Clogged Ears After Flying (EXTENDED)

Don’t sleep during the descent (usually the last 30–45 minutes of the flight). You need to be awake to swallow and yawn actively.

The culprit is the —a narrow passage connecting your middle ear to the back of your throat. Its job is to balance air pressure on both sides of your eardrum.

If you are currently reading this in a terminal or at home with clogged ears, try these methods to help open the Eustachian tubes. clogged ears after flying

Here is everything you need to know about why your ears clog during a flight and how to get them back to normal. Why Does It Happen?

If you’ve already landed and your ears won't pop, try these tried-and-true methods: Don’t sleep during the descent (usually the last

, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the throat, is responsible for equalizing this pressure. When you fly, the tube often struggles to open quickly enough. If it remains blocked, a vacuum forms, pulling the eardrum inward and muffling sound. How to Fix It Most cases are temporary and can be resolved using simple techniques: The Valsalva Maneuver: Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently try to blow air out through your nostrils. Active Swallowing: Chewing gum, drinking water, or sucking on hard candy engages the muscles that open the Eustachian tube. The Toynbee Maneuver: Pinch your nose and take a sip of water simultaneously. When to See a Doctor While the "clogged" feeling usually fades within a few hours, you should seek medical attention if you experience

The best way to deal with "airplane ear" is to stop it before it starts: Its job is to balance air pressure on

Over-the-counter decongestant nasal sprays (like oxymetazoline) can shrink the swelling in the nasal passages, making it easier for the Eustachian tubes to function. How to Prevent It on Your Next Flight