- Clogged ears can be caused by nasal congestion due to allergies, colds, sinus issues, or air travel, which then leads to pressure in the eustachian tubes.
- Nasal spray options, including decongestant, antihistamine, saline, steroid, and combination sprays, target different root causes of ear congestion.
- Consulting a healthcare professional is important for identifying the cause of congestion and choosing the appropriate nasal spray.
Clogged ears can feel uncomfortable, as they lead to muffled hearing and even pain. This happens when the eustachian tubes, which balance ear pressure and drain fluid, get blocked. Nasal congestion from allergies, colds, or sinus issues often causes this problem [*].
The good news is that nasal sprays can be effective for alleviating ear congestion by targeting the root causes such as inflammation, mucus buildup, or allergic reactions.
In this article, we’ll have a look at the different types of nasal sprays, their benefits, and other treatments to help you choose the best option for clearing clogged ears and finding relief.
Choosing the Best Nasal Spray for Clogged Ears
Choosing the right nasal spray for clogged ears depends on the cause. If you are dealing with allergies or a cold — antihistamine nasal sprays reduce allergy symptoms, and saline nasal sprays help moisturize and clear nasal passages.
However, for more severe congestion, a decongestant nasal spray may shrink swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, which can relieve pressure in the eustachian tubes. It’s important to note that they should only be used for a few days to avoid rebound congestion [*].
Always consult a healthcare professional to identify the cause of the clogging and choose the best treatment.
Related: Allergy Medications: Your Complete Guide
What’s the Best Nasal Spray for Clogged Ears?
Combination nasal sprays, like Allermi, are highly effective for clogged ears because they relieve multiple symptoms at once. This is especially helpful when ear congestion is caused by allergies, inflammation, and severe nasal congestion.
Allermi’s active ingredients are customized to your needs. Its micro-doses decongestant alleviates eustachian tube pressure, the antihistamine reduces swelling, the anticholinergic prevent mucus buildup, and the anti-inflammatory enhances airflow and drainage.
Allermi can provide relief in less than 30 minutes. Its effects last up to 24 hours, so you can use it once a day. You’ll also get guidance from an allergist.
Nasal Decongestant Sprays for Clogged Ears
Nasal decongestant sprays reduce pressure in the eustachian tubes by shrinking swollen blood vessels in the nasal passages, which helps relieve ear congestion. They are effective for short-term relief of nasal and ear pressure.
Common options include Afrin (oxymetazoline) and Neo-Synephrine (phenylephrine). However, they should only be used for up to three days to avoid rebound congestion, which can make symptoms worse.
Allermi nasal spray uses a microdose of a decongestant and combines it with a nasal anti-inflammatory which has been studied to prevent the onset of rebound congestion [*].
Related: Afrin vs. Flonase: Differences and Alternatives
Antihistamine Nasal Sprays for Clogged Ears
Antihistamine nasal sprays block histamines, which are chemicals that cause allergic reactions. This helps reduce swelling and congestion from allergies that can lead to clogged ears.
Common options include Astepro (azelastine) and Patanase (olopatadine). These sprays are great for managing allergy-related nasal and ear symptoms.
Related: Astepro vs. Flonase: Differences and Alternatives
Saline Sprays for Clogged Ears
Saline nasal sprays are non-medicated solutions made of saltwater that help moisturize and clear the nasal passages. They work by rinsing out irritants like dust, pollen, and mucus. This can improve airflow and relieve pressure in the eustachian tubes without causing side effects.
Saline sprays, like Simply Saline and Ocean Nasal Spray, can be used long-term — they’re a great option for daily maintenance. Another excellent choice is Allermi’s all-natural moisturizing saline nasal mist that hydrates and soothes your nasal passages. It not only eases congestion but also effectively flushes out irritants from your nasal pathway for better breathing and increased comfort.
Nasal Steroid Sprays for Clogged Ears
Nasal steroid sprays reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, which relieves pressure in the eustachian tubes and improves drainage. They are especially useful for chronic congestion from allergies, sinusitis, or other inflammatory issues.
Common options include Flonase (fluticasone), Nasacort (triamcinolone), and Rhinocort (budesonide). While they may take a few days to show results, they are effective for long-term relief.
Related: Nasacort vs. Flonase: Differences and Alternatives
Other Treatment Options for Ear Congestion
Ear congestion can be relieved with simple treatments, especially when caused by temporary issues like air pressure changes during flights, colds, or fluid buildup from swimming.
Here are some effective options you can try:
- Yawning or swallowing: These simple actions can help open the eustachian tubes, which equalize pressure between the middle ear and the environment. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can stimulate these actions as well.
- Valsalva maneuver: This is a commonly used technique to help regulate ear pressure, especially during activities like flying or diving. To perform it, gently blow out air while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed. Remember to do it gently — blowing too forcefully can risk damaging the eardrum or worsening symptoms
- Steam inhalation: Breathing in steam from a bowl of hot water or a warm shower can loosen mucus and reduce nasal and ear congestion.
- Warm compress: Applying a warm compress around the ears or face can improve circulation, reduce discomfort, and promote fluid drainage.
- Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus, which makes it easier to drain from the nasal passages and eustachian tubes. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with conditions like colds, sinus infections, or allergies.
The Bottom Line
Over-the-counter nasal sprays and simple remedies like staying hydrated or using steam can help clear up congestion. Figuring out the cause — such as allergies, sinus pressure, or air travel — is important for choosing the right treatment.
You can also consider using a combination nasal spray, like Allermi, which is highly effective for clogged ears because it can relieve multiple symptoms at once. This is especially helpful when ear congestion is caused by allergies, inflammation, and severe nasal congestion.
Take steps to understand what works best for you and prioritize your health!
References:
- Llewellyn, A., Norman, G., Harden, M., Coatesworth, A., Kimberling, D., Schilder, A., & McDaid, C. (2014, July 1). Background. Interventions for Adult Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: A Systematic Review - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK262265/
- ScienceDirect. (n.d.). Decongestive agent. In Pharmacology, toxicology, and pharmaceutical science. Retrieved January 17, 2025, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/decongestive-agent
- Nasal decongestant. (2024, May 1). Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/24923-nasal-decongestant
- Neighbors, C. L., Salvador, C. F., Zhu, B., Camacho, M., & Tsai, P. (2021). Intranasal corticosteroid and oxymetazoline for chronic rhinitis: a systematic review. The Journal of Laryngology & Otology, 136(1), 8–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0022215121003364
