Why your ear will not pop
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. If it stays closed because of swelling, mucus or a sudden pressure change, air cannot enter, the eardrum is pulled inward and the ear feels full and muffled, sometimes with crackling. It commonly follows colds, sinus infections, allergies and flights or dives. In children, enlarged adenoids and fluid behind the eardrum are frequent causes. See Eustachian tube dysfunction.
Simple techniques to try first
- Swallow: sip water and swallow repeatedly.
- Yawn widely, or pretend to yawn.
- Chew gum or suck on a sweet to stimulate swallowing.
- Move the jaw forward and side to side.
- Drink through a straw or from a bottle, particularly useful for babies and toddlers during descent.
- Repeat several times for a few minutes, particularly during a flight descent.
Valsalva and Toynbee manoeuvres
Valsalva: pinch your nostrils closed, close your mouth and blow gently, as if inflating a small balloon. Stop as soon as you feel the ear pop. Do not blow hard: excessive pressure can damage the eardrum or inner ear.
Toynbee: pinch your nose and swallow at the same time, sipping water if you like. This opens the tube without forcing air through it and is considered gentler.
Avoid both manoeuvres if you have an active ear infection, a perforated eardrum or severe ear pain unless your doctor has recommended them.
Treat the nose
- Saline spray or rinse to clear mucus and reduce swelling. See neti pot and sinus rinse.
- Steam inhalation or a warm shower.
- Nasal steroid spray daily for allergy-related swelling; it takes 1–2 weeks to work.
- Antihistamines for allergy symptoms.
- Decongestant nasal spray for a maximum of 3–5 days if suitable, particularly before flights; avoid oral decongestants with high blood pressure or heart disease.
- Stop smoking and avoid irritants.
After flying or diving
Pressure changes can leave the ear blocked for hours or days. Keep swallowing, yawning and chewing, stay awake during descent and consider a decongestant spray beforehand. Special filtered earplugs may help some travellers. If the ear is still blocked after 24–48 hours or becomes painful, see a doctor. Divers should not dive with a blocked ear.
What not to do
- Do not blow forcefully, which can injure the eardrum or inner ear.
- Do not insert cotton buds, keys or fingers into the ear.
- Do not use ear candles: they do not work and can burn or block the ear.
- Do not put drops in the ear unless advised, particularly with pain or discharge.
- Do not ignore sudden hearing loss.
- Do not use oral decongestants without checking for high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma or prostate problems.
Children and babies
Infants cannot equalise pressure themselves; nurse or give a bottle during take-off and landing. Children with frequent blocked ears after colds may have fluid behind the eardrum or enlarged adenoids; if it lasts more than three months, a hearing test is advised. Persistent fluid affecting hearing and speech may need grommets.
When to see a doctor
- Blocked ear lasting more than 2–3 weeks.
- Pain, discharge, fever or bleeding from the ear.
- Sudden hearing loss or vertigo.
- Recurrent episodes or one ear only without a cold.
- A child with hearing or speech concerns.
- Symptoms after a head or ear injury.
Three common situations
Blocked ear after a long flight: chew, swallow and try Toynbee; see a doctor if it persists beyond 48 hours.
Ear that will not pop during hay fever: a nasal steroid and antihistamine plan, plus saline rinses.
Muffled ear after a cold for three weeks: have it examined for fluid or wax.
A simple routine for flights
Before descent, drink some water and chew gum. If you are congested, use a decongestant spray about 30–60 minutes before landing as advised on the label. During descent, swallow every few seconds, yawn, and try a gentle Toynbee manoeuvre every minute or two. Avoid sleeping through descent. After landing, if the ear is still blocked, keep swallowing, use steam and saline and watch for pain or hearing loss, which warrant a doctor’s visit.
Key points to remember
Be gentle: swallowing, yawning, chewing and a soft Valsalva or Toynbee usually work. Treat nasal congestion, avoid force and objects in the ear and see a doctor if symptoms last or come with warning signs. Our ENT team can examine your ears.
This guide is for general information and does not replace an assessment by your own doctor or ENT specialist.
Questions about ears that will not pop
These answers are general information and do not replace an examination or individual medical advice.
How do I pop my ears safely?
Swallow, yawn, chew gum, or try a gentle Valsalva or Toynbee manoeuvre.
Why will my ear not pop after a cold?
Swelling of the lining of the Eustachian tube prevents it from opening.
Is it dangerous to blow hard to pop my ears?
Yes, forceful blowing can damage the eardrum or inner ear.
How long can ears stay blocked?
After colds or flights, a few days to a couple of weeks; longer needs review.
Do decongestants help?
A short course of nasal decongestant spray can help, but should not be used for more than 3–5 days.
When do blocked ears need an ENT?
If they last more than a few weeks, recur or come with hearing loss, pain or dizziness.
Is popping the ears every day normal?
Occasional popping on swallowing or yawning is normal; constant crackling or fullness for weeks should be checked.
Sources
- AAO-HNSF · Clinical consensus statement: Eustachian tube dysfunction (Schilder et al., 2015)
- NHS · Glue ear and ear problems
- NHS · Ear infections
- AAO-HNSF · Clinical practice guideline: Allergic rhinitis (update), 2015
This guide is for general information and does not replace medical advice. How a problem is diagnosed and treated depends on your examination and medical history. If you think you have an emergency, contact your local emergency services.