Ear popping, also known as ear clearing, is a common issue that occurs when the air pressure in your middle ear and the outside air pressure are out of balance. This can cause uncomfortable pressure and pain inside the ear. Some quick answers to common questions about ear popping are:
What causes an ear not to pop?
– Flying in an airplane
– Driving through mountains or hills
– Scuba diving
– Congestion from colds or allergies
Why won’t my ear pop?
– Fluid buildup in the middle ear
– Eustachian tube dysfunction
– Changes in air pressure
– Swelling in the nasal/throat area
What is the Eustachian Tube and How Does it Relate to Ear Popping?
The Eustachian tube is a small canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. Its job is to equalize the air pressure between the middle ear and outside air. When the Eustachian tube is working properly, it opens periodically to allow air into the middle ear space. This equalizes the pressure and creates that familiar “pop” feeling.
However, if the Eustachian tube gets blocked or isn’t functioning correctly, air and fluid can get trapped in the middle ear. This causes a pressure difference between the middle and outer ear. The eardrum is stuck in the middle of this pressure imbalance, causing it to bulge inward or outward. This leads to pain, dulled hearing, and a feeling of stuffiness.
Some reasons the Eustachian tube can malfunction and contribute to popping ears:
- Congestion from colds, flu, sinus infections, or allergies
- Enlarged adenoids
- Growths or tumors in the nasal cavity or throat
- Smoking
- Recurring middle ear infections
When the Eustachian tube is blocked, it cannot open to equalize the pressure between the outer and middle ear. This leads to that uncomfortable “clogged” sensation and prevents the ear from popping.
How to Help Open a Blocked Eustachian Tube
There are a few methods to help open a blocked Eustachian tube to allow your ear to pop:
- Take a decongestant – Oral decongestants reduce swelling in the nasal cavity and may open the tube.
- Use a nasal spray – Saline sprays or decongestant sprays can shrink tissues.
- Chew gum – Chewing gum encourages you to swallow more, which can pull the Eustachian tube open.
- Yawn and swallow – These motions mimic the natural opening of the Eustachian tube.
- Use a neti pot – Rinsing the nasal cavity with saline solution can remove congestion.
How to Pop Ears Using Force
In some cases, adding a small amount of extra force can help pop stubborn ears. This should be done carefully to avoid injury. Here are some techniques:
Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver involves pinching the nose shut, taking a deep breath, and blowing gently against the obstruction. This increases air pressure inside the Eustachian tube and helps force it open. To perform the Valsalva maneuver:
- Close mouth and pinch nose shut
- Take a deep breath in and hold it
- Gently blow out against the blocked nose (like blowing up a balloon)
- Repeat several times
Make sure not to blow too hard. The amount of pressure should be gentle and comfortable.
Frenzel Maneuver
The Frenzel maneuver is very similar to the Valsalva, except it’s performed with the mouth open. This prevents air pressure from building up too much. To do the Frenzel maneuver:
- Open mouth wide
- Pinch nose closed
- Contract the throat muscles like you are swallowing
- Perform this swallowing motion a few times
The motion helps open the Eustachian tubes by changing pressure in the airway and stimulating the muscles around the tubes.
Toynbee Maneuver
The Toynbee maneuver also involves swallowing but adds a pinch of the nose. To perform this technique:
- Close mouth
- Pinch nose shut
- Swallow several times
This motion pulls the Eustachian tubes open using suction created by swallowing. The nose pinch prevents air from entering while you swallow.
Politzer Device
A Politzer device uses air pressure to force open the Eustachian tubes. It involves fitting a soft rubber bulb syringe into the nose and gently squeezing air through. Politzer devices should only be used under the guidance of a doctor, as too much pressure can damage the ear.
How to Pop Ears by Equalizing Pressure
In addition to active maneuvers, allowing outside air pressure to passively equalize with the middle ear can also provide relief. Here are some methods:
Descend Slowly If Flying
When flying in an airplane, descending slowly prevents rapid air pressure changes that can trap air in the middle ear. Chewing gum or yawning while descending can also help.
Drive Down from Mountains Slowly
Similar to air travel, descending from high mountain elevations gradually equalizes pressure changes. If driving on a winding mountain road, try to avoid holding your nose and blowing as this stresses the Eustachian tubes.
Ascend Slowly When Scuba Diving
Coming up from underwater changes pressure quickly, so ascend no faster than the tiny air bubbles. This gives the ears time to adapt and pop properly.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water helps thin mucus so congestion doesn’t build up and block the Eustachian tubes as easily. Aim for 8 glasses of water daily.
Open the Mouth Wide
Opening the mouth wide can help pop the ears by allowing the jaw to pull on the Eustachian tube and open it up. Try dropping the jaw down and opening the mouth as wide as possible.
How to Relieve Ear Popping Pain
If you cannot get your ear to pop, you may need to temporarily manage the pain and discomfort until the pressure equalizes. Here are some tips:
- Take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation.
- Place a warm compress over the ear to soothe symptoms.
- Sleep in an inclined position to promote drainage.
- Avoid flying until congestion or infection clears up.
- Consider using earplugs when swimming to prevent water from entering the ear canal.
See a doctor if pain persists for more than a few days or if you experience any hearing changes or fluid leakage.
When to See a Doctor About Popping Ears
See your physician if you have any of these more serious ear popping symptoms:
- Ongoing pain or discomfort in one or both ears
- Pressure or fullness that persists for more than 1-2 days
- Hearing loss or changes in hearing
- Ear drainage or discharge
- Dizziness
- Ear infection symptoms like fever or severe pain
- Nosebleeds
- No relief from self-care remedies
These may indicate a medical issue like an ear infection, rupture, or other condition requiring professional treatment.
Medical Procedures to Pop Clogged Ears
If self-care and natural methods are ineffective, a doctor may recommend one of these medical procedures:
Prescription Medications
Oral steroids or decongestants can reduce swelling and open the Eustachian tubes. Antibiotics are used for infections. Medication can provide immediate relief in severe cases.
Eustachian Tube Dilation
Inserting a small balloon into the Eustachian tube and briefly inflating it stretches the tube open. This is done in the doctor’s office and takes about 30 minutes.
PE Tube Placement
During this outpatient surgery, a small tube is inserted into the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear space. The tubes usually fall out on their own after several months.
Adenoidectomy
If enlarged adenoids are blocking the Eustachian tubes, surgical removal of the adenoids may be warranted. This is generally done on children.
Preventing Ear Popping
You can take steps to prevent ear popping, especially if you are prone to it. Prevention tips include:
- Take a decongestant or use a nasal spray before flying.
- Stay hydrated – drink lots of water.
- Consider wearing earplugs when swimming.
- Avoid sleeping on the affected side.
- Use a saline nasal spray daily.
- Quit smoking.
- Treat allergies and sinus issues.
Avoiding congestion and allergens is key, as they can lead to Eustachian tube dysfunction. Keeping the nose, ears, and upper airway clear prevents trapping of air and fluid in the ears.
Home Remedies for Ear Popping
Several home remedies may provide relief from minor ear popping and pain:
Remedy | How It Works |
---|---|
Garlic oil ear drops | Natural antibiotic and decongestant properties reduce swelling and infection. |
Onion poultice | Onions contain anti-inflammatory quercetin and sulfur compounds to fight pain and swelling. |
Olive oil drops | Moisturizes and lubricates the ear canal. |
Steam inhalation | Warm steam liquefies mucus and provides moisture to shrink tissues. |
Salt water rinse | Clears allergens, moisturizes nasal passages, and prevents congestion buildup. |
Discuss these home treatments with your doctor before use, especially if symptoms are moderate to severe.
Alternative Therapies to Clear Blocked Ears
Some people report relief from chronic ear problems using alternative treatments like:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves stimulating pressure points in the body, often by inserting thin needles into the skin. Some acupoints may help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure in the ears.
Chiropractic
Spinal adjustments can improve alignment of the bones and muscles surrounding the Eustachian tubes. Gentle craniosacral massage may also mobilize the tissue.
Essential oils
Aromatherapy oils like lavender, tea tree, eucalyptus, and peppermint may have anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically around the ear.
Always check with your medical provider before starting alternative treatments.
When to See an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Doctor
See an ENT specialist promptly if you have:
- Frequent ear popping and pressure
- Recurring ear infections
- Congestion that always seems to affect the ears
- Eustachian tube dysfunction
- Hearing problems
- Ear pain and discomfort that won’t resolve
An ENT can examine the ears with a scope, check for infection or fluid buildup, diagnose any structural issues, and provide appropriate treatment.
Conclusion
Ear popping is very common and usually resolves on its own or with simple home treatment. Try methods like the Valsalva maneuver, nasal sprays, gum chewing, staying hydrated, and taking medications as recommended. See a doctor if problems persist or you experience severe pain, hearing issues, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms. With a few lifestyle changes and proper medical care when warranted, you can get relief from annoying ear plugging and discomfort.