What Causes Clogged Ears While Recovering From Ear Infection?

Posted on Wed, 20 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 20 Jul 2016 Answered on

Tue, 9 Aug 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I had an ear infection and was on clind amycin for 6 days. I also tore one eardrum. I went to urgent care as my new insurance does not begin until 8/1 so I can not go for recheck until then. I have no more pain or drainage, however, both ears still feel clogged. One seems to be getting better than the other. I have a vacation planned and need to know if high altituedes (the mountains) will affect this or if it is ok to go.

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Ear pressure

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM with your medical concerns

I am sorry to hear that you have had infection in your ear. Now that you have completed the treatment the ears still feel plugged. You may try using a decongestant like sudafed and also a nasal spray like afrin to help open all the nasal and ear tissues. This may help reduce some of that pressure. If you are going to high elevations above 6000 ft you may get increased pressure. Try the nasal spray and decongestant prior to traveling to help equalize your pressures.

I hope this answers your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (1 hour later)

If the decongestant did not work, could it do more damage to the ear drum that had a tear. It has been since 7/6 when I think it happened judging by the pain in that ear on that day. That is when I visited urgent care. Should it be healed by now? That is the ear that is especially clogged and hard to hear out of.

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
ruptured ear drums

Detailed Answer:
A ruptured ear drum may take several weeks to months to fully heal. Sometimes they can't heal due to the size of the rupture and require a patch. So as soon as you have your insurance get your ear checked especially if you still have discomfort

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (34 minutes later)

I will on 8/1. They will not let me schedule until then. My trip was scheduled before that. Elevation will be 7,600. Would it be better not to go or would that not matter as far as its healing process?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Pros and cons to trip

Detailed Answer:
Going on your trip will depend on how you feel If the pressure has improved then you can proceed. If not then you maybe better off staying home and not going to high elevations. If your ear is still having pressure going to high elevation may put more pressure on the ear drum and re-rupture it.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar