Have you ever finished washing your hair and noticed that one ear suddenly feels blocked or muffled? A blocked ear after washing your hair can happen when water enters the ear canal and temporarily affects how your ear feels or how you hear.
For some people, existing earwax may also contribute to the sensation. However, a blocked ear is not always caused by water or earwax.
Here’s what may be happening and what you can do.
Why Can Water Enter Your Ear While Washing Your Hair?
When washing your hair, water can enter the outer part of the ear canal, particularly when rinsing shampoo and conditioner or tilting your head.
Shower hose types
The type of showerhead may also effect how water filters into the ears. Although many people love the relaxing sensation of a rain showerhead, the water pours directly down over the top of the head and ears. This may result in more water entering or running into the ear canal than when using a handheld shower or smaller shower rose.
Usually, water drains from the ear naturally. You may notice a temporary sensation of fullness, muffled hearing or a feeling that there is water in your ear, until you tilt your head to the side and feel the water drain out, often a satisfying sensation!
The shape of the ear canal can also influence how easily water drains. The narrower the canal is, the more difficult for water to drain.
Why Might Your Ear Continue to Feel Blocked Afterwards?
There are several possible explanations for a blocked or muffled sensation after washing your hair.
Water remaining in the ear canal
A small amount of water may remain in the outer ear canal for a period of time. This can create a temporary sensation of fullness or affect how sounds are heard.
Existing earwax
A build-up of earwax can sometimes cause a blocked sensation or changes in hearing on its own. Coupled with water that has entered the ear
If water enters an ear where wax is already present, water can become trapped behind the wax further blocking up the ear or making blocked sensations more noticeable.
A small amount of healthy earwax though, is a normal part of ear health and helps protect the ear canal.
Irritation of the ear canal
Repeated exposure to water can sometimes contribute to irritation of the skin lining the ear canal in some individuals. This may be associated with symptoms such as itching, discomfort or fullness. A shower cap may be of use to prevent water entering the ear canal reducing symptoms.
Another possible cause
A blocked sensation or watery sensations in the ear does not necessarily mean that water or earwax is responsible.
Congestion, Eustachian tube problems, middle-ear fluid and other ear conditions can also affect hearing or create a feeling of pressure or fullness. Having your ears assessed by The Ear Nurses can help determine what this issue is.
What Can You Do If Your Ear Feels Blocked After Washing Your Hair?
If you think water has entered your ear, allow it to drain naturally by gently tilting your head towards the affected side.
You can also gently dry the outside of your ear with a towel.
Avoid putting cotton buds, tissues, fingers or other objects into the ear canal. These can irritate the ear or push existing earwax further inside.
It is also best not to assume that a blocked feeling means you need earwax removal. If the sensation continues or keeps returning, an assessment can help determine the possible cause.
When Should You Have a Blocked Ear Checked?
Consider speaking with a healthcare professional such as The Ear Nurses or your General Practitioner if the blocked feeling persists, repeatedly occurs after washing your hair, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- ongoing hearing changes
- blocked sensations
- ear pain
- itching
- discharge
- ringing or other changes in hearing
The appropriate assessment depends on your symptoms and individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Water can enter the ear canal while washing or rinsing your hair and may temporarily create a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing. Existing earwax or another ear condition may also contribute.
Water can remain temporarily in the outer ear canal. It will often drain naturally, although this can vary between individuals depending on the canal size and any blockages.
Please avoid putting cotton buds or other objects into the ear canal. They can irritate the ear, cause infection and may push earwax further into the canal.
Repeated blockage after the shower can have several possible causes, including water entering the ear canal and getting trapped behind or within wax.
No. A blocked or muffled sensation can have several causes. Earwax is one possibility, but water, congestion, Eustachian tube problems and other conditions can produce similar symptoms.
Prevent water from entering your ears in the first place by
-Wearing a shower cap if you are not washing your hair
-Poppping in an ear plug or some ear putty prior to bathing
About The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears
The Ear Nurses at Crystal Clear Ears provide ear care across Melbourne.
Our ear care is provided by registered nurses trained in ear care. Ear assessments involve examination of the ear canal using clinical equipment and magnification. Where earwax is identified and removal is considered appropriate, microsuction may be used.
The appropriate approach depends on the findings of the individual assessment. Where further medical assessment is indicated, referral to an appropriate healthcare professional may be recommended.
General information: This article is provided for educational purposes and does not replace individual medical advice. Symptoms and appropriate care may vary between individuals.
