The wax blocks the ear canal and makes it difficult to see the drum. This wax can also be the cause of decreased hearing. The natural way to remove ear wax is to let the tiny hairs in the ear propel the wax outward. Let nature follow its course, or contact your health care provider. Avoid contact with allergy-causing agents if you are susceptible.
Allergies can cause swelling of the eustachian tubes that results in blockage.
At the first sign of a cold, treat the symptoms. Ask your health care provider for pamphlets about managing colds and sore throats. Ear infections are not caused by going without your ears covered. The middle ear most often becomes infected from bacteria that travel up the eustachian tube from the throat. There is no evidence that ear infections are inherited.