Question
I have spring allergies and this year I have a plugged left ear, which I’m attributing to this. I’ve been using the over-the-counter ear wax remedies which have been working a bit for a day or two, and then my ear becomes plugged again. What can I do?
Answer
One of two problems is going on here. Either you have ear wax blocking your ear canal (a condition called cerumen impaction), or your allergies won’t permit your ears to pop, meaning that your eustachian tubes are blocked by allergic nasal swelling.
Your primary care physician can examine your ears, nose and throat and quickly determine the cause of your dilemma. You may need to see an otolaryngologist who can safely remove excess ear wax, or you just might need a corticosteroid nasal spray to relieve the eustachian tube swelling.