The Quick Answer to: Why Do My Ears Feel Clogged But No Wax?

A clogged or stuffy ear is often caused by fluid in the middle ear, sinus pressure, allergies, altitude changes, or eustachian tube dysfunction. These are usually temporary and not serious. But in some cases, a sudden blocked ear with muffled hearing can be a sign of sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) — a medical concern that requires immediate assessment. If your ear feels clogged without obvious wax and the change comes on suddenly, you should see an audiologist or physician right away.

 

Why Do My Ears Feel Clogged? Our Kelowna hearing clinic can help.

Most people will feel a sense of fullness or pressure in the ear at some point. It can make sounds seem muted or distorted, and it’s uncomfortable. While the most common causes are benign, it’s important to check your hearing if the sensation doesn’t go away — or if it happens suddenly — to rule out anything more serious.

Common Causes of Clogged or Muffled Ears

Fluid in the Ear / Middle Ear Infection (Otitis Media)

• Fluid buildup from colds or infections causes pressure, pain, and muffled hearing.
• More common in children but can affect adults.

Impacted Earwax

• Even when you don’t see wax, hardened or deep wax can block the canal.
• Symptoms may include fullness, itching, tinnitus, or temporary hearing loss.

Sinus Pressure and Allergies

• Inflammation from sinus infections, colds, or seasonal allergies can block the eustachian tube.
• Leads to pressure and muffled hearing.

Noise Damage (Temporary Threshold Shift)

• After a loud concert or noisy work shift, ears may feel clogged and ringing.
• Usually clears within 24–48 hours, but repeated exposure raises risk of permanent loss.

Eustachian Tube Dysfunction / Altitude Changes

• Common during flights, diving, or mountain driving.
• Severe pressure differences can cause barotrauma.

Other Causes (Less Common)

• Outer ear infection (swimmer’s ear)
• Cholesteatoma (skin growth behind the eardrum)
• Ménière’s disease (often with dizziness/tinnitus)
• Anxiety or panic attacks (pressure sensation without a physical cause)
• Traumatic brain injury

A Critical Note: Sudden Hearing Loss

If your ear feels clogged suddenly and the muffled hearing does not improve within hours, it could be sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL). This is a medical emergency that needs urgent testing and referral. Don’t assume it’s just congestion or wax — have your hearing assessed by an audiologist or physician as soon as possible.

Treatment Options for Clogged Ears

At-Home Remedies

• Yawning, chewing, swallowing to open the eustachian tube.
• Valsalva or Toynbee maneuvers (gently equalizing pressure).
• Warm compresses or steam inhalation for sinus-related issues.
• Over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines.
• Wax softening drops (mineral oil, olive oil).

Medical Treatments

• Professional earwax removal by an RHIP, audiologist or ENT.
• Antibiotics for bacterial ear infections.
• Prescription antihistamines or nasal sprays for allergy-related issues.
• ENT procedures for chronic or severe blockages.

Prevention Tips

• Protect your ears from loud noise with earplugs or by lowering volume.
• Avoid inserting cotton swabs or other objects into your ears.
• Manage allergies and sinus conditions proactively.
• Use proper ear protection during air travel or diving if prone to barotrauma.

When to See a Doctor or Audiologist

You should seek care:

• If your ears feel clogged suddenly and don’t clear within hours.
• If symptoms last more than a few days.
• If you notice pain, fever, drainage, or dizziness.
• If you have new hearing loss, tinnitus, or ongoing muffled hearing.
• If a child under six months has ear symptoms.

Local Hearing Support in Kelowna and Lake Country

At Lakeside Hearing, our audiologists can quickly check whether a clogged ear is something simple — or something that needs urgent referral. We use diagnostic hearing testing to rule out medical concerns like SSNHL and to find safe, effective treatment for wax, infections, or other causes.

📞 Book a hearing health appointment today at Lakeside Hearing if clogged or muffled ears are interfering with your daily life.