Have you ever felt that weird pressure in your ears when you’re on an airplane or after a swim? That sensation is often because your ears need to “pop.” This popping is your body’s way to equalize the pressure between the inside and outside of your eardrum. If you’re struggling with this feeling, don’t worry; there are several safe methods you can try to relieve the discomfort.

Here’s How To Pop Your Ears

Yawning or Swallowing

When you yawn or swallow, your muscles automatically work to open the Eustachian tubes (tiny passages connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat). If these tubes are closed, pressure can’t balance on both sides of your eardrums, which can lead to that plugged-up feeling.

So, if you need to pop your ears, try to yawn or swallow. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can also help because they encourage you to swallow more often.

The Valsalva Maneuver

Another method is the Valsalva maneuver, which you can perform by taking a deep breath, pinching your nose shut, and gently blowing out with your mouth closed, as if you’re trying to blow up a balloon. This can push air through the Eustachian tubes and pop your ears. But be careful: If you blow too hard, you could damage your eardrum.

Toynbee Maneuver

Similarly, the Toynbee maneuver involves pinching your nose and swallowing at the same time. This method combines swallowing and changing pressure in your mouth and nose, which can be particularly effective.

Using a Warm Washcloth

Sometimes, applying a warm washcloth or covered heating pad to the affected ear can help. The warmth can help to relax the muscles and open the Eustachian tubes, allowing the pressure to balance out.

Over-the-Counter Medications

If you’re still having trouble, over-the-counter medications might help. Decongestant nasal sprays or oral decongestants reduce swelling in your nasal passages, which can help open up the Eustachian tubes. However, you should use these medications with caution and typically not for more than a few days.

Ear Drops

There are also ear drops designed to help with ear pressure. These can help if your ears need to pop due to a buildup of earwax.

When to See a Doctor

If these methods don’t help, or if you feel severe pain or have hearing loss, you should see a doctor. Sometimes, ear pressure can be a sign of an infection or other condition that needs medical treatment.

Safety First

Always be gentle when trying to pop your ears. Forceful attempts can damage the ear and lead to problems such as ear infections or even hearing loss. If you’re unsure about what to do, it’s best to consult a specialist or a doctor.

In conclusion, popping your ears is usually a simple matter of balancing pressure. Most of the time, you can manage it on your own with these safe techniques. But if the problem persists, it’s wise to seek professional medical advice.