HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)clogged earI have been suffering from a blocked left ear for 13 days. Please help.

How to get rid of ear blockage leading to muffled sound, cracking, and popping?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Oliyath Ali

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 17, 2023
Reviewed AtDecember 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

For the past 13 days, I have had a blocked left ear. The sound feels muffled, and I can hear popping and cracking. When I swallow., I feel fullness in the ear and I am unsure what to do. This has come on after a sinus infection, which I believe has triggered ETD.

Will this go away?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Oliyath Ali

Hello,

Welcome to iclinq.com.

Yes, it is because of eustachian tube dysfunction. I suggest you take nasal decongestants, mucolytics and systemic decongestants. Do not worry, it will improve.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

  1. Can these symptoms of the ear linger for a few weeks?
  2. Also, are the popping noises a good sign that the eustachian tube is trying to open?
  3. Would you recommend a gentle Valsalva Maneuver?

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Oliyath Ali

Hello,

Welcome back to iclinq.com.

Yes, the symptoms can linger on for up to three to four weeks, but there is nothing to be worried about. It will resolve entirely. Popping is a good sign. You can do Valsalva very gently, but do it only after a few days, when the infection and inflammation in the nose get resolved, otherwise you will push the infected phlegm and mucus back into the middle ear through the eustachian tube.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have popping and cracking when I swallow. What could this mean? My nasal congestion has cleared. Shall I continue taking the decongestant for my ETD? My hearing has improved. The only symptoms that now remain are the popping and cracking when I swallow and slight fullness in the ear. It has been three and a half weeks now since I experienced this issue. Will this get better slowly and gradually? And is there any chance of further damage if left untreated? Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Oliyath Ali

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

The popping is because of the opening and closing of the eustachian tube and the crackling sound is because of some fluid remaining in the middle ear. It will get drained out completely once the eustachian tube function gets restored fully. I suggest you continue taking nasal decongestants. Also, get a pure tone audiometry and impedance audiometry done.

I wish you good health.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I do not have hearing loss. I just have the symptoms of cracking and very slight fullness of the ear. I hope there is nothing to worry about. You mentioned that these symptoms can linger for a few weeks until they eventually clear. Am I correct? Would you recommend any ear drops like sodium bicarbonate? Kindly suggest.

Answered by Dr. Oliyath Ali

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Glad to have you back.

Ear drops will not help. It is not something to be worried about. It will clear fully. I suggest you do steam inhalations in plain water. Also, take nasal decongestants and mucolytics. Impedance audiometry will determine the status of the middle ear. Is there any fluid present and how is the movement of the tympanic membrane?

I hope you had a pleasant experience at icliniq.

Thank you.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Oliyath Ali
Dr. Oliyath Ali

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

ear blockageclogged ear

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy