How To Clear Your Ears After Flying May 2026
Safe travels—and happy hearing.
That plugged, underwater feeling after a flight is miserable. You’ve landed, but your ears haven’t. This common issue—called "airplane ear" or ear barotrauma—happens when pressure changes during takeoff and landing trap air in your Eustachian tubes. how to clear your ears after flying
Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers. Keep your mouth shut. Then gently breathe out through your nose—like you’re trying to pop your ears on purpose. Stop immediately if you feel pain. You should hear a soft click or pop. Safe travels—and happy hearing
Run a hot shower and breathe in the steam for 5–10 minutes. Or soak a washcloth in warm (not scalding) water, wring it out, and hold it against the affected ear. Heat relaxes the muscles around the Eustachian tube. Then gently breathe out through your nose—like you’re
Pinch your nose and swallow at the same time. Swallowing naturally opens the Eustachian tubes, and the pinch adds extra pressure to help them equalize. Repeat 3–5 times.
Gum is great, but warm liquid works faster. Sip hot tea, broth, or even water while pinching your nose and swallowing (combined Toynbee + hydration). The steam from a hot drink also helps loosen mucus.
