Are clogged ears related to Covid?

Clogged or stuffy ears are a common symptom many people have experienced at some point in their lives. A clogged feeling in the ears can be caused by many factors like allergies, sinus infections, colds, or even changes in altitude. However, recently some people diagnosed with Covid-19 have also reported clogged ears as an accompanying symptom. This has raised questions around whether clogged ears are related to Covid-19 infections.

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What causes clogged ears?

The Eustachian tube connects your middle ear to the back of your throat and nose. It helps regulate air pressure in the middle ear space. When the Eustachian tube gets inflamed or congested due to allergies, a cold, sinus infection, or other factors, it can cause a feeling of fullness or clogged ears. Some common causes of clogged ears include:

Allergies – Allergic reactions can cause inflammation and congestion in the nose and throat, including the Eustachian tubes, leading to clogged ear sensations.

Sinus infections – Sinusitis causes swelling in the sinus cavities surrounding the nasal passageways. This can put pressure on the Eustachian tubes.
Colds & upper respiratory infections – Congestion from colds and infections can inflame the throat and nasal cavities near the Eustachian tubes.
Changes in air pressure – Things like flying in an airplane or scuba diving can affect air pressure in the middle ear, temporarily clogging the ears.

Fluid buildup – Congestion can sometimes cause fluid buildup and pressure in the middle ear.
Earwax blockage – A blockage or impaction of earwax can cause clogged ear sensations.
Throat irritation – Soothing an irritated throat by frequently swallowing, talking loudly, or crying can cause the Eustachian tube muscles to spasm, leading to temporary ear fullness.

In most cases, clogged ears from common causes like these are temporary and clear up on their own or with simple treatment. However, the symptom warrants medical attention if it persists or occurs along with other concerning symptoms.

Are clogged ears a symptom of Covid-19?

According to emerging research and anecdotal patient reports, clogged ears or ear fullness appears to be associated with Covid-19 in some cases. A few key points:

A study published in the International Forum of Allergy & Rhinology journal found that clogged ears were reported by 8% of a group of 202 patients positive for Covid-19 in Spain.

In a study of hospitalized Covid-19 patients in New York, 5.1% reported having ear fullness or clogged ears.
Additional research has found clogged ears present in up to 2.7% to 7.6% of Covid-19 patients studied.
Firsthand patient accounts on social media and forum discussions describe temporary ear fullness, clogged ears, or muted hearing as part of their Covid-19 symptoms.

While not as common as fever, cough, or shortness of breath, these initial research findings and patient reports suggest clogged or stuffy ears can manifest as an ancillary symptom in a subset of Covid-19 cases. More research is still needed though.

Why would Covid-19 cause clogged ears?

There are a few possible explanations for why clogged ears are being tied to some Covid-19 infections:

The ears and sinuses connect – The ears, nose, and throat are anatomically linked through connected passages. Swelling in the nasal and sinus cavities caused by Covid-19 could put pressure on the Eustachian tubes, leading to clogged ear symptoms.

Increased inflammation – Covid-19 can prompt an inflammatory immune response that causes swelling in mucous membranes and tissues. If this inflammation reaches the Eustachian tubes, it could obstruct normal drainage and airflow, causing temporary ear fullness.
Blood clots – Covid-19 may increase the risk of blood clots in some cases. Tiny clots in the blood vessels around the Eustachian tube could contribute to clogged ear sensations.
Otitis media – Some research indicates Covid-19 may raise susceptibility to otitis media, an ear infection that can cause clogged ears. The virus has been detected in middle ear fluid of patients with otitis media.

Overall the link between Covid-19 and clogged ears likely has to do with proximity and the inflammatory impact of the virus spreading through connected anatomical structures.

How long do Covid-related clogged ears last?

For those who develop clogged or stuffy ears from Covid-19, the symptom tends to be temporary rather than permanent. Here is an overview of how long it may persist:

In most cases, Covid-linked ear fullness seems to last around 1-3 days or up to 1 week at most.

Anecdotal reports indicate the sensation eventual goes away on its own as the infection runs its course.
Ear fullness reoccurring over a longer period could signal a secondary bacterial ear infection that may require antibiotic treatment.
Persistent clogged ears over weeks to months is unlikely to be directly related to an initial Covid-19 infection.

However, some patients do report ears taking weeks or months to feel fully clear after Covid. Inflammation can linger.

As a temporary viral symptom, Covid-related clogged ears seem to resolve within 7-10 days for the majority of those affected. But the recovery timeline varies. Work with your doctor if ear symptoms don’t improve or worsen.

Decongestants and other medications

Since Covid-linked ear fullness is tied to swelling and inflammation, decongestant medications can provide some relief in the short term:

Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) reduce swollen membranes and can help open the Eustachian tube.
Nasal sprays – Corticosteroid nasal sprays like Flonase help decrease inflammation.
Medicated ear drops – Ear drops containing medications to reduce swelling, inflammation, or fluid can temporarily alleviate clogged ear discomfort.

Pain relievers – Ibuprofen, naproxen, or acetaminophen lessen discomfort from inflammation and pressure.
Antihistamines – Antihistamines like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) can improve clogged ears from allergies.

Discuss any new medications with your doctor before use, even over-the-counter options. Avoid excessive use of decongestant nasal sprays. Seek prompt medical care if ear pain worsens or you have drainage from the ear.

Home remedies for clogged ears

There are also some at-home remedies that may provide transient relief from clogged ears during a Covid-19 infection:

Saltwater nasal rinse – Rinsing the nasal passages helps clear mucus and reduce inflammation.
Stay hydrated – Drinking extra fluids can help thin mucus secretion and prevent dehydration.

Steam inhalation – Inhaling warm, moist air loosens mucus and soothes inflammation in the nasal passages.
Sleep elevated – Use extra pillows to sleep at an incline. This facilitates nasal and Eustachian tube drainage.
Gargle with salt water – Salty water soothes throat irritation that can trigger ear fullness.

Over-the-counter nasal strips – Nasal strips open the nasal passages to improve airflow and drainage.
Avoid flying – Air travel could worsen temporary ear fullness, so avoid flying until it resolves.

Be sure to consult your doctor before using any home treatments if you have concerns. While home remedies can provide some relief, medical assessment is still advised if symptoms persist or get worse.

When to see a doctor

In most cases, Covid-related clogged ears will run their course and not require specific medical treatment. But it’s a good idea to touch base with your healthcare provider if:

Ear fullness is severe or persists for over 1 week
Ear pain develops or you experience discharge/drainage from the ear

Hearing loss, ringing, or dizziness accompanies clogged ears
You have a history of ear infections like otitis media
Nasal obstruction lasts over 10-14 days

Clogged ears disrupt sleep or daily functioning

Monitoring for complications and seeking prompt medical care for worsening ear symptoms can help prevent long-term issues. Most cases of Covid-linked clogged ears resolve on their own without intervention. But discussing any lingering ear changes following your infection can help identify if follow-up care is needed for full resolution.

Preventing clogged ears

Some general tips for avoiding clogged ears and maintaining ear health include:

Treat allergies – Manage indoor and outdoor allergy triggers to prevent allergy-related clogged ears.
Good hygiene – Practicing healthy hand hygiene protects against colds, flu and Covid-19 to reduce risk of secondary clogged ear symptoms.
Avoid smoke – Secondhand smoke is an irritant that can cause nasal inflammation and fluid buildup in the ears.

Over-the-counter nasal sprays – Saline sprays keep nasal passages moisturized and wash out allergens.
Avoid excessive ear cleaning – Aggressive ear cleaning can push ear wax deeper and lead to blockages.
Get plenty of rest – Adequate rest supports immune function to prevent respiratory infections.

Healthy diet – Eating well provides nutrients to boost immunity and prevent illness.

Implementing healthy habits day-to-day lowers risk of developing nasal congestion and subsequent ear fullness from viral or bacterial sources. Prevention helps maintain open Eustachian tubes and healthy middle ear function.

The bottom line

While not a primary indicator, clogged ears appear to emerge as an occasional symptom in mild Covid-19 infections. Ear fullness results from swelling in the throat and nasal regions that puts pressure on the Eustachian tubes. Fortunately, Covid-linked ear congestion seems to be temporary for most patients and resolve as their infection clears. Decongestants, nasal sprays, ear drops and home remedies can provide relief in the meantime. Connect with your doctor if clogged ears are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other worrying symptoms. With the right care, this minor symptom should pass and not lead to complications. Being attentive to your symptom experience can help differentiate common nasal congestion from more concerning ear issues.