To unblock your ears you can do simple exercises that help open the Eustachian tube: swallowing, yawning, chewing gum and inflating a special balloon through your nose. This page shows you how to do them safely at home, how often, and when to stop.

What are these exercises for?

They open the Eustachian tube, the channel between your ear and nose, so that air can get into the ear and the pressure evens out. They are used when your ear feels blocked because of a cold, after flying, or when there is fluid behind the eardrum.

They are a supporting measure, not the main treatment. In children with fluid in the ear, autoinflation with a nasal balloon can help a little. In adults there are fewer studies, so it can be tried. More in Eustachian tube dysfunction.

Before you start

If your nose is full of mucus, clear it gently first or use a continuous-mist seawater spray (better than syringe rinses).
Sit comfortably and stay relaxed.
Do not do them if you hear your breathing inside your ear (patulous tube), or if you have a temperature or severe ear pain.
Children: from about 4 years old and always with an adult.
It is normal for the ear to “pop” or feel slightly uncomfortable. Mild ear pain in the first few days happens in some people.

How to do them

Opening exercises (the gentlest)

Swallow several times in a row.
Yawn widely, about 5 times.
Chew gum for a few minutes, swallowing now and then. It may help, although studies have not proved it.
Swallow with a pinched nose: pinch your nose, take a sip of water and swallow it.

Autoinflation with a nasal balloon

Place the balloon nozzle in one nostril and block the other with a finger.
With your mouth closed, blow through your nose to inflate the balloon.
Switch nostrils and repeat.
Do 5 inflations on each side.

Inflate the balloon with your nose, not your mouth. This is the technique that has been studied.

Routine

Routine	What to do
How often	2-3 times a day
For how long	Up to 1-3 months, as we advise
When to stop	If your ear unblocks and stays clear, or if you develop pain, fever or discharge

Always follow the routine your doctor gave you, which may be different.

Common mistakes

Blowing too hard into the balloon: it is not needed and can damage the ear. A gentle, steady puff is enough.
Inflating the balloon with your mouth: that does not act on the tube.
Doing it with a heavy cold or fever: wait until you feel better.
Carrying on when it hurts: pain is a signal to stop.
Treating chewing gum or a straw as a treatment: they may help but do not replace the rest.

What is normal and when to seek advice

It is normal to:

Feel a “pop” as the ear clears.
Have mild ear discomfort in the first days.
Take weeks to notice an improvement.

Stop and seek advice if you have:

Ear pain that does not settle, a temperature or discharge.
Dizziness or spinning when you blow.
Sudden hearing loss.
A blocked ear that lasts more than 4-6 weeks.

If you have sudden hearing loss together with severe dizziness, call 112 (in Spain) or your local emergency number, or go to A&E.

Frequently asked questions

Can children do them? Yes, from about 4 years old and with an adult. This is the age range where most studies exist, mainly in children with fluid in the ear.

How do I unblock my ears on a plane? Swallow, yawn or chew gum during take-off and landing. Do not blow hard against a pinched nose.

What if I miss a day? Nothing happens. Pick it up the next day and try to stay consistent.

Can I do them with a cold? With a mild cold, yes, gently. With heavy congestion, a temperature or pain, wait.

Does drinking through a straw help? No studies have shown it does, so we do not list it as an exercise.

What if it does not improve? If there is no improvement after a few weeks, book an appointment. You may need further tests or treatment.

References

For general information only. It does not replace a medical consultation and cannot be used for diagnosis. In an emergency in Spain, call 112.

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