One of the most bothersome conditions of the ear is a plugged sensation that causes you to hear only muffled voices. This story highlights the causes of plugged ears, which can definitely help you relieve this problem.
Plugged or blocked ears can be simply annoying for those who experience them. Sometimes, such a condition is accompanied by inner-ear pain that further worsens the condition.
You probably try every remedy that you can possibly think of, but, if the condition is slightly more serious than it appears, these home remedies are not going to work. It is important then, that you visit a doctor at the earliest.
In rare cases, it is possible that the plugged ears sensation is a symptom of another condition, and may signify loss of hearing.
Causes
There are numerous causes of a plugged ear, and these conditions may range from mild to severe as follows:
Buildup of Earwax: More often than not, one of the causes of blocked ears is simply the buildup of earwax. So, if you haven't been cleaning your ears regularly, it is likely that you can hear all those muffled sounds, and not clear voices.
A buildup of earwax may also cause you some pain and discomfort. Attempt the methods of earwax removal, and see if you feel relieved.
Water in the Ears: A condition also popularly known as swimmer's ear, when water gets clogged in the ear due to swimming or bathing, is likely to cause the sensation of clogged ears. Usually, water in the ear can be treated by tilting your head towards the right or the left (depending on the ear that is clogged) to allow the water to drain out naturally.
Do not lie down as this will not help in any way and may, in fact, worsen the sensation.
Infection of the Ear: It is likely that one of the causes may be an ear infection, that usually appears following a cold. This is the case when the middle ear is blocked due to the accumulation of mucus, a condition known as effusion. Taking care of the cold also takes care of the blocked ears in most cases.
However, in case of ear infections, it is always advisable to visit an ENT specialist who may prescribe some ear drops and other medications to you.
Loud Noises: If you suddenly hear a loud noise or have been exposed to loud noises for a prolonged period, one of its effects is a clogged ear. This condition may also result in a temporary hearing loss. Again, to treat this condition it is important that you visit a specialist.
Sometimes loud noises affect the ears in ways that you may not be able to understand, so consulting a specialist is important.
Changes in Pressure and Altitude: You may have noticed that when you travel on a plane, or when you travel to higher altitudes such as hills and mountains, your ears tend to start feeling clogged. This is one of the most common causes of this condition. The best way to unclog ears in this case is to try to yawn continuously.
Bony Growth in Ears: A common condition in swimmers, a bony growth in the outer ear may result in plugged ears to start with, followed by gradual hearing loss. This growth may also cause bleeding of the ear and a subsequent infection. Only a specialist can treat this problem.
Meniere's Disease: Meniere's disease is a condition characterized by plugged ear sensation, dizziness, muffled sounds, and gradual loss of hearing. There is no cure for this condition; however, medication can be administered to relieve the pressure and the blocked ear sensation.
It may be possible that blocked ears is a symptom of some underlying medical condition. Therefore, do not ignore your condition if it persists. Ear problems are often overlooked initially, but ignoring them for too long can definitely be a cause for trouble later. Visit your doctor at the earliest and get yourself some relief from this annoying sensation.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.