When your body detects a foreign contaminant in your system, it activates your mucus membranes to coat the intruder and reduce the damage it can do to your body. That’s why when you’re sick, you produce lots of mucus and phlegm which typically overwhelms the throat and nasal cavities.
When congestion reaches its maximum limit, you might also sense increased pressure, decreased hearing, and discomfort in your ears. This can be painful and distracting to say the least, but there are decongestants that can easily get rid of that strange sensation.
If you’re starting to feel a little stuffy and you sense your ears might be up next, equip yourself with the best decongestant for ears by checking out these top picks.
Best Decongestant for Ears: A Review
1. Mucinex Sinus-Max Nasal Decongestant Spray
This top rated decongestant is one of the best temporary solutions for severely congested sinuses. A single spray in each nostril promotes extensive drainage of clogged mucus; thus, clearing out the nose, and consequently, the ears as well.
Review
Using Mucinex Sinus-Max Full Force Nasal Decongestant Spray is easy and fast. Simply spray in the affected nostril and clear out the mucus that the solution drains out. It’s convenient, quick, and safe even for children 6 years of age.
Reasonably priced and packaged in ample amounts, this product is the perfect solution for people who are looking for immediate and safe relief against their ear congestion.
Pros:
- Trusted brand
- 12-hour relief
- Fast-acting
- Safe for children six years and over
Con:
- For short-term use only
2. Major Pharmaceuticals Sudogest PE Generic
Formulated to temporarily relieve sinus congestion and pressure, Major Sudogest PE Nasal Decongestant is a non-drowsy medication that promises to clear out your sinus and ears just minutes after a dosage.
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The medication contains phenylephrine HCl which is one of the most popular decongestant ingredients available as an over the counter purchase.
The reason why this product has made it as the second best decongestant for ears is because it’s reliable when it comes to flushing out as much mucus as possible. This makes it a great option if you’re experiencing severe congestion of the nose and ears.
Effects of the medication last for only 4-6 hours, so you might need to take another dosage later on to sustain the relief. Regardless, it’s a reliable solution that you can depend on to get rid of that stuffy feeling when it starts to creep in.
Pros:
- Non-drowse formula
- Easy to swallow
- Great value for money
Con:
- Not for children under 12 years of age
- Short-term, four-hour relief
3. Benzedrex Nasal Decongestant Inhaler
The Benzedrex Nasal Decongestant Inhaler gives off a strong minty scent that relieves pressure and congestion. The reason why it works so well as an ear decongestant is because it requires the user to breathe in and out repeatedly which consequently normalizes inner ear pressure.
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Combining this with its ability to clear out congestion, Benzedrex Nasal Decongestant Inhaler is a great choice if you want something that’s simple, easy, and accessible.
The only problem? It might not work as well for more severe cases of congestion. When clogging has become extensive, you might not even be able to breathe in and out of your nose, rendering the inhaler useless.
Pros:
- Convenient and easy to use
- Made by a trustworthy brand
- Provides instant relief
- Easy to carry around
Con:
- Not for severe congestion
- Scent isn’t for everyone
- For short-term use only
4. Clear Products Clear Sinus & Ear Pack
The Clear Sinus & Ear Pack could be just what you need to alleviate symptoms of Tinnitus. It’s a homeopathic remedy that prevents you from worrying about whether or not you are “adding to the chemicals” in your system.
Clear Products aims to ease your mind on this matter by providing this product as a homeopathic alternative.
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Clear Sinus is a set of two items that work hand-in-hand to deliver a completely natural remedy for Tinnitus. It’s based on traditional Chinese medicine dating back thousands of years, so it has stood the test of time, as you can clearly see with these (among many) modern versions.
There’s Tinnitus relief, but what else does this two-pack miracle have in store for its users?
Ear and nasal congestion tend to go hand in hand, and Clear Products counters that with this dual-purpose pairing.
Pros:
- Provides relief for “ringing in the ears”
- Good for maintenance
- Can be used as a preventative measure (take two doses)
- Perfectly paired with a sinus rinse
- Was literally life-changing for some users
Con:
- Effect is not necessarily immediate (may take a week for more serious ear conditions)
5. Naveh Pharma CleanEars Earwax Removal Kit Spray
Naveh Pharma delivers with its own ear-clearing entry CleanEars Earwax Removal Kit Spray, which takes mere minutes to give you that sought-after relief.
Plus, there’s no need for all that awkward head titling. How refreshing, right?
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There’s a lot to love about this Naveh Pharma product, among them the ease of usage. Even with effective products, getting rid of the ringing in your ears can be complicated—but no more.
But why does the CleanEars Earwax Removal Kit Spray stand out?
It’s a patented earwax sprayer that makes it even easier to use than other products on this list. There’ll be no need for head titling, and you’re provided optimal dispersion to make the process as safe as possible.
Not to mention, CleanEars uses purely natural ingredients to ensure no chemicals enter your system.
Hard, crusty ear wax also stands no chance with the CleanEars earwax removal spray. This effective and efficient product softens and clears even the most stubborn wax from your ears and gets rid of the “ringing” sensation as a result.
One irrigation could be all it takes to get your life back. In clinical tests, the CleanEars Kit was proven to match or even exceed the best ear-clearing products in all the important metrics—ease of use, user-friendliness, efficacy, and safety.
Remember that the ears are some of the most sensitive body parts. This all-natural kit for removing earwax boasts a patented mechanism that delivers active botanical ingredients with antiseptic properties to unclog ears and leave behind a fresh scent.
It’s also great for everyone in the family, including kids, making it time- and money-saving. You won’t need to visit the doctor to have your or anyone in the family’s ears cleared of wax buildup.
Pros:
- Unclogs ears
- Little to no side effects
- Affordable product, considering the benefits
Cons:
- Current version’s sprayer is not as effective
- New version may not be worth the price
- Product performance for the new version is subpar
6. BigWave Drops – Ear Drops for Ear Discomfort
Clogged ears and ear discomfort are prevalent in water sports. These conditions affect active and retired water athletes like swimmers, surfers, and divers more than other people.
That said, anyone who spends time in the water is susceptible to “ringing in the ears.” Taking a bath or a shower may even put you at risk.
Enter BigWave Drops, a handy solution for ear discomfort for literally anyone experiencing it, even kids (under adult supervision or administration).
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Nothing like something you can keep in your bag or inside your pocket that provides instant relief to ear ringing. That’s what BigWaves Drops is, among many other things.
While this is a great product for water sport athletes to have on hand, it’s actually great for everyone. Parents who have water-loving kids may even consider this a godsend.
Another feature that sets the products on this list apart is the ingredients. This one is no different, as it is geared towards a more natural ear-healing process and uses ingredients such as bioactive turmeric and L-lysine for optimal skin moisturization and repair.
It also contains acetic acid to help balance the ear’s PH levels.
As mentioned previously, ears are sensitive body parts to begin with. If you’re experiencing ear discomfort, you need to be careful with your treatments all the more.
BigWave Drops is made of anti-inflammatory compounds to help prevent chronic inflammation of the ear canals, which can potentially lead to permanent hearing loss.
Pros:
- Made with quality, natural ingredients
- Unclogs ears and relieves pain fast
- Get your ears back to normal in mere days
Cons:
- Can burn a little, but the results are worth it
- May not be as quick acting for some people
7. MagniLife Earache Relief
Ear relief is potentially a dosage away, thanks to Magnilife Earache Relief. Keep this natural remedy on hand in case ear discomfort resulting from the common cold or the flu, an allergy, or swimmer’s ear starts plaguing you.
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The MagniLife Earache Relief deserves a place in your medicine cabinet because the brand operates based on the belief that the “body heals itself” and only needs a little boost.
This natural boost is just what you need to unclog those ears and keep them unclogged. Earache Relief also uses only biological, botanical, and mineral ingredients to calm and soothe the different earache symptoms.
To use, dissolve one tablet under your tongue and feel the effect within minutes. Your symptoms will either be gone completely or reduced to incredibly tolerable levels, depending on the severity of the condition.
Pros:
- A decades-old trusted brand
- Multi-symptom relief
- Fast-acting
- Homeopathic remedy for ear discomfort
Con:
- Takes effect longer than some users may want
8. Wally’s Natural Products Organic Ear Oil
If you’re in the market for an all-natural ear decongestant, you may have struck gold with Wally’s Natural Products Organic Ear Oil. The name itself says it all: “natural,” “organic,” and everything you could ever want.
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What makes Wally’s Organic Ear Oil a cut above the rest? First, it’s herb-infused oil. It’s an alcohol-free formula, so there’s no sting in the application, and soothing ear relief will follow shortly after.
It’s also considered an ear decongestion gem. That’s because it blends together six potent active ingredients in tea tree, eucalyptus, sweet almond, garlic oils, and echinacea to bring soothing relief to your ears.
Likewise, everything is natural and, therefore, healthy for the body. There is no looming threat of adverse drug reactions or side effects.
Pros:
- Effectively treats itchy ear canals
- Quick, five-minute pain relief
- Easy application
- All-natural ingredients
Con:
- May not be as effective for treating ringing in the ears
Things to Consider When Buying an Ear Decongestant
It can be hard to find the best decongestant for ears because some viable options don’t readily state that purpose on their packaging. Because of this, it’s important that you learn what makes a good ear decongestant to help you pinpoint which products you can use – even if they don’t necessarily explicitly state it on their labels.
Here are some things you should keep in mind when buying ear decongestants to get the best value for your money and the best relief for your ears.
All Around Decongestants
The reason why you tend to feel increased pressure in your ears when you have a cold is because of the Eustachian tube. This small canal connects your nasal cavities and throat to your middle ear. The purpose of this tube is to normalize the pressure in your ear so that it’s equal to the pressure outside of the body.
When you have an overproduction of mucus, this tube can easily become clogged as well because of its connections to the throat and nasal cavities. That said, if you resolve the congestion in your nose and throat, you can indirectly address the discomfort in your ears as well.
For that reason, many of the decongestant medications available on the market can also easily resolve ear congestion. While this isn’t explicitly stated on many of their labels, they do perform this function as a positive outcome of their original purpose.
These products come in many different forms, but the most common include:
Oral Medicine
Tablets, capsules, pills, and caplets are all forms that decongestants can come in. These are slower to work than other options, however provide much longer lasting relief against congestion in all its forms.
Nasal Spray or Inhaler
Ingredients in sprays or inhalers work to clear out the sinus by melting away mucus. This often does not provide long lasting benefits, and should have to be used frequently throughout the day to get desired relief.
Topical Creams
Minty creams and gels that are placed on the chest and upper lip can help reduce coughing and congestion, however these products may not always work, especially for more severe cases of colds and cough.
Ear Drops
Directly applying medication or drops into the ear can help relieve congestion and normalize pressure. Often, the formula used for these drops helps dissolve the built up mucus to clear the ear canals and reduce discomfort.
The products are highly effective, and they work almost instantly. The only problem is that because ear drops do not target the actual cause of congestion, it’s likely that the problem might develop again. That said, multiple uses may be necessary once the first dosage has worn off.
Herbal Remedies
For people that don’t want the risk of developing toxicity from synthetic medications – especially if they frequently develop colds – herbal remedies can provide similar relief without the side effects.
Most herbal remedies for congestion come in the form of tea. These incorporate ingredients like mint and ginger which are highly effective at clearing out mucus. They can come in other forms however, such as candies and syrups.
Ear Decongestant FAQs
1. How long does it take to clear a decongested ear?
Generally, it takes about a week to clear significant earwax buildup.
2. How long does a decongestant take to work?
Depending on the decongestant and the person using it, relief may come within minutes or a few days.
3. Will a decongestant unclog my ears?
In most cases, it will. However, it could depend on how clogged your ears are or the severity of the infection or condition causing them to clog.
4. How does it feel to have a congested ear?
Congested ears can be caused by an infection, which tends to bring pain and discomfort. In and of itself, congested ears create a feeling of fullness and popping noises in your ears.
5. Can your ears be permanently clogged?
The clogged feeling is temporary, but the hearing loss that may result from ignoring the underlying condition can be permanent.
The Best Ear Decongestant
Achieve temporary ear relief with the help of the tried-and-tested products we included in this guide. If you have problems choosing one for your needs, your top option will be from one of the most trusted brands, Mucinex.
However, if you don’t like nasal spray, the Benzedrex inhaler and the Major Pharmaceuticals oral med will be the top alternatives.