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.
Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently try to blow air out through your nose.
If you feel sharp pain, liquid leaking from your ear, or if the blockage lasts longer than 48 hours, see a doctor. You might have actually ruptured something, or have a middle ear effusion (fluid trapped behind the drum) that requires a steroid or a minor procedure.
The repetitive swallowing motion is often enough to break the vacuum seal in your ear. how to unpop ears after a flight
First, understand that violence is not the answer. Do not pinch your nose and blow like you’re trying to launch a rocket. That’s the "Valsalva maneuver," and doing it too hard can rupture your round window (a very bad day). We want cleverness, not force.
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.
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) Getting off a plane with "airplane ear" is
If you’ve landed and your ears still feel like they’re underwater, don't worry. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to unpop your ears safely and effectively. 1. The Valsalva Maneuver
Sometimes, the pressure is exacerbated by congestion or inflammation in the sinuses.
Taking a pill like Sudafed can help shrink the membranes in the Eustachian tubes, making it easier for them to open. 6. Apply a Warm Compress The Gentle Fixes The simplest way to unpop
The world has gone quiet. Your own voice sounds like you’re speaking from the bottom of a well. Every step you take is accompanied by a faint, squishy click deep inside your skull. You are, for all intents and purposes, a human submarine with a stuck hatch.
Here is a quick guide to getting your hearing back to 100% so you can get on with your trip. 5 Ways to Pop Your Ears After a Flight 1. The Valsalva Maneuver This is the classic "pinch and blow" technique.
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
If your ears feel congested due to a cold or allergies on top of the flight pressure, steam can help.
Here are the safest and most effective ways to get your hearing back to normal.