Most people will feel pain and discomfort in their ears that can only be alleviated by their ears popping at some point. Known as ear barotrauma, this is a perfectly normal sensation to feel in certain environments. The resulting feeling occurs due to a change in pressure between your eustachian tubes and the outside world. Here’s what you need to know about how to pop your ears and whether popping ears is safe.
Why does my ear feel clogged?
A clogged or “full” sensation in the ear usually happens when the Eustachian tube—the small channel that equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the throat—gets blocked or stops working properly. This can occur during altitude changes (like flying or driving through mountains), with colds, sinus congestion, allergies, or after being exposed to sudden pressure shifts.
When the tube can’t open normally, air becomes trapped behind the eardrum, creating pressure, muffled hearing, or a popping sensation. Less commonly, earwax buildup, fluid from an infection, or inflammation in the nasal passages can also make the ear feel plugged, even if there’s no pain.
When you should pop your ears
You should pop your ears when you feel pressure, fullness, or muffled hearing caused by changes in air pressure, such as during air travel, driving through mountains, or using elevators. Popping your ears can help equalize pressure in the middle ear and restore normal hearing when there is no pain or infection present.
It is also appropriate to gently pop your ears if they feel clogged due to temporary sinus congestion or mild allergies, as long as the technique is performed carefully. If ear pressure is accompanied by sharp pain, dizziness, fluid discharge, or hearing loss, you should avoid popping your ears and seek medical advice instead.
What happens when your ear pops
When your ear pops, it means that air pressure in the middle ear has equalized with the outside environment. This happens when the Eustachian tubes briefly open, allowing air to flow in or out of the middle ear. The “pop” you hear or feel is the sudden release of pressure, which relieves the sensation of fullness, muffled hearing, or discomfort. In most cases, this is completely normal and harmless, and it restores your ear’s ability to detect sounds clearly.
Why do ears pop when I blow my nose?
Ears can pop when you blow your nose because air pressure in the middle ear changes and the Eustachian tubes temporarily open. Blowing your nose forces air through the nasal passages, which can travel up the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment. While this can relieve the feeling of fullness, blowing too hard may cause discomfort or even damage the eardrum, especially if you already have congestion, infection, or a weakened eardrum.
Is it safe or bad to pop your ears?
Before looking into the different ways of how to pop your ear, you may be wondering: is it safe to do so in the first place? Popping in the ear happens all the time. Every time you chew and swallow, a small air bubble moves up through the eustachian tube in either ear. Popping ears without medical intervention is perfectly safe, and there are even some over-the-counter remedies that aim to help with this.
Only if various strategies for how to pop ear tubes don’t work will you need to get in touch with a doctor. In extreme cases, surgery may be required to drain the build-up of fluids and to equalize the pressure within the ear. If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort or frequent ear popping, don’t wait—schedule a consultation with a hearing care professional to ensure your ears stay healthy."
Best ways to pop ears
Swallowing
Yawning
Chewing gum
The Valsalva maneuver
- Sit or stand upright and take a deep breath.
- Close your mouth and pinch your nose shut with your fingers.
- Gently blow air out through your nose while keeping it pinched. You should feel gentle pressure in your ears.
- Hold for 1–2 seconds, then release. You may hear a soft pop as the Eustachian tubes open and pressure equalizes.
- Repeat if necessary, but do it gently—never blow too hard, as excessive force can damage your eardrum or inner ear.
The Toynbee maneuver
- Sit or stand upright and take a small sip of water.
- Pinch your nose gently with your fingers.
- Swallow the water while keeping your nose pinched. This combination of swallowing and nasal closure opens the Eustachian tubes and helps equalize pressure in the middle ear.
- You may feel a soft pop or pressure release in your ears.
- Repeat if necessary, but do so gently and avoid forcing it.
The Frenzel maneuver
- Sit or stand upright and take a small breath, keeping your lungs partially filled.
- Close your mouth and pinch your nose gently.
- Instead of blowing with your chest (like in the Valsalva), use your tongue and throat muscles to push air toward the back of your nose and the Eustachian tubes.
- Press the back of your tongue against the roof of your mouth as if you’re saying “K” or “G.”
- You should feel a gentle pop or pressure release in your ears as the Eustachian tubes open.
- Repeat if necessary, but always do it gently—never force the air.
Over-the-counter devices
Certain devices help to clean the ears. If the ear popping maneuvers above have been ineffective or you cannot perform them, try these over-the-counter devices:
- Otovent – The Otovent and other similar devices attempt to replicate the effect of the Valsalva maneuver. Simply insert the nozzle into your nostril and the other into the end of a balloon. Using the nozzle, blow up the balloon. Ears popping with Otovent is an excellent alternative for children.
- EarPopper – This prescription device works much the same as the Otovent. The difference is when you insert the nozzle, you push a button, and the EarPopper will release little puffs of air to clear the blockage.
- Earplugs – Some earplugs have been marketed as a solution for barotrauma. However, there’s no scientific evidence that they actually work. They’re worth trying because they are risk-free.
There are medications available, such as decongestants, that travelers use to prevent their ears from popping when flying, but these are only semi-effective.
How long does it take for your ear to pop?
The time it takes for your ear to pop can vary depending on the cause of the pressure and how well your Eustachian tubes are functioning.
In many cases, ears pop within seconds or minutes after swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum, especially during mild altitude changes. If pressure is caused by flying, diving, or driving through mountains, it may take several minutes to a few hours for the ears to fully equalize. When congestion from a cold or allergies is involved, ear pressure can last days until the swelling goes down.
If your ear does not pop after a day or is accompanied by pain or hearing changes, it may be time to seek medical advice.
Methods you should avoid
While most ear-popping techniques are safe when done gently, certain methods can cause damage or worsen ear problems and should be avoided:
- Forceful blowing: Blowing too hard through your nose (like in a strong Valsalva) can rupture the eardrum or damage the inner ear.
- Using objects in the ear: Inserting cotton swabs, pens, or other items can injure the ear canal or eardrum.
- Excessive suction or vacuum devices: Devices that attempt to suck air out of the ear can cause pain or hearing loss.
- Ignoring pain or infection: Trying to pop your ears while having an ear infection, fluid buildup, or perforated eardrum can worsen the condition.
- Rapid altitude changes without preparation: Forcing ear popping during fast pressure changes, like in diving or flying, can cause barotrauma if done incorrectly.
How to get your ears to pop in specific situations
During and after flying
During and after diving or snorkeling
With a cold, allergies, or sinus congestion
Ear is clogged and won't pop: what to do
If your ear won’t pop despite trying home remedies like swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum, start by staying calm and avoiding forceful maneuvers, which can cause injury. You can try gently performing the Toynbee or Frenzel maneuvers, using a saline nasal spray, or taking a decongestant if congestion is the cause.
Sometimes, simply waiting for the Eustachian tubes to open naturally can resolve the pressure. If fullness, muffled hearing, or pain persists for more than a day, or if you experience severe pain, fluid, or dizziness, it’s important to consult a doctor to rule out infection or other ear problems.
When ear pressure becomes a medical problem
Ear pressure can usually be relieved with simple techniques, but it may become a medical concern if it persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms. Seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, hearing loss, ringing, dizziness, fluid drainage, or fever. These signs may indicate conditions such as ear infection, Eustachian tube dysfunction, or a perforated eardrum. Prompt evaluation by a healthcare professional can prevent complications and ensure the proper treatment, which may include medication, drainage, or other interventions.
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