For the past week or so I've had trouble with my right ear plugging, especially when I am outdoors and sniffle. It can stay plugged for quite a while and it is very annoying. In the past, I have had trouble with wax build up but use a softener and let water run into my ears when I shower. I do not use Q-tips. I am healthy at the moment with no cold, so I do not understand why this is happening all of a sudden. Does anybody have an ideas on either what is causing this or what I can do to relieve the problem? I would really appreciate any advice! Thank you!

Water in the ear, wax buildup, or bacterial infection, maybe? If it's possible you damaged your ear drum somehow, I'd go to a doctor and have them check. In the case of wax buildup: this is usually a natural way your ear deals with particulate matter or inflammation. An ear canal exam &/or culture could tell you what's wrong. In the case of an infection, a few drops topical hydrogen peroxide(3%) dropped into the ear canal should do the trick. Otherwise, you may just be detoxing. I hope you feel better soon.

It sounds like two things..

1) plugging/pressure in ears when "sniffling" might be caused by a blockage in
the inner ear canal (eustacian tube which connects to the nose).. is there an
alternative to the sniffle?.. i.e. runners sometimes use the finger to the nose
and blow trick.. not very graceful, haha, but works..

2) plugging in ears from wax build-up occurs in the outer ear canal.. the trick
being to keep the ears clean and dry.... Q-tips (or safer method) after bathing
may be all that is need.... I do this daily after my last ear infection, resolving if
possible never having to go thru that again )P

BTW, like I think Tamukha said, a little wax in the ear is normal and healthy..
too much, possibly with dirt, bacteria and water could lead to inflamation, IMO.

..something one might also consider is how "Raw" eating habits may be affecting
the ears, i.e. the lower mandible, along with various muscles and nerves, are
in very close proximity to both the outer and inner ear.. impact, irritation or
strain of any possibly putting stress on any of the ear mechanisms (see TMJ)..
just from my personal experiences

hope this helps



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/13/2009 02:40AM by loeve.

Thank you Tamukha and and loeve!