Blocked ear after blowing your nose

During a cold or allergy flare, the passage that helps equalise pressure between the middle ear and the back of the nose can become swollen. Forceful blowing may briefly push pressure towards the ear, causing fullness, popping or muffled hearing. Earwax can create a similar blocked feeling, while an earache, fluid or ringing may suggest another problem. A blocked ear is a symptom, not a diagnosis, so its timing and accompanying signs matter.

Blow gently, one nostril at a time, with your mouth open rather than repeatedly forcing air. Saline spray can loosen mucus, and swallowing, yawning or sipping water may help the pressure tube open. Treat a known allergy only with products suitable for you; a pharmacist can advise. Do not insert objects into the ear or repeatedly forcefully pop it. If congestion settles but hearing does not, arrange an examination.

Get urgent help for sudden hearing loss, severe pain, spinning dizziness, facial weakness, blood or fluid from the ear, or severe headache with neurological symptoms. Seek routine medical advice for persistent blockage, repeated episodes, fever, worsening earache or symptoms after a significant pressure event.

Ask whether pressure, wax or middle-ear fluid best explains the blockage, whether your nose needs treatment, and whether a hearing test would clarify the change.