How to Treat Sinus Congestion in Ears

You can relieve sinus congestion in your ear.

All of a sudden, your hearing on one side begins to diminish--and the area below your ear is sensitive to your touch. More than likely, you have sinus congestion that has affected your ear. A few steps can help you get rid of the congestion as quickly as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Heating pad
• Blow dryer
• Dropper
• Warm vegetable oil
• Hot bath
• Ibuprofen

Instructions

1. Turn up the heating pad to as warm as you can stand it. Place the heating pad directly underneath the ear that is congested. Keep it there for no less than 30 minutes. This allows the heat to penetrate inside the ear canal to loosen the congestion that has clogged it. You can do this step either sitting up or lying down.

2. Turn on your blow dryer to medium heat, and place it about 12 inches from your ear opening. Allow the hot air to get inside of the ear that is congested. This again allows the heat to get inside of the ear canal to loosen the congestion.

3. Fill a dropper full of vegetable or olive oil, and drip five drops inside of your ear. Keep your head tilted for 15 minutes to allow the oil to get where it needs to go. Lift your head up, and wipe excess oil off the ear. Repeat this step every couple of hours.

4. Sit in a hot bath and relax. Lower yourself inside the bath until your ears are almost under water. You do not want to get the water inside your ears; you just want the heat of the water to penetrate the congestion inside. Stay in the bath until the water has become warm, or add more hot water to continue soaking.

5. Take a decongestant that your health care provider or pharmacist suggests. Many decongestants come mixed with pain relievers--this may be a good choice. Take all medications as directed.

Tips & Warnings

• Any source of heat will work on a congested ear.

• Rub menthol cream underneath your ear to relieve some pain.

• If you have any liquids coming out of your ear, see your doctor immediately. This signals a serious infection that needs medication.

• Not all congestion can be remedied at home. See your health care provider if your congestion continues, does not improve or causes pain that interferes with your daily activities.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish