How To Unpop Your Ears (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Unpop Your Ears » How To Unpop Your Ears (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Ears Won’t Pop? How to Find Instant Relief PDF download Download Article Safe and easy ways to get your ears feeling normal again Co-authored by Janice Tieperman Medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS

Last Updated: June 4, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Valsalva manuever
    • |
  • Toynbee manuever
    • |
  • Yawn
    • |
  • Chew gum
    • |
  • Try hard candies or lozenges
    • |
  • Drink water
    • |
  • Frenzel maneuver
    • |
  • Take decongestant medication
    • |
  • Use earplugs
    • |
  • Stay awake during parts of your flight
    • |
  • Visit your doctor
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 9,658,109 times.

From time to time, especially when you’re dealing with a sudden change in air pressure (like when you’re in an airplane), your ears may start to feel stuffed, or like they need to pop. This uncomfortable condition is called ear barotrauma, which happens when the air pressure on either side of your eardrum becomes imbalanced. In order to regain this balance, the Eustachian tubes, which link your middle ear to the back of your throat, need to be opened up.[1] Thankfully, there are plenty of quick and easy ways to open up these tubes and pop your ears—and we’re here to walk you through them. Read on to see if any of these remedies do the trick!

This article is partially based on an interview with Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS, Registered Nurse.

Things You Should Know

  • Get your ears to pop with the Valsalva manuever (where you pretend to blow your nose).
  • Force yourself to yawn or swallow to encourage your ears to pop. Chewing gum and sucking on hard candy can help with this.
  • Try the Toynbee manuever, where you pinch your nose while swallowing. This combination can force your ears to pop.
  • Prevent your ears from getting blocked on an airplane by chewing gum, wearing earplugs, or staying awake at the beginning and end of the flight.

Steps

1

Valsalva manuever

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pretend to blow your nose to encourage your ears to pop. Pretend to blow your nose to encourage your ears to pop. While keeping your mouth closed, gently pinch the end of your nose with your fingers and exhale through your nose (as if you were blowing into a tissue). This process creates pressure that makes your ears’ Eustachian tubes open, which creates a “popping” sensation.[2]
    • Try to be gentle as you do this—the Valsalva maneuver doesn’t need to be forced.
    2. Advertisement
2

Toynbee manuever

PDF download Download Article
  1. Swallow while holding your nose to help equalize your ears. Swallow while holding your nose to help equalize your ears. While pinching the bottom of your nose, swallow a little bit of saliva. This encourages your Eustachian tubes to open up, which may create the popping sensation that you’re looking for.[3]
    • You can also try the Lowry technique—this is a combination of the Toynbee and Valsalva maneuver, and involves both swallowing and exhaling while holding your nose.
3

Yawn

PDF download Download Article
  1. Yawning helps the Eustachian tubes in your ears to open up. Yawning helps the Eustachian tubes in your ears to open up. Open your mouth about as far as you would to say "ahhh," and then attempt a yawn. Keep opening your mouth slowly (with your mouth in an "O" shape) until you break into a full yawn. Feel free to stop once you feel your ears pop.[4]
    • You’ll know when pressure rebalances—not only will you hear and feel a pop, but you’ll also hear more clearly than you did when your ears were clogged.
    2. Advertisement
4

Chew gum

PDF download Download Article
  1. Chewing gum forces you to swallow spit, which helps your ears pop. Chewing gum forces you to swallow spit, which helps your ears pop. When you chew something (like a piece of gum), your mouth creates extra saliva, which forces you to swallow. The swallowing motion gets your Eustachian tubs to open, equalizing the pressure between the inside and outside of your ear. Start chewing a stick of gum when you know you'll be dealing with altitude changes, and head the blockage off at the pass.
    • You can also chew gum to prevent your ears from becoming stuffed up.
5

Try hard candies or lozenges

PDF download Download Article
  1. Sucking on candy creates saliva and encourages you to swallow. Sucking on candy creates saliva and encourages you to swallow. Just like with gum, sucking on a hard candy (like a mint or lozenge) gets your mouth to produce more saliva, which forces you to swallow (and open your Eustachian tubes). Bring a small stash of hard candy on your next flight (or trip that has a lot of altitude changes) to help relieve any potential ear pressure.
    2. Advertisement
6

Drink water

PDF download Download Article
  1. Any type of swallowing motion can get your ears to pop and feel better. Any type of swallowing motion can get your ears to pop and feel better. Take a sip of water (or the non-caffeinated beverage of your choice), which gets your Eustachian tubes to open up.[5] If your ears don’t pop at first, take a few more sips of your drink and see if that helps.
    • Drinking lots of water on a flight helps keep your nasal mucus from getting too thick (which makes your Eustachian tubes more likely to get blocked up).
7

Frenzel maneuver

PDF download Download Article
  1. Pop your ears by holding your nose and making a “k” sound. Pop your ears by holding your nose and making a “k” sound. As you pinch your nostrils shut, try saying the beginning of the word crow or cow. The hard “k” sound may encourage your ears to pop and provide some relief.[6]
    • Words like cake, cop, cold, carrot, and kid can also help you make that hard “k” sound.
    2. Advertisement
8

Take decongestant medication

PDF download Download Article
  1. Decongestant medication helps your ears pop when you’re feeling ill. Decongestant medication helps your ears pop when you’re feeling ill. When your nose is all stuffed up (like when you have a cold), the mucous membranes in your ears and nose become inflamed—this makes it more challenging to “pop” your ears and relieve any uncomfortable pressure. To help with this, take an OTC nasal spray or decongestant pills to help make your mucous membranes less swollen.
    • If you’re preparing for an upcoming flight, take or use the OTC decongestants about a half hour before boarding your flight.[7]
    • Try to use nasal sprays sparingly; if you use them too often, they can actually create more congestion. Thankfully, decongestant pills don’t carry this risk.[8]
9

Use earplugs

PDF download Download Article
  1. Ear plugs help your ears stay equalized during a flight. Ear plugs help your ears stay equalized during a flight. After you’ve seated yourself on the plane, stick in a pair of filtered earplugs. They’ll help your ears feel more comfortable as you take off and land, though they won’t eliminate the pressure completely.[9]
    • You’ll still need to pop your ears if you wear earplugs, but your ears may feel a little more comfortable overall.
    2. Advertisement
10

Stay awake during parts of your flight

PDF download Download Article
  1. Staying alert makes it easier to manage the pressure in your ears. Staying alert makes it easier to manage the pressure in your ears. The biggest pressure changes happen at the beginning and end of a flight. So, make sure that you’re alert and ready to pop your ears while your plane is taking off and landing—this helps your ears feel more comfortable in the long run.[10]
11

Visit your doctor

PDF download Download Article
  1. Your doctor can take a closer look and make sure that everything is okay. Your doctor can take a closer look and make sure that everything is okay. It’s important to visit a doctor if you notice other concerning symptoms, like continued blockage, ear pain, dizziness, bleeding, and ear drainage. At your appointment, your doctor might perform a test (like an ear pressure or hearing test) to see if something more serious is causing the issue.[11]
    • Your doctor can check and see if you have an infection that’s causing a blocked Eustachian tube. If you do not have an infection, your doctor can guide you in the right direction as to what to do next. Allergies, inflammation, or even Temporomandibular Joint Dysfunction (TMJ) can possibly cause your ears to not pop.[12]
    2. Advertisement

Clear Your Sinuses With This Expert Series

Clearing your sinuses can sometimes feel impossible, especially if you have an infection. Use these expert articles to unclog your sinuses and finally get some relief. 1 - Expert-Backed Tips & Remedies to Unclog Your Ears at Home 1 Expert-Backed Tips & Remedies to Unclog Your Ears at Home 2 - Clear Your Sinuses and Ears 2 Clear Your Sinuses and Ears 3 - Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube 3 Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube 4 - 16 Ways to Clear Nasal Congestion 4 16 Ways to Clear Nasal Congestion 5 - How to Clear Your Sinuses at Home 5 How to Clear Your Sinuses at Home 6 - Clear a Sinus Infection 6 Clear a Sinus Infection

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Why won't my left ear pop? Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse Expert Answer Not being able to pop your ear(s) can occur in one or both ears. This can be uncomfortable or it may even be painful. The sensation may be short-lived (acute), intermittent, or chronic. If you have attempted the above remedies, and it still didn't pop, you should see your doctor. It's possible you have an infection or there may be another reason why it won't pop, such as chronic TMJ issues or allergies. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 21 Helpful 40
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. icon $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything.

Video

Reader Videos

Tips

  • If you’re on a flight with a young child, encourage them to create bubbles in their beverage by blowing through a straw—this can help prevent their ears from feeling clogged.[13] Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1
  • If you really struggle with allergies and have a flight coming up, plan to take your go-to medication an hour before boarding the plane.[14] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Fever, earache, and lethargy are all common signs of a middle ear infection. If you notice any of these symptoms, see your doctor right away.[15] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Unplug EarsHow toUnplug Ears Avoid Ear Pain During a FlightHow toAvoid Ear Pain During a Flight Prevent Your Ears from PoppingHow toPrevent Your Ears from Popping Unclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian TubeHow toUnclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube Relieve Ear CongestionHow toRelieve Ear Congestion Clear a Eustachian Tube BlockageHow toClear a Eustachian Tube Blockage Unclog Your Ears After a ColdExpert-Backed Tips & Remedies to Unclog Your Ears at Home Unclog a Clogged EarHow toUnclog a Clogged Ear Remove Water from EarsHow to Get Rid of Water in Your Ears: Chewing, Blow Drying, Ear Drops & More Remove Fluid in EarsHow toRemove Fluid in Ears Clear Your Sinuses and EarsHow toClear Your Sinuses and Ears Drain Ear FluidHow to Drain Ear Fluid with Home, OTC, and Medical Treatment Options Clear up Ear Congestion With Olive OilHow toClear up Ear Congestion With Olive Oil Survive an Upset Stomach on an AirplaneHow toSurvive an Upset Stomach on an Airplane Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/barotrauma-a-to-z
  2. ↑ https://med.uth.edu/orl/online-ear-disease-photo-book/appendix/how-to-pop-your-ears/
  3. ↑ https://danboater.org/travel-health-and-safety/how-to-pop-your-ears-6-easy-ways-safely.html
  4. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-ears.html
  5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-ears.html
  6. ↑ https://danboater.org/travel-health-and-safety/how-to-pop-your-ears-6-easy-ways-safely.html
  7. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P00473
  8. ↑ https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2022/mar/how-long-does-rebound-congestion-last-5-more-rebound-congestion-questions-answered/
  9. ↑ https://www.columbiadoctors.org/news/keep-your-ears-comfortable-your-next-flight
More References (6)
  1. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17929-airplane-ear
  2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17929-airplane-ear
  3. ↑ Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS. Registered Nurse. Expert Interview
  4. ↑ https://www.beaconhealthsystem.org/library/diseases-and-conditions/airplane-ear?content_id=CON-20164012
  5. ↑ https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=85&contentid=P00473
  6. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/ears-nose-and-throat/middle-ear-infection-otitis-media

About This Article

Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse This article was medically reviewed by Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Sarah Gehrke is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Massage Therapist based in Texas. Sarah has over 10 years of experience teaching and practicing phlebotomy and intravenous (IV) therapy using physical, psychological, and emotional support. She received her Massage Therapist License from the Amarillo Massage Therapy Institute in 2008. Sarah also has a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner certificate from Walden University and a Master’s in Nursing from the University of Phoenix. This article has been viewed 9,658,109 times. 26 votes - 52% Co-authors: 72 Updated: June 4, 2025 Views: 9,658,109 Categories: Ear Health

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Read More...

Article SummaryX

If you need to unpop your ears, open your mouth in an O shape and try to yawn. If that doesn’t work on first few tries, tilt your head back and thrust your jaw forward. This may open your Eustachian tubes and relieve the pressure in your ears. If you’re still feeling pressure, chew a large piece of gum, or 2 pieces at once if you need to. Keep reading to learn tips from our medical reviewer on how to know when the pressure in your ears might be a sign of a more serious sinus problem! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Italian Spanish German Portuguese French Russian Chinese Indonesian Arabic Vietnamese Thai Korean Hindi Turkish Czech Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 9,658,109 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Atiragram Sellet

    Atiragram Sellet

    Sep 21, 2016

    "Thank you so much for the yawning and valsava maneuver tip! My ears have been popping constantly, but I'd..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Medically reviewed by: Sarah Gehrke, RN, MS Registered Nurse 26 votes - 52% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 72 Updated: June 4, 2025 Views: 9,658,109 Atiragram Sellet

Atiragram Sellet

Sep 21, 2016

"Thank you so much for the yawning and valsava maneuver tip! My ears have been popping constantly, but I'd..." more Lewis Grand

Lewis Grand

Jan 13, 2018

"One ear has been blocked for 12 days. Had a hot bath and then completed 20 jaw excises and held my nose and..." more Herman C.

Herman C.

Jul 8, 2016

"Yawning fixed my left ear. Valsalva maneuver fixed my right ear. I clogged my own ears and I couldn't fix it,..." more Yazz V.

Yazz V.

Aug 11, 2016

"Very important information. There were a few I didn't know about, like the gum and the yawn. Thanks." Madhurima Tyagi

Madhurima Tyagi

Sep 13, 2016

"I am having ear infections and here I confirmed my idea of giving heat to my ears." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

How Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizHow Awkward Am I QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizDo I Have Agoraphobia QuizDo I Have Agoraphobia QuizTake QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizHow Nonchalant Am I QuizTake QuizAm I Giving Someone the Ick QuizAm I Giving Someone the Ick QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Unplug EarsHow toUnplug EarsAvoid Ear Pain During a FlightHow toAvoid Ear Pain During a FlightPrevent Your Ears from PoppingHow toPrevent Your Ears from PoppingUnclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian TubeHow toUnclog the Inner Ear or Eustachian Tube

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type QuizWhat Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Do I Have Common Sense QuizDo I Have Common Sense QuizTake QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizWhat Bird Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Have Anxiety QuizDo I Have Anxiety QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizWhy Am I So Tired QuizWhy Am I So Tired QuizTake QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizAm I Chronically Online QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Health
  • Ear Health
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --610

Tag » How To Unpop Your Ears