How to Unblock Ears From a Cold

Medically Reviewed by: Jenna John| Clinically Verified by: Skye D. Quamina, Au.D., CCC-A Last Medically Reviewed: March 31, 2026 | Content Freshness: Follows 2025/2026 AAO-HNS and NHS Clinical Guidelines.

A blocked ear is one of the most uncomfortable side effects of a cold. That muffled, full feeling in your ear happens because the Eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to the back of your throat, gets swollen and blocked when you are sick. The good news is that most cases of clogged ears from a cold are temporary, and there are simple, proven ways to find relief at home.

This guide covers every method, from quick at-home techniques to over-the-counter medications and prescription options, so you can choose what works best for you.

Key Highlights: Fast Relief for Blocked Ears

• Prevalence: Nearly 1 in 10 adults experience ear clogging or pressure issues, often triggered by a common cold or viral upper respiratory infection.
• Primary Mechanism: Blockage occurs when inflammation in the nasopharynx closes the Eustachian tube's ostium (opening), creating negative pressure that pulls the eardrum inward.
• Mechanical Manoeuvres: Clinical techniques like the Valsalva, Toynbee, and Frenzel manoeuvres are effective for manually equalising middle ear pressure.
• Clinical Screening: Medical professionals use the ETDQ-7 questionnaire to measure symptom severity; a score above 14.5 typically indicates significant clinical dysfunction.
• Advanced Hacks: Specialised methods include vibrating the mastoid bone with an electric toothbrush to break the surface tension of trapped fluid, and the Galbreath Technique to manually pump fluid into the throat.
• Safety Alert: If hearing loss is sudden and occurs in only one ear, it may be Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL), a medical emergency that requires urgent treatment within 48-72 hours.

What Causes Blocked Ears During a Cold?

When you get a cold, your immune system triggers inflammation throughout your upper respiratory tract. This inflammation reaches the nasopharynx, the area at the back of your nose where the Eustachian tube opens. Once that opening swells shut, the middle ear can no longer equalise pressure with the outside world. This results in negative pressure in the auditory canal, pulling the eardrum inward and causing the “underwater” sensation typical of obstructive Eustachian Tube Dysfunction. 

The medical term for this condition is Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD). It is not the same as a middle ear infection, although untreated ETD can sometimes lead to one if bacteria enter the fluid-filled space.

Key Factors That Worsen Ear Blockage During a Cold

• Blowing your nose too hard, which forces mucus toward the ear opening
• Flying while sick, since cabin pressure changes stress an already blocked tube
• Allergies on top of a cold, causing extra swelling in the nasal passages
• Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure, which irritates the Eustachian tube lining
• Lying flat for long periods, allowing mucus to sit directly against the tube

Are Your Symptoms Severe? The ETDQ-7 Check

Clinicians use the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) to determine severity. A total score above 14.5 indicates significant clinical dysfunction. Rate these seven markers from 1 (no problem) to 7 (severe problem):

1. Pressure in the ears.
2. Pain in the ears.
3. A feeling that your ears are "clogged" or "underwater."
4. Ear symptoms, specifically when you have a cold or sinusitis.
5. Crackling or popping sounds in the ears.
6. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
7. A feeling that your hearing is muffled.

How to Unblock Ears From a Cold: Proven Home Remedies

A Note for Hearing Aid Users

If you wear hearing aids, ETD can cause increased feedback (whistling) or discomfort due to pressure changes against the ear mould. Consider reducing wear time during the acute phase of a cold to allow the ear canal to "breathe" while following the remedies below.

The Valsalva Manoeuvre

This is the most widely recommended technique to pop your ears when they are clogged from a cold. Take a deep breath, pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers, close your mouth, and then gently try to blow air out through your nose. You should feel a small pop in your ears as the pressure equalises.

 Safety Warning: Valsalva Precautions

• Do not blow forcefully: Excessive pressure can rupture the eardrum or push bacteria into the middle ear.
• Contraindications: Avoid this manoeuvre if you have a history of retinopathy or recent eye surgery (e.g., cataract surgery), as it can increase intraocular pressure.
• Positioning: Perform this only while sitting down to prevent injury from potential dizziness.

The Toynbee Manoeuvre

Pinch your nose shut and swallow at the same time. The combination of swallowing and a closed nasal passage creates a pressure change that can open the Eustachian tube. Repeat this three to four times in a row for the best results. 

Swallowing, Yawning, and Chewing

Every time you swallow or yawn, the muscles around the Eustachian tube contract and briefly pull it open. Chewing gum keeps this motion going continuously, which is why it works well for ears blocked during air travel or a cold. Keep a piece of sugar-free gum nearby and chew it regularly throughout the day.

Warm Compress on the Ear

Soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, and hold it against the blocked ear for 5 to 10 minutes. The gentle heat reduces inflammation around the Eustachian tube opening and encourages any trapped fluid to move. This method is especially helpful at night, when other techniques are impractical. 

Steam Inhalation for Clogged Ears

Fill a bowl with hot water, lean over it, and cover your head with a towel to trap the steam. Breathe slowly for 5 to 10 minutes. The warm, moist air thins the mucus in your nasal passages and reduces Eustachian tube swelling, which helps the ear drain naturally. Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil can make steam inhalation even more effective for nasal congestion.

Nasal Saline Rinse

A saline rinse clears mucus and reduces inflammation directly in the nasal passages where the Eustachian tube begins. Use a sterile saline spray or a neti pot with pre-made saline solution. Rinse each nostril while tilting your head to the side. Do these two to three times daily during a cold. This is one of the safest options for children and pregnant women because it uses only salt water.

Clinical Autoinflation Devices (Otovent & EarPopper)

For persistent blockage, ENT specialists often recommend controlled autoinflation devices. The Otovent (a nasal balloon kit) and the EarPopper (an electronic air-pressure device) are clinically proven to help equalise middle ear pressure. Studies show these devices can significantly reduce the need for surgical ear tubes by effectively "opening" the Eustachian tube through synchronised swallowing and air pressure.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water keeps your mucus thin and easier to drain. When you are dehydrated during a cold, mucus thickens and is more likely to stay lodged near the Eustachian tube opening. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily, and warm drinks like herbal tea or broth are especially helpful because the warmth adds a mild steam effect.

At-a-Glance: Home Remedies for Blocked Ears From a Cold

Advanced ENT-Approved Hacks for Stubborn Blockage

If standard popping techniques aren't working, these "out of the ordinary" methods target the physical mechanics of the Eustachian tube and the nervous system to force a release.

The Humming Vibration Hack

Humming at a low, steady frequency creates acoustic vibrations that dramatically increase nasal Nitric Oxide. Nitric oxide acts as a natural blood vessel relaxant (vasodilator) that can help shrink the swollen tissue around the Eustachian tube opening.

How to do it: Close your mouth and hum a deep, resonant note for 10–20 seconds. Experiment with different pitches until you feel the vibration in the back of your nose and ears.

The Galbreath Manoeuvre (Mandibular Pumping)

This technique, used by osteopathic physicians, uses "mandibular manipulation" to create a manual pumping action. This helps physically drain accumulated fluid from the middle ear into the throat.

How to do it: While sitting, place one hand on your chin with your thumb and fingers along your lower jawbone. Gently move your jaw slightly forward and toward the opposite side of the blocked ear. Hold for 3 seconds, release, and repeat 10 times to encourage drainage.

The Buteyko "Air Hunger" Exercise

This breath-retention exercise can naturally decongest the nasal passages at the opening of the Eustachian tube by temporarily increasing blood carbon dioxide levels.

How to do it: Take a small, silent breath in and out through your nose. Pinch your nose shut and gently nod your head up and down while holding your breath. Hold until you feel a moderate "air hunger," then release and breathe gently through your nose. Wait one minute and repeat.

Lymphatic Drainage (The "Spock Hand")

You can manually support the clearing of localised inflammation through lymphatic massage around the base of the ear.

How to do it: Form a "V" with your middle and ring fingers. Place your ear inside the "V" so your fingers are on the skin both in front of and behind the ear. Apply light pressure and sweep your fingers downward toward your neck 10–15 times. This supports fluid drainage away from the tube's opening.

The Auricular Vagus Nerve "Reset"

The ridge inside your outer ear is one of the few places the vagus nerve is directly accessible. Stimulating this can trigger an involuntary sigh or swallow, the body’s natural way to ventilate the middle ear.

How to do it: Place your finger on the internal ridge just above the ear canal (the cymba concha). Apply very gentle pressure and make slow, small circles for 30 seconds. If you feel the urge to yawn or swallow, follow it; it's a sign the tube is ready to open.

The "Mickey Ears" Flight Attendant Hack

This legendary trick, shared by flight crews for decades, uses thermal moisture to relax the ear tissues.

• How to do it: Dampen paper towels with hot (not boiling) water, then place them in the bottoms of two paper cups. Hold the cups over both ears to create an airtight seal. The warm steam helps stabilise middle ear pressure and relaxes the jaw muscles connected to the tube.

The Gustatory-Rhinorrhea Trigger (Spicy Food)

Intensely spicy foods containing capsaicin (hot peppers) or isothiocyanates (horseradish/wasabi) trigger a neurogenic reflex that thins stagnant mucus.

• How it works: Consuming these irritants induces "gustatory rhinitis," a sudden watery nasal discharge. This process thins out thickened mucus near the tube’s opening in the throat, while the reflexive sniffing and swallowing provide repeated, forceful openings of the Eustachian tube.

The Pineapple core "Mucolytic" Protocol

Beyond standard hydration, some users advocate consuming pineapple, specifically the fibrous core and stem.

• Why it works: Pineapple is a natural source of Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme. Clinical studies show that Bromelain acts as a mucolytic agent, breaking down the glycoproteins that make mucus sticky and viscous, which can significantly improve auditory function in cases of "glue ear".

Over-the-Counter Medicines That Help Unblock Ears From a Cold

When home remedies are not enough, several over-the-counter medications can provide faster and more reliable relief. The key is choosing the right type of medication for your specific symptoms.

Oral Decongestants

Pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine are the two main active ingredients in oral decongestants. They shrink the blood vessels in the nasal lining, which reduces swelling around the Eustachian tube opening. This allows the tube to drain and pressure to equalise. Common options include Sudafed (pseudoephedrine) and DayQuil.

Pseudoephedrine is generally considered more effective than phenylephrine for the treatment of Eustachian tube congestion. In the UK, it is available as a pharmacy medicine, meaning you need to ask the pharmacist.

Safety Warning: Who Should Avoid Oral Decongestants?

While effective, oral decongestants (like pseudoephedrine) constrict blood vessels and can cause dangerous spikes in blood pressure. Do not use these medications without consulting a doctor if you have:

• Uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension).
• Heart disease or a history of stroke.
• Diabetes or an overactive thyroid.
• Glaucoma (increased eye pressure).

Nasal Decongestant Sprays

Sprays like oxymetazoline (Otrivin, Vicks Sinex) work faster than oral tablets because they act directly on the nasal tissue. They are highly effective for blocked ears from a cold because they reduce swelling right at the point where the Eustachian tube begins. Use them for up to 3 consecutive days to avoid rebound congestion, a condition in which your nose becomes more blocked when the spray wears off.

Nasal Steroid Sprays

If your blocked ears are linked to both a cold and underlying allergies, a nasal steroid spray such as Flonase (fluticasone) or Rhinocort (budesonide) works well. These are anti-inflammatory rather than vasoconstrictors, so they are safe to use long-term and do not cause rebound congestion. They take a few days to reach full effect, making them better for prevention and ongoing management than immediate relief.

Antihistamines

If your congestion has an allergic component alongside your cold, antihistamines can reduce the histamine-driven inflammation that contributes to a blocked Eustachian tube. Non-drowsy options like loratadine (Claritin) or cetirizine (Zyrtec) are preferred during the day. Older antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) can help with sleep but may slow mucus drainage.

Pain Relievers for Ear Pressure and Discomfort

If the pressure in your ear is causing pain, ibuprofen or paracetamol can reduce both pain and inflammation. Ibuprofen is often the better choice because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which directly address swelling. Always follow the dosage instructions on the packet.

Comparison Table: Medications for Clogged Ears From a Cold

How Long Does Ear Blockage Last After a Cold?

For most adults, the Eustachian tube unblocks on its own as the cold improves and the swelling reduces. The timeline depends on how severe your initial congestion was and whether any fluid has built up behind the eardrum.

Children tend to experience longer-lasting ear blockage than adults because their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, making drainage harder. This is also why children are more prone to developing ear infections after a cold.

Blocked Ears vs Ear Infection: How to Tell the Difference

One of the most common mistakes people make is assuming their blocked ear from a cold has turned into an ear infection, or conversely, missing the signs of an actual infection. Knowing the difference is important because ear infections often need antibiotic treatment.

If you are unsure which condition you have, it is always better to check with a pharmacist or GP. A pharmacist can examine the outer ear and give guidance on whether you need to see a doctor. Many pharmacies now offer this service without an appointment.

How to Safely Blow Your Nose When Your Ears Are Blocked

Most people blow both nostrils at once with full force, which significantly increases the pressure in the nasal cavity and can drive mucus toward the Eustachian tube opening. Here is the correct way to blow your nose when your ears are clogged.

1. Blow gently, using only light pressure. Do not force it.
2. Close one nostril with your finger and blow through the open one.
3. Switch sides and repeat.
4. Blow in short bursts rather than one long continuous push.
5. Follow each blow with a saline rinse to flush out any remaining mucus.

Unblocking Ears on a Plane With a Cold

The Eustachian tube has to work much harder on a plane because the cabin pressure changes rapidly during ascent and descent. When you have a cold, and your tube is already swollen, this can cause intense pain and severe blockage that lasts for days after the flight.

If you must fly with a cold, here is what ENT doctors recommend.

• Take an oral decongestant 30 to 45 minutes before takeoff and again before descent
• Use a nasal decongestant spray around 15 minutes before boarding
• Chew gum or suck sweets continuously during takeoff and landing
• Perform the Valsalva manoeuvre every few minutes during descent
• Stay well hydrated during the flight and avoid alcohol
• Consider using specialised ear pressure regulation earplugs such as EarPlanes

What NOT to Do When Your Ears Are Blocked From a Cold

There is a lot of well-meaning but incorrect advice about unblocking ears circulating online. Here are the things you should not do, and why.

When to See a Doctor for Blocked Ears After a Cold

Most cases of blocked ears from a cold do not need a doctor's visit. However, some situations require professional assessment because complications are possible if they go untreated.

See a GP or visit a pharmacist urgently if you notice any of the following:

1. Sharp or severe pain in the ear that is getting worse, not better
2. Fever above 38°C (100.4°F).
3. Yellow, green, or bloody fluid coming from the ear
4. Sudden significant hearing loss in one or both ears
5. Dizziness or vertigo alongside the blocked ear
6. Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that does not go away
7. Symptoms that last beyond 3 weeks with no improvement

Emergency Escalation: If you experience sudden, complete hearing loss in one ear or severe vertigo, call 111 (UK) or visit Urgent Care (US) immediately.

Your GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics if a bacterial ear infection has developed. In persistent cases, they may refer you to an ENT specialist who can evaluate the Eustachian tube directly.

Advanced Medical Treatments for Chronic Blocked Ears

While most cold-related ear blockages resolve on their own, some people experience recurrent or chronic Eustachian Tube Dysfunction that requires a more permanent solution. This section is for those who have had repeated ear blockages or are exploring options when standard treatments are not working.

Blocked Ears From a Cold in Children: What Parents Need to Know

Children's Eustachian tubes are shorter and more horizontal, increasing the risk of fluid buildup (glue ear). Medication Safety: The MHRA (UK) and FDA (US) advise that over-the-counter cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under 6. For children aged 6 to 12, these medicines are considered supplementary and should only be used after consulting a pharmacist.

Safe Options for Children With Blocked Ears

• Saline nasal drops or spray to clear the nasal passage (safe from birth)
• Elevated sleeping position with an extra pillow to encourage drainage
• Warm, damp cloth held gently against the ear for comfort
• Encouraging extra fluids and rest
• Paracetamol or ibuprofen (age-appropriate doses) if there is pain

If your child has had a blocked ear or repeated ear infections for more than a month, ask your GP about a hearing test and referral to a paediatric ENT. Glue ear (otitis media with effusion) is a common complication in children and can affect their speech development if left unaddressed.

Tips for Faster Recovery From Blocked Ears

Here is a practical daily plan you can follow to address clogged ears from a cold.

Quick Facts: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction and Clogged Ears

 

Conclusion

A blocked ear during a cold is frustrating, but it follows a well-understood pattern and responds well to straightforward treatment. The key is to start early with a saline rinse and steam, use a decongestant if the congestion is significant, and avoid the temptation to force anything. Gentle, consistent action works far better than aggressive measures.

If you have tried home remedies for more than two weeks and your ears are still blocked, or if you develop pain, fever, or discharge at any point, do not wait. A pharmacist can assess your symptoms quickly and advise whether a GP visit is needed. 

Take care of your cold, stay hydrated, give your body time to heal, and your ears will almost certainly follow.

FAQs

How do I get my ears to pop when they are blocked from a cold?

Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently blow out through your nose. This is called the Valsalva manoeuvre. You should feel a pop as the pressure equalises. Do it gently. If it does not work on the first try, try swallowing while holding your nose closed (the Toynbee manoeuvre) or chew gum for a few minutes to stimulate the jaw muscles around the Eustachian tube.

Why does only one ear feel blocked during a cold?

The Eustachian tubes are separate structures on each side, so it is completely normal for one to be more affected than the other during a cold. The side that is more blocked is usually the side of your nasal passage that is more congested. Sleeping on the affected side can make it worse, so try sleeping on the other side to encourage that ear to drain.

My ear is blocked but not painful. Should I be worried?

No, a blocked ear without pain is typical of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction caused by a cold. It is uncomfortable but not dangerous. Use decongestants, steam, and gentle pressure manoeuvres, and it should resolve as your cold clears. If it is still blocked after 3 weeks with no improvement, see a doctor to rule out fluid behind the eardrum.

Can I use ear drops for a blocked ear from a cold?

Standard ear drops do not reach the middle ear and will not help if the blockage is in the Eustachian tube. The ear canal and the middle ear are separated by the eardrum. Ear drops are useful for outer ear canal blockage due to earwax, but they are not effective for the type of blockage caused by a cold. Decongestants and nasal rinses are far more appropriate.

How long does it take for the ears to unblock after a cold?

For most adults, a blocked ear from a cold clears within 1 to 2 weeks as the cold improves. Children often take slightly longer. If your ear is still blocked at 3 weeks, or if new symptoms develop, such as pain or discharge, consult a doctor. Some people with underlying allergies or chronic ETD may need longer-term treatment.

Is a hot shower good for unblocking ears?

Yes. Standing in a hot shower is essentially a form of steam inhalation, which is one of the most recommended home remedies for blocked ears. The warm, humid air softens the mucus in your nasal passages and reduces swelling in the Eustachian tube. Breathe deeply through your nose during the shower for maximum benefit.

Can a blocked ear from a cold cause permanent hearing loss?

In most cases, no. The muffled hearing from a cold-related blocked ear is temporary and resolves as the Eustachian tube opens again. However, if a middle ear infection develops and goes untreated, it can, in rare cases, lead to more lasting hearing issues. This is why persistent or painful symptoms should not be ignored. Seek medical advice if your hearing has not returned to normal within a few weeks.

Can I use a neti pot when my ears are blocked from a cold?

Yes, and it is one of the safer and more effective options. A neti pot with sterile saline solution rinses mucus from the nasal passages, reducing the congestion that is blocking the Eustachian tube. Use distilled or boiled and cooled water, not tap water, to avoid the risk of introducing pathogens. Tilt your head to the side and allow the saline to flow in one nostril and out the other. Blow gently afterwards.

Why do my ears feel worse in the morning during a cold?

When you lie flat during sleep, mucus pools near the Eustachian tube opening rather than draining downward. This is why your ears often feel most blocked first thing in the morning. Using an extra pillow to elevate your head during sleep significantly reduces this effect. A saline rinse and steam inhalation first thing in the morning can also help clear the overnight mucus buildup.

Is it safe to fly with a blocked ear?

It is generally not recommended if your blocked ear is significant or painful, because rapid cabin pressure changes during takeoff and landing further stress the Eustachian tube. If you cannot reschedule, take an oral decongestant 30 to 45 minutes before boarding, use a nasal spray 15 minutes before, and chew gum throughout the flight. Perform the Valsalva manoeuvre during descent. Specialised ear pressure-regulation earplugs can also help.