particularly susceptible to ear congestion during colds for several anatomical reasons. Their eustachian tubes are shorter, more horizontal, and narrower than adults’, making it easier for fluid to become trapped and harder for it to drain properly.
If your child complains of blocked ears during or after a cold, the same general principles apply, but children may need extra monitoring. Young children might not be able to clearly communicate their symptoms, so watch for signs such as tugging at their ears, difficulty hearing you when you speak, seeming unresponsive to sounds, balance problems, or irritability.
Most children’s ear congestion from colds will resolve on its own, but if symptoms persist or if your child develops fever or severe ear pain, medical assessment is important. Recurrent ear problems in children may require specialist evaluation to ensure their hearing and speech development aren’t being affected.
As a family-run audiology provider, we take pride in offering personalised, comprehensive care to patients throughout Sussex. We understand that ear and hearing concerns can be worrying, which is why we’ve built our practice around accessible, expert support delivered with genuine care and attention.
Our multi-disciplinary team brings together expertise across various aspects of audiology, from hearing assessments and hearing aid fitting to balance testing and rehabilitation. We offer appointments at multiple clinics across Sussex, and we also provide home visits for patients who find it difficult to travel to our clinics.
Whether you’re experiencing ongoing ear congestion after a cold, concerned about your hearing, or simply want professional advice about managing ear health, we’re here to help. We offer free consultations and free hearing aid assessments, making it easy to access the professional support you need without financial barriers.
Experiencing blocked ears when you have a cold is a common and usually temporary problem that affects many people each year. Understanding the connection between colds and eustachian tube dysfunction can help you manage your symptoms more effectively and know when to seek professional advice.
In most cases, ear congestion from a cold will resolve on its own as your body fights off the infection and inflammation subsides. Home remedies like steam inhalation, staying hydrated, and gentle pressure-equalising techniques can provide relief whilst you recover. However, if your symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, worsen rather than improve, or are accompanied by severe pain, hearing loss, or balance problems, professional assessment is important.
At Sussex Audiology Centre, we’re committed to supporting the ear and hearing health of our local community across Sussex. Whether you need advice about managing blocked ears, a comprehensive hearing assessment, or specialist services like ear wax removal or balance testing, our experienced team is here to provide the care you deserve.
Remember, your hearing is precious, and even seemingly minor issues like prolonged ear congestion after a cold deserve proper attention. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns about your ear health.
Q: Why do my ears feel more blocked after my cold has gone away?
A: This is actually quite common and usually indicates that whilst your respiratory symptoms have improved, the inflammation and fluid in your middle ear take longer to resolve. Your nasal passages and throat recover more quickly than your eustachian tubes, which can remain swollen for one to three weeks after your other cold symptoms have cleared. The fluid that accumulated in your middle ear during your cold also takes time to drain or be reabsorbed by your body. If the blocked feeling persists beyond three weeks, we recommend having your ears assessed professionally to ensure there are no complications.
Q: Can I use olive oil ear drops if my ears feel blocked from a cold?
A: Olive oil ear drops can be helpful if you also have earwax buildup contributing to the blocked sensation, but they won’t directly address eustachian tube dysfunction or middle ear fluid from a cold. The blocked feeling from a cold originates in your middle ear (behind your eardrum), whilst olive oil works in your ear canal (in front of your eardrum). If you’re unsure whether earwax is contributing to your symptoms, our team can examine your ears and provide appropriate recommendations, including our professional ear wax removal service if needed.
Q: Is it safe to use over-the-counter decongestants for ear congestion?
A: Over-the-counter oral decongestants or nasal decongestant sprays can be helpful for reducing the inflammation that contributes to eustachian tube dysfunction. However, nasal decongestant sprays shouldn’t be used for more than three to five days consecutively, as prolonged use can lead to rebound congestion. Always read the packaging carefully, follow the recommended dosage, and consult with a pharmacist if you have any medical conditions or take other medications. If you’re uncertain about what’s safe for you, we’re happy to provide guidance during a consultation.
Q: How can I tell if my blocked ear has become infected?
A: Signs that your blocked ear may have progressed to an infection include increasing ear pain rather than gradual improvement, fever, fluid draining from your ear (particularly if it’s yellow, green, or has an unpleasant odour), sudden worsening of hearing, or feeling generally unwell. You might also notice increased redness or swelling around your ear. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical advice promptly. An infected ear typically requires antibiotic treatment and shouldn’t be left untreated.
Q: Will my hearing return to normal after my ears unblock?
A: In the vast majority of cases, yes. Once the eustachian tube dysfunction resolves and any fluid in your middle ear drains, your hearing should return to its pre-cold state. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks after your cold has resolved. If you notice that your hearing hasn’t fully recovered several weeks after your cold, or if you’re concerned about any persistent changes, we recommend booking a hearing assessment. Our comprehensive testing can determine whether there’s been any lasting impact on your hearing and identify any other factors that might be affecting your ability to hear clearly.
Q: Can stress or anxiety make blocked ears from a cold feel worse?
A: Whilst stress and anxiety don’t directly cause the physical blockage in your ears, they can certainly make the symptoms feel more noticeable and distressing. When you’re anxious, you tend to focus more on physical sensations, which can make the blocked feeling seem more severe. Additionally, stress can sometimes affect how your body heals and recovers from illness. If you’re feeling particularly anxious about your ear symptoms, speaking with our team can provide reassurance. We can examine your ears, explain what’s happening, and give you a realistic timeline for recovery, which often helps reduce anxiety about the symptoms.
If you’re experiencing persistent ear congestion after a cold, have concerns about your hearing, or simply want expert advice about your ear health, our team at Sussex Audiology Centre is here to support you. As a trusted, family-run audiology provider serving communities across Sussex, we combine clinical expertise with genuine care and attention.
We offer free consultations where we can assess your concerns, examine your ears, and provide personalised recommendations for your specific situation. Whether you need a hearing assessment, ear wax removal, or advice about managing ongoing ear problems, we’re committed to helping you achieve optimal ear and hearing health.
Don’t let blocked ears or hearing concerns go unaddressed. Get in touch with us today by emailing info@sussexaudiologycentre.co.uk or visiting our contact page to book an appointment at one of our clinics across Sussex. We look forward to helping you hear clearly and feel comfortable again.
4 June 2023
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