Why does it feel like there's a cotton ball in my ear?
Michael Gray
Updated on May 24, 2026
Muffled hearing can sound and feel like cotton balls in your ear. You may have a sensation that's similar to the pressure you feel while flying on an airplane. And while there isn't complete hearing loss, you may strain to hear others clearly.
Why do I feel like there's something in my ear?
The most common cause of a clogged ear is ear wax. An ear wax build-up, or cerumen impaction, simply means that the wax in the ear is filling up the entire ear canal. It blocks sound from getting to the eardrum and will leave your ear feeling muffled and clogged.What to do if you feel like there is something in your ear?
You should see your doctor immediately if you can't easily get the object out by yourself, or if parts of it remain in the ear. You should also get medical help if there's pain, hearing loss, or discomfort after the object is removed.Why does my right ear feel weird?
Many of us have felt pressure in our ears at some point in time. It can be an uncomfortable sensation and feel like one or both ears are plugged up or clogged. There are many possible causes of pressure in your ears, including changes in altitude, having a sinus infection, and even earwax buildup.Why does my ear feel clogged?
Common causes of a plugged feeling in the ears include having fluid in the ear, a build-up of too much ear wax, altitude changes when flying or driving, and a foreign object in the ear. Most of the time, these problems are easily diagnosed and treated.754 - Cotton Wool Ball Ear Wax Removal
Can COVID-19 affect your ears?
And, because COVID-19 causes inflammation in the nose and nasopharynx (the upper part of the throat located behind the nose), the Eustachian tube (the tube that connects the nose and middle ear) may also become inflamed during the course of the infection and lead to middle ear congestion.Why does my ear feel clogged but no wax?
This can be caused by a buildup of fluids, loud sounds, foreign objects in the ear, severe head trauma, severe changes in air pressure, and ear infections (see next section). A ruptured eardrum can make your ears even more vulnerable to infections which may further block eustachian tubes.How can I unclog my ears at home?
Use the Valsalva maneuverThis simple trick helps open your Eustachian tube. To perform this maneuver, take a deep breath and pinch your nose. With your mouth closed, attempt to exhale gently through your nose. This should create enough pressure to “pop” or unclog the ear.
How can I unblock my ears at home?
How to make your ears pop
- Swallowing. When you swallow, your muscles automatically work to open your eustachian tube. ...
- Yawning. Yawning also helps open the eustachian tube. ...
- Valsalva maneuver.
- Toynbee maneuver. ...
- Applying a warm washcloth. ...
- Nasal decongestants. ...
- Nasal corticosteroids. ...
- Ventilation tubes.
Will clogged ear go away by itself?
Your ear may unblock on its own within hours or days. But several home remedies and medications can provide fast relief. As you treat a clogged ear, it's also helpful to identify possible causes of the blockage. By doing so, you and your doctor can determine the best way to treat the clog and prevent future problems.Can you get COVID-19 twice?
Yes, you can get COVID-19 more than once. “We're seeing more reinfections now than during the start of the pandemic, which is not necessarily surprising,” Dr. Esper says. He breaks down the reasons behind reinfection.What are Covid toes?
COVID toes: One or more toes may swell and turn pink, red, or a purplish color. Others may see a small amount of pus under their skin. Sometimes, people who have COVID toes have other symptoms of COVID-19. Treatment for COVID toes: To reduce pain or itching, apply a hydrocortisone cream to the affected area.What are the weird signs of the coronavirus?
What are some of the unusual symptoms of COVID-19?
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Muscle aches.
- Chills.
- Sore throat.
- Runny nose.
- Headache.
- Chest pain.