Blocked Ear

[ellen_16]

My ear is blocked and has been since Christmas Day. I have very limited hearing out of my right ear and it is driving me mad! I have something called 'Audio Clean' but it's not doing anything, so today I have cotton wool with olive oil in my ear. What else can I do to unblock it?

[Pea Pod]

Why not try unblocking your tubes,by steam. The hot water in a bowl with vick in and a towel over your head. Or a couple of sudofed or other sinus tablets.As everything is connected in some way maybe your blocked ear is a symptom of a bit of infection somewhere/

[~max~]

I'm afraid there is nothing you can do yourself. Olive oil is good for softening the wax so you're doing the right thing. the important thing is to avoid cotton buds, as they only push it further down the ear canal. All you can do is wait, your ear will unblock itself naturally.
If you really cannot stand it anymore, you can always go to your GP and have it syringed.

[sleeveless]

Earex.. I think thats what its called. It makes a weird *fizzing* and *popping* in your ear but it's fantastic stuff. As my grannie used to say.... Never stick anything smaller than your elbow in your ear... in other word no cotton buds or hair grips please

[Panic Button]

Everyone is assuming it is ear wax, which it probably is. However it could be gunge behind the eardrum following an infection. Have you had a cold or infection recently?

If so it might get better, but I suspect a check on the eardrum by a doctor would be wise.

[Panic Button]

Sorry Pea Pod, I just re-read your answer and you had already suggested an inection.

[meltoadhall]

if its not an infection and merely ear wax causing the blockage, then carry on with the olive oil but take out the cotton wool as it will soak up all the oil, you only need a couple of drops of oil in your ear each day.
see a doctor or practice nurse to rule out infection

[ilovemarkb]

audi clean is only an earwash! you need to use a dual action product as these soften and disperse the ear wax. otex or boots dual action should do the trick. dont use if you have pain in the ear or if your eardrum is perforated, GOOD LUCK!!