Your ears will thank you. Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for persistent ear symptoms or pain.
We’ve all been there: You’re landing in a plane, driving through the mountains, or recovering from a bad cold, and suddenly— pop —your ear feels stuffed with cotton. Sounds are muffled, your own voice sounds loud and weird inside your head, and no amount of yawning seems to fix it.
Don’t wait until your ears hurt. Start equalizing 30 minutes before landing. Use the Valsalva or swallow/yawn method every few minutes as the plane loses altitude. What If Your Ears Are Stuffed From a Cold? Never perform forceful Valsalva if you have a cold, sinus infection, or allergies. Blowing air into a mucus-filled tube can push bacteria into your middle ear, causing an infection.