Applying a warm, damp washcloth to the affected ear can help soothe pain and loosen fluid, providing symptomatic relief.

When you have a cold, your Eustachian tube (a small tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat) can become swollen and blocked. This tube is responsible for regulating air pressure in the ear and draining mucus. When it becomes blocked, fluid can accumulate in the middle ear, leading to ear blockage or fullness.