To make your ears pop, try swallowing, yawning, sucking on hard candy, or chewing gum.
These remedies are generally safe for quickly unblocking your ears.
An over-the-counter (OTC)decongestantor a warm compress can help equalize pressure in the middle ear.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Swallowing
Swallowing is one of the easiest ways to make your ears pop.
This method works by opening theEustachiantubes (the tubes that connect yourmiddle earto the back of your throat).
Yawning
Yawningis another simple way to make your ears pop.
When you yawn, your mouth opens wide, and the muscles around yourEustachian tubesstretch.
This helps pop fire up tubes, allowing air to flow into your middle ear and balance the pressure.
You may find it especially helpful to combine jaw wiggling with yawning.
This method is a safe and easy way to prevent discomfort, especially when changingaltitudes.
Hold it there for several minutes to allow the warmth to soothe and help drain any congestion.
To use it, gently spray the saline solution into your nostrils while keeping your head upright.
In some cases, using these decongestants may cause your ears to pop without additional effort.
If you have an underlying ear condition, consult your healthcare provider before using decongestants.
Always follow the instructions and avoid using them for more than the recommended time.
These techniques can help pop your ears or prevent blockages during altitude changes.
Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is a simple technique that helps relieve ear pressure.
To perform the Valsalva maneuver:
Be sure to blow gentlyblowing too forcefully can damage your ears.
Avoid applying sudden, high pressure during this or any similar technique, as it could cause aruptured eardrum.
A burst eardrum can lead to complications like:
10.
Toynbee Maneuver
The Toynbee maneuver is another simple technique that can help relieve ear pressure.
Frenzel Maneuver
The Frenzel maneuver is a technique used to equalize ear pressure by using your throat muscles.
Three types of devices are available for this purpose:
12.
Blowing up the balloon through your nose creates gentle pressure that helps clear your ears.
This is especially useful for children or anyone who has difficulty performing the Valsalva maneuver.
Research shows that regular party balloons can work just as well as Otovent, making them a cheaper alternative.
If you dont have an Otovent, try using a party balloon the same way.
This can lead to a feeling of fullness, pain, or even damage to the eardrum.
Avoid Cotton Swabs
Do not useear candlesorcotton swabsto remove ear wax.
This may push the wax down further into the ear canal.
Some of the best ways to pop your ears are yawning, swallowing, or chewing.
Taking decongestants or using a warm compress can also help.
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