A blocked or muffled ear after swimming or flying is common and often temporary. Water can become trapped near the entrance of the ear, while changes in cabin pressure can make the ears feel full, uncomfortable or difficult to “pop”. However, these symptoms can also occur when earwax has built up and is already narrowing the ear canal.

When wax is present, swimming or flying may make the blockage more noticeable. Water can sit against the wax, and pressure changes may make existing fullness or reduced hearing feel worse. If the sensation does not settle, or if it is affecting your hearing, a professional ear wax assessment may help identify the cause and advise on suitable removal.

Why do ears feel blocked after swimming?

The ear canal is designed to allow water to drain naturally. Occasionally, water remains in the canal after bathing or swimming, particularly if there is already a build-up of earwax. This may cause a sloshing sensation, temporary muffled hearing or discomfort.

Earwax is a normal substance that helps protect the ear canal. It usually moves towards the opening of the ear naturally. Some people, however, produce more wax, have narrower ear canals, use hearing aids or earplugs, or regularly wear in-ear headphones. These factors can make wax more likely to collect.

If water becomes trapped behind or around a wax blockage, the ear may feel suddenly more closed. In some cases, the moisture and irritation can contribute to inflammation of the outer ear, sometimes called swimmer’s ear. This may cause pain, tenderness, itching or discharge rather than simple fullness.

Why can flying cause blocked ears?

During take-off and landing, the air pressure around you changes. The Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear with the back of the nose and throat, normally open to equalise pressure. If they do not open easily, you may experience pressure, popping, muffled hearing or aching. This is known as pressure-related ear discomfort, or ear barotrauma.

Flying with a cold, blocked nose, allergies or sinus congestion can make pressure equalisation more difficult. Earwax does not usually cause the pressure problem itself, because wax is in the outer ear canal while pressure changes affect the middle ear. Nevertheless, a wax blockage can add to the sensation of fullness and can make hearing seem particularly muffled after a flight.

Simple measures such as swallowing, yawning, sipping water or gently chewing may help the ears equalise during ascent and descent. Do not forcefully blow while pinching your nose, particularly if this causes pain. If your ears remain blocked after the flight, an assessment can help distinguish wax from pressure-related problems or another ear condition.

Signs that earwax may be contributing

Earwax is more likely to be involved when symptoms include:

  • A gradual reduction in hearing in one or both ears
  • A feeling of fullness or blockage that persists after swimming or flying
  • Ringing or buzzing in the ear
  • Itchiness or irritation in the ear canal
  • A change in hearing after using cotton buds, earplugs or in-ear headphones
  • Previous episodes of troublesome wax build-up

These symptoms are not specific to earwax, so it is important not to assume that wax is the cause. A trained professional should look in the ear before recommending removal. This is especially important if symptoms are sudden, severe or only affect one ear.

When professional ear wax removal may help

Professional ear wax removal may be appropriate when wax is visibly blocking the ear canal and is causing reduced hearing, discomfort or troublesome fullness. It can also be useful when over-the-counter drops have not cleared the blockage, when you need your ears assessed before using hearing equipment, or when you have been advised that wax needs to be removed for an examination.

At Barnes Pharmacy, the service begins with an ear assessment. If wax is present and removal is considered suitable, the practitioner can discuss the available approach and what to expect. Removal may involve microsuction, in which a small medical suction device is used to remove wax under direct vision. The appropriate method depends on the appearance of the ear, the amount and consistency of wax, and your medical history.

Professional removal is different from trying to reach deep into the ear yourself. The ear canal and eardrum are delicate, and inserting objects can push wax further in or cause injury. A professional assessment also helps avoid treating presumed wax when the symptoms may actually be due to infection, pressure problems or another cause.

What should you do before an appointment?

Follow the advice provided when booking your appointment. In some situations, wax-softening drops may be recommended beforehand to make removal easier. Do not use drops if you have been told you have a perforated eardrum, have grommets, have had recent ear surgery, or have previously reacted badly to ear drops unless a suitable clinician has advised you to do so.

Avoid cotton buds, hairpins and other objects in the ear. Ear candles are not a safe or reliable way to remove wax and can cause burns or block the ear with candle wax. Do not attempt to flush the ear at home if you have a history of eardrum problems, ear surgery, recurrent ear infections or significant pain without first obtaining medical advice.

When to seek medical advice promptly

Ear wax removal is not suitable for every ear complaint. Seek medical advice rather than arranging routine wax removal if you have severe or worsening pain, pus or blood coming from the ear, fever, marked dizziness, facial weakness or sudden hearing loss. Sudden hearing loss, especially in one ear, should be assessed urgently.

You should also mention any history of a perforated eardrum, ear surgery, grommets, recurrent infections or significant skin conditions affecting the ear. If an assessment suggests that the blockage is not caused by wax, you may be advised to contact your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional.

Making future swimming and flying more comfortable

After swimming, dry the outer ear gently with a towel and allow water to drain naturally. Do not insert anything into the canal. If you frequently use earplugs or swimming aids, ensure they fit comfortably and keep them clean according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Before flying, avoid travelling with a significant cold or blocked nose where possible, and try swallowing or yawning during take-off and landing. If you regularly experience ear pain when flying, ask a pharmacist or GP for individual advice, particularly if you have allergies, sinus problems or a history of ear disease.

Book an ear wax removal assessment

If your ear has remained blocked after swimming or flying, or you suspect a build-up of wax, Barnes Pharmacy can assess your ears and discuss whether professional removal may help. Book an ear wax removal appointment for friendly, professional advice on your symptoms.