To pop your ears and relieve pressure, you can try several safe and effective methods:
- Swallowing : Swallowing activates muscles that open the eustachian tubes, equalizing ear pressure. Chewing gum or sucking on candy can also stimulate swallowing
- Yawning : Yawning helps open the eustachian tubes. If you can’t yawn naturally, try faking a yawn by opening your mouth wide and breathing deeply
- Valsalva maneuver : Close your mouth, pinch your nostrils shut, and gently blow air through your nose without letting air escape. This increases pressure to open the eustachian tubes and pop your ears. Be gentle to avoid injury
- Toynbee maneuver : Pinch your nostrils closed and swallow simultaneously. This can also help open the eustachian tubes
- Jaw movements and earlobe pulling : Moving or wiggling your jaw, flexing muscles behind your jaw, or gently pulling and wiggling your earlobe may help open the tubes and relieve pressure
- Blowing up a balloon : Blowing up a balloon can create pressure that helps pop your ears, but avoid this if you have a cold or runny nose to prevent infection
Try these methods gently and repeatedly if needed. If your ears remain blocked or painful, especially due to infection or other medical conditions, consult a healthcare professional
