Valsalva maneuver
Pinch your nostrils with your fingertips. Let your cheeks rest normally or suck them in, but don’t keep them puffed out. Gently try to blow air through the nostrils. When you blow, it will create a pressure at the back of your nose, which will open your Eustachian tube and pop your ears.
Nasal decongestants and corticosteroids
Clogged ears can be unclogged by unclogging your nasal passageways using nasal decongestants. But be sure to follow the instructions on the OTC nasal decongestant carefully.
Alternatively, you could use OTC nasal corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. This allows the air to pass easily through the Eustachian tube, which equalizes the ear pressure and unclogs them.
Yawn
Some people can yawn on cue, while others can’t. But fret not. For the purpose of unclogging your ears, fake yawns work just as well.
Yawning helps open your Eustachian tube. To fake yawn, open your mouth wide as you breathe in and out. Yawn after every 10-15 minutes to pop your ears open.
Use a washcloth
If you're feeling discomfort from wax buildup in your ears, resist the urge to grab a cotton swab and try to clean it. Cotton swabs and many other small objects can harm the inside of your ear. Try using a washcloth instead and clean the outside of your ear. Another option is using a few drops of baby oil or hydrogen peroxide to soften the earwax buildup. If you're still feeling discomfort, purchase an ear wax removal kit from your local pharmacy.
