When your ear feels blocked, your instinct might be to use a cotton swab, bobby pin, or your pinky finger to "dig" the blockage out.
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. These actions activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes. how to unclog ears when you have a cold
The goal is to open the Eustachian tube, not to clean the ear canal. When your ear feels blocked, your instinct might
Since the blockage originates in your nose and throat, clearing the nose is the best long-term solution. The goal is to open the Eustachian tube,
Why does this happen? The culprit is the —a tiny canal that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat. When you have a cold, inflammation and mucus block this tube, preventing air pressure from equalizing. The result feels like you are wearing earplugs.
If the Valsalva maneuver feels too aggressive, try the passive route. Swallowing and yawning naturally open the Eustachian tubes.
If the pressure has turned into pain, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help manage the discomfort while you wait for the cold to pass.