What to do about tinnitus, ear blockage, and hearing loss

Nov 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lu Cheng

Introduction

Tinnitus, ear fullness, and hearing loss may be caused by noise exposure, cerumen impaction in the external auditory canal, secretory otitis media, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or Ménière's disease. These symptoms can be improved by avoiding noise, cleaning the ear canal, or medical treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is necessary. Prolonged exposure to high-decibel environments or sudden noise exposure

Tinnitus, ear blockage, and hearing loss may be caused by noise exposure, cerumen impaction in the external auditory canal, secretory otitis media, sudden sensorineural hearing loss, or Ménière’s disease. These conditions can be improved through measures such as avoiding noise, cleaning the ear canal, and medical treatment. If symptoms persist or worsen, prompt medical attention is necessary.

1. Noise exposure: Prolonged exposure to high-decibel environments or sudden loud noises can damage cochlear hair cells, leading to tinnitus, a sensation of ear fullness, and possibly temporary hearing loss. It is recommended to immediately leave noisy environments, wear earplugs for protection, avoid prolonged use of headphones, and allow the auditory system sufficient rest.

2. Cerumen impaction: Excessive cerumen production or impaired expulsion can lead to accumulation and blockage of the ear canal, affecting sound conduction and causing tinnitus, ear fullness, and hearing loss. Do not attempt to remove earwax yourself; instead, visit a hospital where a doctor can safely remove it using professional tools to prevent injury to the ear canal or eardrum.

3. Secretory otitis media: Dysfunction of the Eustachian tube leads to fluid accumulation in the middle ear, resulting in tinnitus and ear fullness. The fluid interferes with sound transmission, causing hearing loss, sometimes accompanied by mild ear pain. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as cefaclor dispersible tablets, mometasone furoate nasal spray, and eucalyptus citriodora pine oil enteric-coated soft capsules to relieve symptoms.

4. Sudden sensorineural hearing loss: Impaired blood circulation in the inner ear or viral infection can cause sudden hearing loss, often accompanied by tinnitus, ear fullness, and sometimes dizziness. Under medical supervision, medications such as mecobalamin tablets, ginkgo leaf extract drops, and dexamethasone sodium phosphate injection may be used to alleviate symptoms.

5. Ménière’s disease: Caused by endolymphatic hydrops in the inner ear, this condition manifests as recurrent episodes of tinnitus, ear fullness, fluctuating hearing loss, and frequently associated vertigo and nausea. Patients may follow medical advice to take betahistine tablets, hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and difenidol tablets to improve symptoms.

Maintain clean and dry ear canals, avoid frequent ear picking, stay away from noise and intense sound exposure, eat a balanced diet, maintain regular sleep patterns, exercise moderately, and reduce factors that may trigger ear discomfort.

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Ear blockage occurred after using ear drops for several days.

In general, ear blockage after using ear drops for several days may be caused by frequent use, ear canal injury, allergic reactions, cerumen impaction, or otitis media. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive targeted treatment. In daily life, maintain healthy habits and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods such as Sichuan pepper, chili peppers, and garlic to prevent worsening of symptoms.

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Can boric acid and borneol ear drops be used after expiration?

Boric acid and borneol ear drops should not be used after expiration, as this may affect the drug's therapeutic efficacy and hinder disease recovery. Boric acid and borneol ear drops are anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications for the ear, primarily used to treat symptoms such as ear pain, ear blockage, and discharge of yellow fluid from the ear. After expiration, the active ingredients in the medication gradually degrade over time, losing their effectiveness and thereby reducing the drug's therapeutic effect.

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Ears feel blocked after using ear drops for several days.

In general, ear blockage a few days after using ear drops may be caused by frequent use, ear canal injury, allergic reactions, cerumen impaction, or otitis media. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. In daily life, maintain healthy habits and avoid spicy, irritating foods such as pepper, chili, and garlic to prevent worsening of symptoms.

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A feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear after sexual intercourse

In general, a feeling of ear fullness or blockage after sexual intercourse may be related to factors such as excessive mental tension, earwax impaction, sensorineural tinnitus, barotrauma, or otitis media. Patients are advised to follow medical instructions for symptomatic treatment. Additionally, this sensation could also be associated with middle ear effusion. If patients experience any discomfort, they should seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delaying diagnosis and treatment.