Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently try to blow air out through your nose.
If you recently recovered from a cold or have allergies, your Eustachian tubes may be swollen shut.
Getting off a plane with "airplane ear" is a common, albeit annoying, rite of passage for travelers. This happens because the air pressure in your middle ear can't keep up with the rapid changes in the cabin during ascent and descent, causing your eardrum to stretch. If you’re stuck with that muffled, pressurized feeling after landing, here are the most effective ways to clear it. The Gentle Fixes The simplest way to unpop your ears is to engage the muscles that control your Eustachian tubes—the tiny passages connecting your middle ear to your throat. Yawn or Swallow: This is the gold standard. Even a fake yawn can trigger the tubes to open. Chew and Sip: Chewing gum or drinking water forces repetitive swallowing, which helps equalize pressure naturally. The Toynbee Maneuver: Pinch your nose shut and take a few sips of water. The combination of suction and swallowing is often enough to break the pressure seal. The Targeted Techniques If swallowing isn't cutting it, you may need a bit of controlled pressure. The Valsalva Maneuver: Pinch your nostrils, close your mouth, and blow gently through your nose as if you’re blowing into a tissue. how to unpop ears after a flight
This is the secret weapon of scuba divers and flight nurses. It looks silly, but it works when nothing else does.
Open your mouth wide as if you’re yawning deeply. You might hear a "click" or "pop" when it works. 4. The "Otovent" Method (For Stubborn Clogs) Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and
If your ears remain plugged for hours after landing, you might need a bit of assistance. You can find "ear popping" balloons (often called Otovent) at pharmacies. You blow up a balloon using your nostril, which forces air into the middle ear to equalize the pressure. 5. Use Decongestants or Nasal Sprays
The constant motion of the jaw helps keep the tubes active. This happens because the air pressure in your
Disclaimer: This text is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are in severe pain, please consult a healthcare professional.
Keeping your mucous membranes hydrated makes it easier for your Eustachian tubes to function.
Hold a warm (not hot) washcloth against your ear for 5 to 10 minutes. The heat can help soothe pain and may help thin any fluid trapped behind the eardrum, allowing it to drain more easily. When to See a Doctor
Sometimes, the pressure is exacerbated by congestion or inflammation in the sinuses.