He called in sick. His own voice sounded far away, like a radio playing in another room.

This is the most common technique, but it must be done gently to avoid damaging your eardrum.

They were clogged.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical concerns.

When the tube is blocked, a vacuum-like effect or fluid accumulation occurs behind the eardrum, which dampens its ability to vibrate and impairs hearing. Effective Remedies for Immediate Relief

Around noon, he tried the old trick: pinching his nose and gently blowing. His ears gave a tiny, reluctant pop , and for one glorious second, the world rushed in. The hum of the refrigerator. The drip of the faucet. The patter of rain against the window like a thousand tiny fingers. He gasped at the fullness of it, the sudden noisiness of being alive.

You’re already dealing with the sniffles, the sore throat, and the fatigue. But then, it happens: that tell-tale feeling of fullness in your head. Suddenly, it sounds like you’re talking inside a tunnel, and you can’t quite get that "pop" to relieve the pressure.