5 Ways to Safely Pop Your Ears After a Flight

1. The Valsalva Maneuver

Perhaps the most well-known ear popping technique, the Valsalva maneuver involves gently trying to exhale while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed. This forces air up through the Eustachian tubes, the small channels connecting your middle ear to your back of your throat. The increased pressure can help to open the tubes and equalize the pressure in your ears.

How to do it safely:

• Pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers.
• Close your mouth tightly.
• Gently try to blow air out of your nose. You should feel a slight pressure in your ears.

Important Note: Avoid blowing too hard, as this can potentially damage your eardrum. If it doesn't work after a couple of gentle attempts, move on to another method.

2. Yawning and Swallowing

Yawning and swallowing are natural actions that can activate the muscles in your Eustachian tubes, helping to open them and equalize pressure. These actions are often enough to pop ears naturally, especially for mild pressure differences.

How to do it:

• Simply yawn widely and deliberately.
• Swallow frequently, even if you don't feel the need to. You can stimulate swallowing by sipping water or chewing gum.

These techniques are passive and gentle, making them a good first line of defense against ear pressure.

3. The Toynbee Maneuver

The Toynbee maneuver is similar to the Valsalva maneuver, but instead of exhaling, you swallow while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed. This action pulls the Eustachian tubes open.

How to do it:

• Pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers.
• Keep your mouth closed.
• Swallow.

This technique can be particularly effective when combined with other methods, like yawning or chewing gum. It's a subtle but powerful way to encourage ear equalization.

4. Chewing Gum or Sucking on Hard Candy

Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy stimulates saliva production, which in turn promotes more frequent swallowing. As mentioned before, swallowing helps to open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure. The repetitive motion also engages the muscles around the ears, contributing to the ear popping process.

How to do it:

• Simply chew gum or suck on a hard candy.
• Focus on swallowing frequently.

This is a simple and enjoyable way to address mild to moderate ear blockage after flying.

5. Nasal Decongestants

In cases of severe ear pressure, especially when caused by a cold or allergies, nasal decongestants can be helpful. These medications work by shrinking the swollen tissues in your nasal passages, which can help to open up the Eustachian tubes and allow for better ear pressure relief.

How to do it safely:

• Follow the instructions on the product label carefully.
• Use nasal decongestants sparingly, as overuse can lead to rebound congestion.

Important Note: Consult your doctor before using nasal decongestants, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. They are not a long-term solution for ear problems.

Comparing Ear Popping Techniques

Here's a quick comparison of the different methods discussed:

Remember to try these techniques gently and stop if you experience any pain. If your ear popping problems persist or are accompanied by pain, dizziness, or hearing loss, consult a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Enjoy your next flight with these tips to keep your ears happy and clear!