How To Get Ears To Pop After Flying [upd] May 2026

Subject: Techniques to equalize middle ear pressure following descent. Cause: During flight descent, external air pressure increases. If the Eustachian tube (connecting the middle ear to the throat) fails to open, the lower pressure in the middle ear creates a vacuum, pulling the eardrum inward (a "squeeze"). This causes muffled hearing, fullness, and pain.

For immediate post-flight relief, the Toynbee (pinch + swallow) is the safest first attempt. If that fails, the Lowry (pinch + blow + swallow) is most effective. Avoid forceful, prolonged Valsalva. Use decongestants only if nasal congestion is present. how to get ears to pop after flying