"One more trick for the toolbox," Sarah said, seeing he was relieved but still a little stuffy. "Sometimes blowing isn't enough. If you pinch your nose and swallow at the same time, it creates a vacuum that sucks the tube open."
Leo mimicked her. He pinched his nose, lips sealed tight, and blew gently.
"Whoa," Leo said, rubbing his ear. "I heard that pop. It felt weird." how to make ears pop after flying
"They do," she laughed. "And now you know how to turn them."
Pinch your nose shut and take a few sips of water. The combination of the closed nasal passage and the swallowing action creates a pressure change that often snaps the tubes open. "One more trick for the toolbox," Sarah said,
By the time the plane reached the gate, the pain was gone. The world sounded loud, busy, and normal.
Open your mouth slightly and move your lower jaw from side to side or forward and back. This can physically wiggle the Eustachian tube opening. He pinched his nose, lips sealed tight, and blew gently
Leo tried again. He pinched his nose, closed his eyes, and gave a short, sharp exhale against his blocked nose.
Meds containing pseudoephedrine (like Sudafed) can help dry up any fluid and reduce swelling from the inside out.
If physical maneuvers aren't working, the issue might be inflammation or congestion.
Wait, he thought. Don't blow too hard. Just a little push.