My ear keeps plugging up? How do you clean them out?

Question

My ENT has warned me never ever ever to use qtips in my ears. But whenever i get a sinus infection, my ear plugs up for months. Does anybody know of any at home remedies to clean them out?

Thanx for the diagnosis hearkat, but I need a solution! :)
FYI, the sinus infection is long gone, but the ear is still plugged.

Answer 1

The clogged sensation you get from sinus/upper respiratory infections (URI) is NOT the same as an accumulation of wax in your outer ear. The Eustachian tube that connects the middle ear space behind the eardrum to the back of the throat can become inflamed from a URI or allergies, or blocked by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.

When it is unable to open and close to regulate the air pressure in the middle ear, you can get a build-up of negative pressure, similar to when you are on an airplane. This can be quite painful, even when the pressure is not at a level that is considered abnormal or pathologic. You might also find that your hearing is muffled and there may also be ringing in the effected ear(s).

To help relieve the pressure, heat and steam are often recommended. You can also hold your mouth and nose closed and blow gently to force air pressure up through the Eustachian tube to 'pop' your ear. This is called the ValSalva maneuver, and can also be used during air travel or other altitude/pressure changes. Just use caution that if you do have a lot of mucus in your nose, that you don't blow so hard that it forces the mucus up into the ear.

If it persists, the pressure can lead to a build-up of fluid in the middle ear space, which may block your hearing even more. If the fluid becomes infected, you will also have pain and fever. If left untreated, the infection could cause the eardrum to rupture, or the infection can spread to the mastoid bones around the ear, or even cross over into the brain in rare, extreme cases.

If this sensation tends to last for months after a URI, consult your ENT to discuss trying a nasal spray to help reduce inflammation and congestion. You may also want to be tested for allergies, if you haven't already.

Answer 2

It really depends on whether the plugged ears are on the inside of the ear (behind the ear drum) or on the outside.

If its on the inside, try taking extra Vitamin C and Quercitin during the sinus infection and afterwards to help your body repair it. Plus lots and lots of water.
My grandmother swore by a glass of hot water with lemon juice every morning and night to keep the ears clear.
You can also get decongestant teas and herbs that could help.

If the plugging is in the outer ear, there are products you can buy in drugstores that include a syringe bulb and solution that will loosen and help remove ear wax buildup.

Answer 3

Just use q tips to clean the outer portion of ears.

Can you heat a little clean cap full of peroxide - just enough to be warm but can't burn your ear and place in ear - let bubble.
Repeat if needed and then head to a hot shower to let the ear drain - and steam.

Just worth a try. chew/swallow a lot (water, clear fluids)
take a sinus medicine to help your nose drain.

Answer 4

You can get these ear wax candles at the health food store (don't just use any old candles, these are special!) You melt the candle and drip it into the ear, it solidifies and you pull it out with the ear wax! It works great :)