– Gum is fine, but a chewy bagel or a thick piece of bread is better. The sustained, repetitive jaw motion and swallowing work in tandem.
You don’t have to suffer again.
Have a stubborn case? Share your experience in the comments—or consult an ENT if it’s been over a week.
– Drink a large glass of warm water, then another. Swallowing repeatedly creates tiny tube openings. Plus, dehydration thickens mucus—exactly what you don’t want.
How to Unclog Your Ears After a Flight: A Simple Guide Stepping off a plane with that muffled, "underwater" feeling in your ears can be frustrating. This sensation, known as (or ear barotrauma), occurs when the air pressure in your middle ear doesn't match the pressure in the cabin during descent. Fortunately, you can usually clear it up yourself with a few simple techniques. 1. Active "Popping" Maneuvers
Unclogging your ears after a flight can be quite a relief. Here are some helpful methods:
Most airplane ear clears within a day or two. But red flags exist:
If your ears remain clogged or you're experiencing discomfort, pain, or hearing loss, it's always best to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and advice.
Pinch your nose and swallow. That’s it. Swallowing pulls open the eustachian tubes; pinching creates back-pressure. It’s the quiet, polite cousin of the Valsalva.
This is the most common "popping" method. Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently blow air through your nose as if you are blowing into a balloon. Note: Avoid blowing too forcefully to prevent eardrum damage.
