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Common Conditions We Treat at Vitality Urgent Care

Condition icon: Ear
Clogged Ear

A clogged ear is a full, plugged feeling in the ear, often with muffled hearing. A clogged ear usually comes from earwax, a cold, allergies, or pressure changes. Most clear on their own or with simple steps.

What Is It

The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. When it swells from a cold or allergies, pressure builds and the ear feels plugged. Earwax can also block the ear canal. Water trapped after swimming can cause the same feeling.

Symptoms

  • A full or plugged feeling in the ear
  • Muffled hearing
  • Popping or crackling sounds
  • Mild ear pressure or discomfort
  • Ringing in the ear
  • Feeling slightly off balance

Not sure what is causing it? A plugged ear that feels blocked deep in the canal may be earwax blockage. Plugged ears with pain and fever may be an ear infection.

Treatment

At your visit: A provider looks in the ear to find the cause. Earwax can be removed with gentle flushing or small tools. Fluid behind the eardrum from a cold or allergies may be treated with nasal sprays or decongestants.

At home:

  • Swallow, yawn, or chew gum to open the ear tube
  • Breathe steam from a warm shower
  • Use a saline nasal spray for congestion
  • Do not use cotton swabs in the ear

Most clogged ears from a cold clear within 1 to 2 weeks.

When to Get Care for a Clogged Ear

Most clogged ears can be cared for at home. If you are not sure what it is, or it is not getting better, Vitality Urgent Care is here to answer your questions and advise the right treatment. No appointment is needed.

FAQ

How do I unclog my ear?

To unclog your ear, try swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, or gently blowing with your nose pinched and mouth closed. Steam and saline spray can help when congestion is the cause.

Why does my ear feel clogged but no wax?

An ear can feel clogged without wax when the eustachian tube is swollen from a cold, allergies, or pressure changes. Fluid behind the eardrum can also cause it.

How long does a clogged ear last?

A clogged ear from a cold or flight usually clears within a few days to 2 weeks. A plug that lasts longer should be checked.

Can a clogged ear cause dizziness?

Yes, a clogged ear can cause mild dizziness or a feeling of being off balance. Severe spinning dizziness has other causes and should be checked.

Can urgent care treat a clogged ear?

Yes, urgent care can treat a clogged ear. At Vitality Urgent Care, a provider can look in the ear and remove wax when it is the cause. No appointment or referral is needed.

Should I use ear candles for a clogged ear?

No, ear candles should not be used for a clogged ear. They do not remove wax and can cause burns or block the ear canal.

Last reviewed October 2026

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