Due To Cold: How To Unclog Ears

It sounds cliché, but drinking water is crucial when you have a cold. Thick mucus creates more blockage. Staying hydrated helps thin the mucus, making it easier for your body to drain it away from the Eustachian tubes.

Given this physiological cause, the most effective strategies focus on reducing inflammation and thinning mucus, rather than physically forcing air into the ear. The safest and often most successful first-line treatment is the Valsalva maneuver. This involves taking a deep breath, pinching the nostrils closed, and then gently attempting to exhale through the nose while keeping the mouth shut. The key word is gentle ; a forceful blow can damage the eardrum. A softer version is the Toynbee maneuver, where one pinches the nose and swallows. These actions help push air up the Eustachian tube, potentially popping it open. This is best attempted after using a nasal decongestant or saline spray, which helps clear the nasal end of the tube. how to unclog ears due to cold