Popping Your Ears: Is It Safe Or Bad?
Published February 6, 2023
Clogged ears are unpleasant and can make it difficult to hear. When this occurs, popping your ears could be helpful, but is popping your ear bad?
Is Popping Your Ear Bad?
When you pop your ears, the air is forced up the eustachian tube behind the eardrums. The popping sound is caused by the opening and closing of the eustachian tube. By releasing air, the eardrum’s pressure is equalized on both sides.
In most cases, popping your ears is safe. Typically, only the movement of the mouth muscles is required. Some techniques to unclog your ears are swallowing, the Toynbee maneuver, and nasal decongestants, but whatever approach you choose, remember to exercise caution. If your condition worsens, you must immediately stop trying to clear your ears and seek medical attention.
How Popping Your Ears be Bad?
Infection is the first reason why popping your ears can be harmful to your health. If you are experiencing sinus pressure or congestion, it is likely that you also have mucus buildup. In addition, the eustachian tube is connected to the nose; therefore, if you pop your ears, fluids from your nose may enter your ear and cause an ear infection.
Another risk associated with popping your ears is the possibility of rupturing your eardrums. Commonly, ears are popped by holding the nose and blowing out, but excessive pressure can rupture the eardrum. Never block your ears while sneezing, as this places excessive pressure on your ears.
If you are going to pop your ears by pinching your nose and blowing, you must stop if the pressure becomes painful.
What Causes Ear Congestion?
Changes in air pressure can sometimes cause ear congestion. However, it may also be a sign of eustachian tube dysfunction, in which the tube swells and mucus or fluid accumulates. In addition, a cold, flu, sinus infection, or allergies can also cause eustachian tube dysfunction.
What are the Techniques to Pop Ears?
You can pop or unclog your ears using the following techniques:
Valsalva Maneuver
Close your nostrils by pinching them with your fingers. Try to maintain neutral or pulled-in cheeks and gently blow air through your nostrils; this may help to open the eustachian tube by generating pressure in the back of the nose. The eustachian tube then opens, and this is the reason why if you’re asking yourself, “why do my ears pop when I blow my nose?”
Toynbee Maneuver
To perform this maneuver, pinch your nose with a finger or two and then swallow. A sip of water can make this technique more natural.
Swallow or Chew
Swallowing and chewing stimulate the eustachian tubes to eliminate blockages and regulate air pressure. Perform this technique with chewy foods.
Yawn
Yawning helps to open the eustachian tube. Try faking a yawn if you can’t yawn on cue. Widen your mouth while inhaling and exhaling, as this may produce the same result. Repeatedly fake yawning until you pop your ears.
When to Seek Professional Help?
While your ears can clear up by themselves, you should still see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Ear discharge
- Ear pain
- Fever
- Ringing in your ears
- Loss of hearing
Your doctor will be able to rule out any underlying problems that could be causing your clogged ears. The following can contribute to ear fullness:
- Common cold
- Earwax buildup
- Ear infection
- Enlarged adenoids
- Allergies
- Temporomandibular disorders
Sometimes, a clogged eardrum might expand to the point of rupturing, resulting in a perforated eardrum. A perforated eardrum requires medical treatment. In most cases, this condition gets better in a few weeks. However, it sometimes requires surgery.
Is Ear Popping Safe or Bad?
Popping your ears is often effective, but is popping your ear bad? It is generally safe as long as you do it properly with the knowledge we presented in this article! Popping your ears typically works after a few attempts. Medications may also be beneficial if you suffer from a cold or sinus congestion.
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn has a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her career as a content writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up.
