Blocked ear: causes and which doctor to see
A blocked feeling in the ear is usually due to ear wax, water in the ear, a cold or pressure changes during a flight.
Which doctor should I see for blocked ear?
For blocked ear you can first see: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT). If you are not sure, a family doctor can refer you to the right specialist.
What causes blocked ear?
The most common causes are listed below. Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
- 1Build-up of ear wax
- 2Water in the ear
- 3Colds and a blocked nose
- 4Pressure changes when flying or diving
- 5Outer ear infection
- 6Sudden hearing loss (rare but urgent)
When is it an emergency? Call 112 now
- After hitting your head, is there blood or clear fluid coming from the ear
- Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up
- Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg
- Are you struggling to breathe even at rest
What you can do at home
- Do not put cotton buds, cotton wool or any object in the ear; it pushes wax further in.
- If water got in, tilt your head to that side and let the ear drain on its own.
- For pressure-related blockage, swallowing or yawning can help.
See a doctor if
- Sudden hearing loss in one ear — see ENT or the emergency department the same day
- The blockage does not clear within 2–3 days
- There is pain, discharge or fever
How long does it last and how is it treated?
Blockage due to water or pressure usually clears within hours. Ear wax blockage is safely removed by a doctor; trying to clean it with cotton buds makes it worse.
Treatment options for blocked ear
See how each treatment is done, how long it takes and which doctors offer it in your city. Your doctor will decide which option suits you after an examination.
Find a ENT specialist in your city
ENT specialists in Turkish cities who can help with blocked ear.
People also describe it as
- “I got water in my ear”
- “My ear is blocked”
- “My ear feels full”
Frequently asked questions
Which doctor should I see for blocked ear?
For blocked ear you can first see: Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT). If you are not sure, a family doctor (general practitioner) can assess you first and refer you to the right specialist.
What causes blocked ear?
The most common causes: build-up of ear wax; water in the ear; colds and a blocked nose; pressure changes when flying or diving; outer ear infection; sudden hearing loss (rare but urgent). Only a doctor’s examination can determine the exact cause.
How long does blocked ear last and how is it treated?
Blockage due to water or pressure usually clears within hours. Ear wax blockage is safely removed by a doctor; trying to clean it with cotton buds makes it worse.
Water got in my ear and won’t come out — what should I do?
Tilt your head to that side, gently pull the earlobe and wait. Do not put cotton buds in your ear. If there is pain, discharge or the blockage lasts 2–3 days, see an ENT specialist.
Which doctor should I see for a blocked ear?
See an ENT specialist. If you have sudden hearing loss in one ear, go the same day.
When is blocked ear an emergency?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, call 112 without delay: “After hitting your head, is there blood or clear fluid coming from the ear?” “Is there confusion, fainting or difficulty waking up?” “Is there facial drooping, slurred speech or sudden weakness in an arm or leg?” “Are you struggling to breathe even at rest?”
When should I see a doctor for blocked ear?
See a doctor: sudden hearing loss in one ear — see ENT or the emergency department the same day; the blockage does not clear within 2–3 days; there is pain, discharge or fever.
Similar complaints
Emergency numbers in Turkey
112: ambulance, emergency (free, 24/7, from any phone). 114: National Poison Information Centre. 182: appointment line for public hospitals (MHRS). Pharmacies on night duty (nöbetçi eczane) are posted on the door of every pharmacy.
Sources
This page is based on current information published by the official and independent bodies below and on our editorial principles. Last updated: . To report an error: contact us.
This page does not provide a medical diagnosis and does not replace an examination by a doctor. If you think it is an emergency, call 112 (Turkey’s free emergency number). For poisoning, call the National Poison Information Centre on 114.