How to Diagnose a Blocked Ear

Whenever you have a blocked ear, you actually are having problems with your ear canal. Various things can cause ear issues and blockages.  Figuring out what is causing your problem is necessary so that you can determine whether you actually need to seek medical attention.

• Determine whether you have suffered any hearing loss.  This will be the first sign that your ear is blocked by either wax in your ear canal or by fluid in your ear.  If you are dealing with a small child, keep in mind that they may have placed a foreign object in their ear.


• Determine if your ear feels full and stuffy.  See if it will clear up whenever you cough.  If not, the blockage may be caused by a cold.  This will clear up whenever you take a decongestant.  However, if it is painful and does not go away within a few days you will need to talk to your doctor.


• Listen for any unusual sounds within your ear.  If there is either a high or a low-pitched ringing sound, it may be caused by sinus congestion, which means your Eustachian tubes are blocked with mucus.


• Look to see if there is any fluid coming out of your ear.  If there is fluid in your ear and you are also experiencing pain, then you may have a middle ear infection.  You will need to visit your doctor to have him look at it and prescribe you some antibiotics for treatment.