Eustachian tubes (or auditory tubes) are small ducts in the head that connect the ears to the back of the nostrils. These tubes can sometimes become blocked due to colds or allergies; in severe cases, medical attention from an otolaryngologist is required. However, when the ailment is mild or moderate, you can treat it yourself at home with home remedies, over-the-counter medications, or prescription solutions.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Home Remedies
Step 1. Recognize the symptoms
Regardless of the cause (cold, allergy, or infection), the swelling prevents the Eustachian tubes from opening properly and allowing air to pass through. This causes pressure changes and, at times, the accumulation of fluid in the ear. If so, you should experience the following symptoms:
- Pain or a feeling of "fullness" in the ear.
- Popping or buzzing and the feeling that the noises are not coming from the outside environment.
- Babies may describe popping as a "tickling" sensation.
- Trouble hearing clearly.
- Dizziness and difficulty maintaining balance.
- Symptoms may be more intense when you change altitude rapidly, for example during a flight, on an elevator, or while hiking or driving in mountainous areas.
Step 2. Move your jaw
This is a very simple maneuver, which simply consists of pushing the jaw forward and sliding it and moving it back and forth, from side to side. If the ear blockage is moderate, this technique can clear the Eustachian tubes by opening them and reestablishing normal airflow. Some call this the "Edmonds maneuver".
Step 3. Perform the Valsalva maneuver
This technique, which involves forcing air through the blocked passage and re-establishing the air flow, must always be done with caution. When trying to get air through blocked passages, you always take advantage of the air pressure in your body, and a sudden passage of air when you release your breath can cause a rapid change in blood pressure and heart rate.
- Take a deep breath and hold the air, close your mouth and pinch your nostrils to close those too.
- Try blowing air through closed nostrils.
- If the maneuver is successful, you should hear a popping sound in your ears and notice that your symptoms have lessened.
Step 4. Try the Toynbee Maneuver
Like Valsalva's, this is also a forced compensation maneuver to open blocked Eustachian tubes. Rather than regulating the air pressure through breathing, it relies on changing the air pressure through swallowing. To perform this maneuver:
- Close your nostrils.
- Take a sip of water.
- Swallow.
- Repeat this until you feel your ears pop and open.
Step 5. Inflate a balloon through the nose
You may feel silly and stupid, but this action, called the "Otovent maneuver", can be effective in balancing the air pressure in your ears. Buy an "Otovent balloon" online or at a pharmacy or parapharmacy. This device is just a normal latex balloon equipped with a nozzle that fits into the nostril. If you have a nozzle at home that fits securely into a balloon opening and nostril, you can make this device yourself.
- Insert the nozzle into one nostril and close the other with your finger.
- Try inflating the balloon using only your open nostril, until it is the size of a fist.
- Repeat the procedure with the other nostril. Continue this operation until you hear the "pop" of the flow of air passing through the now free auditory tube.
Step 6. Swallow with a stuffy nose
This maneuver, also referred to as the Lowery maneuver, is a little more difficult than it looks. Before swallowing, you need to create some air pressure in your body by bending over as if trying to defecate. When you hold your breath and block your nose you should feel as if you are trying to blow air through all of the blocked orifices in your body. Some people find it difficult to swallow under these circumstances, due to the increased air pressure in the body. Try to be patient and keep insisting. With enough practice, you will be able to free and open your ears.
Step 7. Place an electric warmer or warm cloth against your ear
This simple solution can both relieve pain and unblock the closed channel. The gentle warmth of a hot pack can help loosen congestion by "uncorking" the Eustachian tubes. If you use the electric warmer, be sure to put a cloth between the appliance and your skin to avoid getting burned.
Step 8. Use nasal decongestants
Ear drops are unable to unblock congestion because the obstruction is in an internal area. Since the ears and nose are connected through the auditory tubes, the nasal spray is an effective way to treat the obstruction of the Eustachian tubes. Insert the nasal spray vial into the nostril by tilting the nozzle towards the back of the throat, almost perpendicular to the face. As you spray the decongestant, inhale through your nose quite firmly, so that the liquid flows into the back of your throat, but not too hard to swallow or enter your mouth.
Try one of the pressure balancing maneuvers described above after spraying the decongestant, as they may be more effective at this time
Step 9. Take antihistamines if the problem is due to an allergy
While these medications are not usually the primary method of treating a blocked ear canal, they can help relieve congestion due to allergies. Ask your doctor if this is a good solution for you.
Note that antihistamines are not usually recommended for ear infections
Method 2 of 2: Medical Care
Step 1. Ask for medicated nasal sprays
While you can use regular over-the-counter decongestant products to treat blocked ear canals, you can be more successful with prescription medications, which are stronger. If you have allergies, ask your doctor to prescribe a steroid nasal spray and / or antihistamines to help relieve the discomfort.
Step 2. Take antibiotics if you have an ear infection
Although an Eustachian tube blockage is often a harmless and short-lived disorder, it can lead to painful and debilitating ear infections. If the problem progresses to this point, you need to see your doctor for a prescription for antibiotics. Generally, however, your doctor cannot prescribe them if you do not also have a fever of 39 ° C or higher that has lasted for 48 hours.
Strictly follow the instructions on the dosage to be taken. Make sure you finish the full course of antibiotics, even if your symptoms seem to clear up before you have taken them completely
Step 3. Discuss with your doctor the possibility of having a myringotomy
If your Eustachian tube obstruction is really severe, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment to restore normal airflow in the middle ear. There are two types of surgery for this problem, and myringotomy is the fastest option. The surgeon makes a small incision in the eardrum and aspirates the fluid that has been trapped in the middle ear. While it may seem counterintuitive, it is actually important that the incision heals slowly. If the cut remains open for a long enough time, it allows the Eustachian tube to deflate until it returns to normal. If it heals quickly (in less than 3 days), fluid can collect back in the middle ear and symptoms may persist.
Step 4. Consider equipping yourself with trans-tympanic ventilation tubes, also called "pressure equalization tubes"
Surgery is also necessary in this case, but it has a greater chance of success, albeit a long and exhausting process. Just like with myringotomy, the doctor makes an incision in the eardrum and sucks in the fluid that has accumulated in the middle ear. At this point he inserts a tube into the eardrum to allow ventilation in the middle ear. When the eardrum heals, the tube is spontaneously pushed out of the body, but this process can take up to 6-12 months. This is a method recommended for people who have chronic problems with Eustachian tube blockage, so you need to discuss it properly with your ENT.
- You must completely protect your ears from water, during the time you have inserted the ventilation tubes. Put on earplugs or cotton balls while taking a shower and use specific earplugs when swimming.
- If water passes through the ear canal and into the middle ear, it could cause an infection.
Step 5. Treat the underlying cause
Blocked Eustachian tubes are usually the result of some type of disease that creates mucus and tissue swelling, blocking the normal passage of air. The main factors responsible for mucus accumulation and tissue swelling in this area are colds, flu, sinus infections, and allergies. Keep an eye on these disorders at all times, so that they cannot escalate to the point of inner ear problems. Make sure you get proper treatment for colds and flu as soon as symptoms appear, and talk to your doctor about maintenance treatments for recurring sinus infections and allergies.
Advice
- If you know you have fluid in your ears, don't use earwax removers, as they can cause infections. you also don't need it because it is a fluid material and not earwax.
- Do not lie down completely when you suffer from earache.
- Instead of cold water, try to drink a hot drink like tea.
- Try dissolving a couple of papaya tablets (chewable only) in your mouth. Papain, the main ingredient in unripe papaya, is very effective at loosening mucus. Alternatively, you can also try fenugreek.
- Put a second pillow to raise your head when you go to bed; this helps you drain fluids better and relieve sleep discomfort.
- If you experience pain associated with clogged ears, see your doctor for analgesic drops. You can also try taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium for pain relief.
- Wear a hat that covers your ears to keep your ears and head warm. This makes it easier for liquid to escape while you are doing other chores.
Warnings
- Do not use an over-the-counter nasal spray for more than a few days, as abuse of this product may cause more problems than it solves. If the spray does not bring satisfactory results in a few days, consult your doctor.
- Avoid washing your ears with a neti pot or using ear cleaning candles. The use of these products has not been recognized safe with regard to clearing clogged ears.
- Don't go scuba diving when you have Eustachian tube and pressure regulation problems! This could lead to painful "barotrauma" due to a pressure imbalance.
