Never sleep during the descent. When you’re asleep, you aren't swallowing or yawning frequently enough to keep up with the pressure changes, which is why people often wake up with "clogged" ears. When to See a Doctor
This stimulates frequent swallowing.
If you’re already in the air and feeling intense pressure, ask a flight attendant for two plastic cups with paper towels soaked in hot water at the bottom. Hold the cups over your ears. The warm steam helps soothe the eardrum and can sometimes encourage the tubes to open. Timing is Everything airplane ear remedy
The muscle action of swallowing during the descent is one of the best ways to equalize pressure. 2. The Valsalva Maneuver Never sleep during the descent
| Action | How It Works | |--------|----------------| | | Opens Eustachian tubes naturally. Chew gum or sip water. | | Valsalva maneuver | Gently pinch nostrils, close mouth, blow softly through nose (like popping ears underwater). Repeat every few minutes during descent. | | Toynbee maneuver | Pinch nose and swallow at the same time. | | Special earplugs (e.g., EarPlanes) | Regulate pressure change rate. Put in 1 hour before landing. | If you’re already in the air and feeling