Tips to Protect Your Ears When You’re Sick or Feeling Congested
Sniffles, sore throats, blocked noses — we all expect these when cold and flu season rolls around. But did you know that your ears can also be affected by seasonal illnesses?
At Suction Ears Audiology, we often see people experiencing blocked ears, ear pain, or muffled hearing during or after a cold. Here’s what’s going on, and how you can protect your ears when your immune system is under pressure.
👂 Why Do Ears Get Affected When You’re Sick?
Your ears, nose, and throat are all connected by the Eustachian tubes — small passages that help equalise pressure in the middle ear. When you’re congested or dealing with a sinus infection, these tubes can become blocked or inflamed, causing:
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears
- Temporary hearing loss or muffled hearing
- Tinnitus (ringing or buzzing)
- Pain or discomfort
- Fluid build-up behind the eardrum
In some cases, this can also lead to middle ear infections, especially in children or adults with chronic sinus issues.
🛡 Tips to Keep Your Ears Healthy During Cold & Flu Season
1. Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps thin out mucus, making it easier for your sinuses and Eustachian tubes to drain properly.
2. Avoid Cotton Buds
If your ears feel blocked, resist the urge to use cotton buds — they can push wax deeper and worsen discomfort. Instead, book a professional ear check if symptoms persist.
3. Use Nasal Sprays or Steam Inhalation
Saline sprays and steam inhalation can reduce nasal and sinus congestion, which in turn helps relieve ear pressure.
4. Avoid Flying When Sick
Air travel with a cold can increase the risk of ear barotrauma (pain from pressure changes). If you must fly, try using filtered earplugs and perform pressure-equalising techniques like yawning, swallowing, or the Valsalva manoeuvre.
5. Rest and Recover
Your ears (like the rest of your body) need time to recover when you’re unwell. Give your immune system a chance to do its job by getting enough rest.
❗ When to Seek Help
If you notice any of the following, it’s a good idea to have your ears checked by a professional:
- Ear pain lasting more than a couple of days
- Ongoing muffled hearing post-illness
- Blocked ears that don’t resolve after using decongestants
- Tinnitus or ringing that appears or worsens
- Dizziness or balance issues
These symptoms may be linked to ear wax build-up, middle ear fluid, or other complications triggered by congestion.
🩺 How We Can Help
At Suction Ears, we offer gentle microsuction ear wax removal, suitable for both children and adults. It’s safe, dry, and effective — especially during or after sinus and respiratory illnesses.
We also provide paediatric hearing assessments for children aged 4 and above with GP referral — particularly helpful if your child is experiencing recurring ear infections during winter.
📍 Visit Us Across Melbourne
Clinics in:
- Mentone
- Keysborough
- Murrumbeena
- Bayswater
🗓Saturday appointments available
👂 Take Care of Your Hearing This Winter
Don’t let cold and flu season catch your ears off guard. With a few simple steps — and professional help when needed — you can keep your ears clear, comfortable, and healthy year-round.
📞Call 1300 327 349
📧Email info@suctionears.com.au
Stay warm, stay well — and take care of your ears! 💙❄️👂
