It’s day two, and your right ear still feels like it’s underwater. No popping, no relief—just muffled sounds and a sense of imbalance. Your left ear is doing all the work, but that uneven hearing is making everything feel off. You hoped a good night’s sleep would fix it, but here you are, still asking: How long will this blocked ear last?
The answer depends on why your ear is blocked. While some causes resolve within a day or two, others can persist for a week or longer and may require medical evaluation.
Let’s take a closer look at how long different types of ear blockages last—and when it’s time to seek help.
Common causes of a blocked ear (and how long they last)
The key to understanding how long a blocked ear might last is to identify the cause. Here are some of the most common reasons your ear might feel clogged, and what to expect:
- Earwax Buildup: A common culprit. If earwax becomes compacted or fails to drain naturally, it can harden and cause a blockage. This won’t usually resolve on its own and may require professional cleaning.
- Water Trapped in the Ear: Whether it’s from swimming, showering, or even sweat, water can get lodged in the ear canal. This kind of blockage often clears up in a day or two, though tilting your head or using over-the-counter drying drops may help speed things up.
- Ear Infections: Inflammation from a middle ear infection can block the Eustachian tube, trapping fluid and causing discomfort. Viral infections might clear within a week, while bacterial ones may need antibiotics and up to two weeks for full recovery.
- Sinus Infections or Congestion: Your ears, nose, and throat are closely connected. A sinus infection can block your Eustachian tubes with mucus or fluid buildup, which might linger for 10–14 days or more, especially if untreated.
- Air Pressure Changes: Quick altitude changes during flights or elevator rides can create a vacuum effect in your middle ear. These changes typically normalize within a few hours, though chewing gum or swallowing can help open the Eustachian tubes faster.
- Allergies: Allergic reactions can cause swelling and fluid buildup in the sinuses and ears, contributing to a temporary blocked feeling. Antihistamines or decongestants may reduce symptoms within several days.
- Growths or Structural Issues: In rare cases, benign growths or anatomical abnormalities may interfere with proper ear drainage. These usually require evaluation by an ENT specialist and may persist until treated.
- Hearing Loss: Sometimes, what feels like a blocked ear is actually the early stage of hearing loss. This sensation won’t go away on its own and should be assessed by a hearing professional.
When to worry: signs you should see a specialist
While many ear blockages resolve within a few days, there are signs that suggest you should seek medical advice sooner:
- Your symptoms persist longer than one week
- You experience pain, fever, or dizziness
- You’ve recently had a cold or upper respiratory infection
- Your hearing is significantly reduced or distorted
- You notice discharge coming from your ear
- You suspect impacted earwax but over-the-counter remedies aren’t helping
In these cases, a specialist can determine whether there’s an infection, obstruction, or another issue at play—and recommend the most effective treatment.
Avoid DIY mistakes: don’t use cotton swabs
When your ear feels blocked, it’s tempting to grab a cotton swab. Don’t. Inserting anything into your ear canal can push wax deeper, cause injury, or even worsen the problem. The best first step is to be gentle with your ears and let your body try to clear the blockage naturally.
If the problem continues beyond a few days or worsens, schedule an appointment with a specialist. They can examine your ears safely and offer solutions, whether that means ear cleaning, treatment, or further testing.
Recovery time depends on the cause
Most blocked ears will resolve on their own within a few days. But if you’re still dealing with muffled hearing, discomfort, or other symptoms after a week, it’s time to get it checked by a specialist in your area.