Here are some effective ways to unclog your ears from a cold:

Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently blow air as if you are trying to exhale through your nose. Caution: Blow very gently to avoid damaging your eardrum.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention:

Thinning the mucus trapped in your nasal passages can lead to better drainage from the ears.

Lean over a bowl of hot (not boiling) water with a towel over your head to trap the steam. Breathe deeply for 5–10 minutes. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil can enhance the effect.

Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently blow air through your nose as if you were blowing it into a tissue. Be extremely careful; blowing too hard can damage your eardrum.

Simple jaw movements are often enough to open the Eustachian tubes.

Applying a warm compress to your ear can help to loosen up mucus and reduce congestion.

Pinch your nose and take a swallow at the same time. This is often considered a gentler alternative to the Valsalva maneuver.

The good news is that this is usually temporary. Here’s how to safely relieve the pressure and unclog your ears.

Sometimes, earwax buildup can contribute to ear congestion. Using earwax dissolvers like hydrogen peroxide or ear drops can help to dissolve excess earwax.