If you notice a heavy or clogged feeling in your ear, you may wonder if it’s a passing irritation or something that requires the help of an ear, nose, and throat doctor. The answer is that it depends. Many issues, included those listed below, could cause your symptoms—but when something as vital as your sense of hearing is on the line, it’s best to have the problem checked out by a professional.

Top Causes for Congested Ears

1. Impacted Earwax

Earwax is actually the body’s way of self-cleaning the ears; however, sometimes you can produce too much of this substance and it becomes impacted. Additional habits like cleaning the ear canal with cotton swabs can also lead to a blockage, because these products actually push the wax deeper into the canal, rather than removing it. If you feel a heavy sensation in your ear and notice sounds are muffled, visit an ear, nose, and throat professional for a cleaning. After softening the blockage, they will lift the wax out.

2. Swimmer’s Ear

Whether you swim regularly or simply enjoy a dip in the summertime, you can acquire swimmer’s ear if you don’t wear the proper protection. This condition develops when water becomes trapped in the ear canal, leading to an infection, which causes a clogged sensation, itchiness, and general discomfort. To treat this, an ear, nose, and throat doctor will clean the area using a suction device and will recommend ear drops or antibiotics.

3. Sinus Infection

Do you have an achy head, a runny nose, and pain in your face around your sinus cavities? These are possible signs of an ear infection. This excess fluid can sometimes end up trapped in the middle ear and cause a feeling of pressure and congestion. While, sometimes, this feeling can resolve on its own, visit an ear, nose, and throat doctor after five days to rule out an ear infection.

If you’re experiencing problems with your hearing, visit the professionals at Arizona Coast Ear, Nose & Throat in Lake Havasu City and Mohave County. With two board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctors on staff, this practice can address a variety of ailments, from hearing loss to sinus and throat conditions. To learn more about the problems they treat, visit them online or call (928) 854-5368 to schedule an appointment today.