Method to Pop Ears

Stuffy or clogged ears can be due to a variety of reasons, such as a cold or the change in air pressure when you're flying. Finding relief will relieve congestion and allow you to hear again. Simple steps can be taken to "pop" your ears, relieving the pressure.

Things You'll Need

• Chewing gum
• Beverage
• Straw
• Over-the-counter decongestant

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Instructions

• 1

  Chew gum to relieve pressure in your ears. The motion of chewing and your jaw moving up and down helps to open up the ear canal so you can hear. If you're on an airplane, chew gum as your flight is taking off in order to prevent clogged ears altogether.

• 2

  Yawning helps to pop the ears.

  Yawn as may times as you can until your ears unclog. As your jaw opens, you should feel your ears popping. Similarly, opening your mouth wide then closing it repeatedly can also help pop the ears.

• 3

  Drink a non-carbonated beverage with a straw. Similar to the way giving a baby a bottle will help with popping the ears, drinking from a straw can prevent clogged ears and help pop them when they're stuffed.

• 4

  Take a breath in and plug your nose. Gently try to push the air out through your plugged nose to pop your ears. Don't push too hard, as you can damage your ears by doing so.

• 5

  If all else fails, take an over-the-counter decongestant to relieve congestion in the ears.