How do I get my ear to pop?

Question

I am just now getting over a cold and when I blew my nose, both my ears were plugged with air pressure. I was able to get my right ear to pop, but still haven't been able to get my left one to pop all the way. I actually had been able to pop the left one earlier in the week and now it won't pop all the way. It still feels like there is a small bit of pressure in it. I have tried the holding my nose thing and it just creates more pressure, and also have tried the swallowing or chewing gum thing which worked for my right ear. What can I do? Or do I need to see a doctor?

Answer 1

Take some decongestant.
I would not worry about it unless you have ear pain, fever etc. It is normal for the eustachian tubes to be blocked when you have a cold. When the cold is gone should be fine.
Of course, if you are worried ... see a doc and let them look into your ears.
Hope you feel better.

Answer 2

The Valsalva method always works for me. Basically, hold your nose, close your mouth and blow as if your nose were open.
For more, see this article excerpt;
The artificial maneuver requires that the nostril passages be blocked or obstructed. In addition to mechanical devices that can pinch off the airway, a slight pressure pinch of the thumb and forefinger is usually sufficient to close the airway. Increasing pinching pressure, and a concurrent tightening of the mouth, lips and cheek muscles keep the airway closed as increasing pressure build in the lungs and chest. As a result of the closures and pressurization, the Eustachian tubes become pressurized./

Divers frequently use the Valsalva maneuver to counteract the effects of water pressure on the Eustachian tubes and to eliminate pressure problems associated with the middle ear. When subjected to pressure the tubes may collapse or fail to open unless pressurized. Eustachian tubes connect the corresponding left and right middle ears to the back of the nose and throat and function to allow the equalization of pressure in the middle ear air cavity with the outside (ambient) air pressure. The degree of Eustachian tube pressurization can be roughly regulated by the intensity of abdominal, thoracic, neck and mouth muscular contractions used to increase pressure in the closed airway. Divers commonly achieve pressurizations in the Eustachian tubes that are able to counteract the collapsing pressure found at a depth of about ten feet.

Although the Valsalva maneuver is one of the simplest procedures to perform to pressurize or equalize pressure in the Eustachian tubes and middle ear, there are a number of others techniques including the Frenzel maneuver, Toynbee maneuver and French Navy's Beance Tubaire Volontaire (BTV). The techniques all require some closure of the airway and the manipulation of the tongue, plate or muscles associated with respiration or swallowing to achieve pressurization of the Eustachian tubes that can open the tubes and subsequently allow for an equalization of pressures with the middle ear.

Answer 3

mix a pinch of salt in 1/2 cup of warm water, and suck it up your nose.(hold your head over a sink of course, it makes a bit of a mess.) That will clear all of your sinuses (the word simply means openings) and you will be able to breath more easily. You shouldn't blow the nose. The eardrum is not able to stand to possible pressures. A cool mist humidifier with a pint of Hydrogen peroxide running in the bedroom while you sleep will greatly help in relieving congestion. Once the Eustachian tube is opened up, swallowing will allow the ear to pop.

Answer 4

pinch your nose and close your eyes really tight. Try breathing out of your nose while your nose is pinched. You ears should pop!