If you have gum or a mint, use it. The repetitive motion of chewing and the constant swallowing of saliva is often enough to equalize pressure.
1️⃣ Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently blow. (Think: blowing up a balloon). 👃💨 2️⃣ Toynbee Maneuver: Pinch your nose and swallow hard. 💧 3️⃣ Jaw Movement: Chew gum or fake a really wide yawn. 😮 how to unpop your ears after a flight
Swallowing naturally pulls the eustachian tubes open, and the closed nose creates a slight pressure change to help the "pop." 3. Move Your Jaw (The "Yawn and Gulp") If you have gum or a mint, use it
An over-the-counter nasal spray (like Afrin) can shrink the swelling in the nasal passages and the openings of the tubes, allowing air to flow again. (Think: blowing up a balloon)
⚠️ If you have a cold, try a decongestant spray before the flight to prevent this from happening!
This creates pressure in the back of the nose, which can help open the eustachian tubes.
Gently wiggle your lower jaw back and forth or open it wide like you’re trying to bite a large apple. 4. Use a Nasal Decongestant Spray