Why Do My Ears Feel Clogged After Flying or Swimming?

A clogged or “plugged” ear can be uncomfortable and frustrating. Sounds may seem muffled, your ear may feel full, or you may notice popping, pressure, or the sensation that something is stuck inside.

During summer, these symptoms are especially common after flying, swimming, or spending more time around water. But not every clogged ear has the same cause. Trapped water, earwax buildup, pressure changes, and ear infections can all create similar sensations, and knowing the difference can help you decide what to do next.

After swimming or showering, water can remain in the outer ear canal. This may cause:

• A sloshing or moving sensation
  
• Muffled hearing
  
• A feeling of fullness
  
• Temporary popping or crackling

In many cases, trapped water drains on its own. Tilting your head toward the affected side and gently pulling the outer ear in different directions may help. You can also dry the outside of the ear with a towel. Avoid inserting cotton swabs, fingers or other objects into the ear canal. These can push water and earwax deeper, scratch the delicate skin or increase the risk of infection.

If the clogged sensation becomes painful or is accompanied by drainage, swelling or increasing tenderness, the problem may be more than trapped water.

If your ears feel clogged during a flight takeoff or landing, pressure is often the cause. The middle ear is connected to the back of the nose and throat by a small passage called the Eustachian tube. This tube helps balance pressure on both sides of the eardrum. During rapid altitude changes, such as when an airplane climbs or descends, pressure may not equalize quickly enough. This can cause:

• Ear pressure or fullness
  
• Popping or clicking
  
• Muffled hearing
  
• Mild to moderate pain
  
• A sensation that the ear needs to “pop”

Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum may help the Eustachian tube open and equalize pressure. Staying awake during takeoff and landing can also make it easier to respond to pressure changes. Some people gently pinch their nose, close their mouth, and carefully try to exhale to equalize pressure. This should be done gently. Forceful pressure can potentially injure the ear.

Flying with nasal congestion can make ear pressure more difficult to equalize. Colds, allergies, and sinus inflammation can cause swelling around the Eustachian tube, making it harder for the middle ear to adjust during altitude changes. You may be more likely to experience significant ear discomfort when flying with:

• A cold
  
• Nasal congestion
  
• Seasonal allergies
  
• Sinus symptoms
  
• Recent upper respiratory illness

For some travelers, the clogged feeling improves shortly after landing. For others, pressure and muffled hearing may persist for hours or longer. Persistent or severe symptoms should be evaluated, particularly if there is significant pain, dizziness, drainage or hearing loss.

Sometimes a clogged feeling after swimming is an early sign of swimmer’s ear, an infection of the outer ear canal. Water that remains in the ear can create a moist environment where bacteria may grow. Small scratches in the ear canal, including those caused by cotton swabs or fingernails, can also increase the risk. Symptoms may include:

• Ear fullness
• Itching inside the ear
• Increasing pain
• Tenderness when touching or pulling the outer ear
• Drainage
  
• Redness or swelling
• Muffled hearing

Pain when the outer ear is touched or moved is an important clue that an outer ear infection may be developing. Swimmer’s ear often requires medical treatment, so worsening pain or drainage should not be ignored.

Consider medical evaluation if you have:

• Severe or worsening ear pain
• Drainage, pus, or blood from the ear
• Sudden or significant hearing loss
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Fever
• Swelling around the ear
• Symptoms that persist or worsen
• Significant pain after flying
• A clogged sensation that does not improve

Sudden hearing loss should be evaluated promptly, even if it feels like simple ear blockage.

A clogged ear after swimming may be caused by trapped water, swollen earwax or an outer ear infection. After flying, pressure changes are often responsible, especially when congestion or allergies make it harder for the ears to equalize. Because these conditions can feel similar, persistent pain, drainage, hearing changes or worsening symptoms are reasons to get checked.

Whether your symptoms started after a pool day, beach trip or summer flight, Marque Urgent Care is here to help evaluate life’s everyday summer urgencies.