How to unclog ears with sinus infection

A sinus infection primarily affects your nose, but symptoms can extend to the ears as well. The sinus-ear connection stems from the fact that your sinuses and ears are connected; therefore, clogged and congested sinuses also affect the ears.

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There are many ways you can help improve your sinus infection and obtain relief in your ears. Below are some tips that can help decongest your sinuses.

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  Use a nasal saline or apply a warm moist washcloth to your nose to add moisture. Humidifiers are also useful to help add moisture to the air and not dry out your nose.
• Over-the-counter pain medications can help relieve ear pain.
• Over-the-counter decongestants can help clear out sinus cavities.
• Avoid extreme temperatures; hot or cold weather can worsen sinuses.
• Keep your head up; putting it down applies added pressure.

Sinus-related ear problems can also lead to dizziness. If you experience dizziness due to sinuses, you may want to avoid fast movements as it can increase dizziness. It’s also important to drink plenty of water to thin mucus and avoid caffeine, salt, alcohol and tobacco, which alter blood flow and can worsen dizziness.

Related: Sinusitis Vertigo and Dizziness, A Complication of Sinus Infection

Sinus infections and other health effects

When the fluid and pressure are relieved the hearing loss will reverse, and you can go back to hearing how you previously did, prior to the infection. If the fluid does not drain – commonly seen in children – the continuous pressure can cause the eardrum to burst, which contributes to permanent hearing loss.

It’s important to prevent sinus infections as well as treating them right away, so that you don’t encounter any complications.

Other health complications that can stem from a sinus infection are headaches and throat problems, such as coughing or a sore throat.

Related: Natural treatments to unclog ears

Home remedies for clogged ears due to sinus infections

Here are some additional home remedies that can help alleviate ear problems associated with sinus infections and even wax build-up.

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  Yawning helps redistribute the fluid in your ear.
• Take a hot, steamy shower.
• Make a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and warm water and pour it into the ear.
• Chew gum as it can help move wax out of the ear.
• Combine rubbing alcohol and vinegar and use the mixture as ear drops.
• Pinch your nose and blow to pop your ears.
• Drop warm olive oil into your ear – once again this breaks up wax.
• Combine rubbing alcohol and apple cider vinegar as ear drops to help treat infection.
• Apply warm compresses to the ears.
• Gargle with warm water and salt.

Tips to prevent sinus infections

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In order to avoid ear pain and temporary hearing loss due to clogged ears as a result of sinus infections one must prevent sinus infections. Here are some tips to help you prevent sinus infections and avoid the complications associated with it.

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  Control your allergies.
• Keep hydrated, which keeps mucus thin.
• Reduce alcohol consumption, which can worsen mucus.
• Minimize exposure to people with cold or flu.
• Always wash your hands and avoid germs.
• Avoid chlorinated swimming pools.
• Take a nasal spray or decongestant prior to flying.
• Don’t smoke, which can aggravate sinusitis, or quit smoking.

These tips can better help protect you against sinus infections. If you do develop a sinus infection, begin treatment right away to reduce complications.

When experiencing a painful episode of sinus congestion, there are many questions that may cross your mind. One simply is “How do I make it go away?” The reason for the pain that you are feeling in your ears is due to sinus pressure. This is because the sinuses and the ears are connected. Sinus congestion and stuffiness can affect the pressure in your ears. Because sinus pressure affects more than just your nose, you may also have pain in your ears, dizziness, and a sensation that makes your ears feel muffled or clogged. Fortunately, there are several remedies to bring you relief. Sinus pressure in the ears can truly be a pain!

Remedies

Decongestant

Over-the-counter decongestants such as nasal sprays or tablets can relieve sinus blockage and in turn, relieve clogged ears. Nasal decongestant tablets can be a quick remedy for the sinus pain. However, it is not recommended that they be used for more than 3 days. If you choose to use a decongestant, be sure to strictly follow the directions listed on the medication.

Pain Medication

Over the counter pain medication that you may already have at home in your medicine cabinet can also relieve pain associated with sinus pressure.

Some medications to try for relief are Ibuprofen Naproxen, and Acetaminophen. Consult with a physician or Pharmacist for the best over the counter option.

Blow Gently

Gently blowing your nose can bring quick relief. A technique to try is to block one nostril while blowing, then change nostrils and repeat.

This can also help to ease sinus pressure in the ears. Be careful to not blow too hard or you can feel worse.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of fluids such as water and other non-caffeinated drinks will help you to stay hydrated, which will in turn keep your nasal mucus thin. Having thin nasal mucus will help it to better drain. Draining your nasal mucus will help to relieve the sinus pain you are experiencing in your ears.

Saline Rinse

A saline rinse or nasal irrigation is effective at relieving nasal congestion and ear pain. Saline rinse is a method to flush out your nasal passages using a saline solution. Some devices used for saline rinses are bulb syringes, special squeeze bottles, or a Neti pot.

Steam

Give yourself a steam treatment with a bowl of hot water and a large towel. Place your face over the bowl and drape the towel over your head. Breath in the steam until the water cools. Some people use Menthol, Eucalyptus oils, or Camphor in the water. Steam helps to relieve sinus congestion by loosening mucus. The steam from a hot shower can also work to help loosen mucus as well.

Trying one or a combination of these remedies should surely bring your relief for sinus pressure in the ears. These simple home remedies can have you feeling back to normal in no time!