When Sick — How To Unclog Your Ears

If the Valsalva doesn't work, try this alternative.

Since the clog originates in the nose, treating the congestion is the most effective long-term fix.

When you are sick—whether from a cold, the flu, or allergies—the mucous membranes in your nose and throat swell. This inflammation pinches the Eustachian tube shut. Air cannot get in, fluid cannot get out, and a vacuum is created. That pressure is what you feel as "fullness" or clogging. how to unclog your ears when sick

These techniques help manually open the Eustachian tubes to equalize pressure: How to unclog ears from congestion and wax

If the clog is caused by inflammation and pressure, your goal is to open the Eustachian tube. If the Valsalva doesn't work, try this alternative

Don’t worry. You aren’t losing your hearing. You’re just dealing with , a very common side effect of colds, flu, and sinus infections.

There is a unique, frustrating hell that comes with being sick. Your nose is stuffy, your head feels like a bowling ball, and on top of everything else—your ears have decided to go on strike. This inflammation pinches the Eustachian tube shut

These methods are designed to force the Eustachian tubes to open and equalize pressure.

Let’s stick to the safer, gentler methods.