Ears popping can be very annoying and sometimes extremely painful. The popping can be due to a buildup of fluid in the ear. As the fluid changes in pressure or moves location, it can cause popping. Once you relieve the fluid buildup the ears should be fine.
There are a few things that you can try to alleviate the fluid buildup:
- Stick your pointer fingers a little ways in the ear canal; tops pointing up. Keep fingers straight and push the outer opening of the ear canal up and back (towards the back of the head). Keeping the muscles pulled back; yawn. The fluid may drain out.
- Rinsing your Eustachian tube with a few drops of nasal spray is also a good remedy. This can be done by putting a few drops of the spray in a special yoga ‘Jal Neti’ pot. This should reduce swelling and relieve the clog.
- Pour a capful of hydrogen peroxide into the ear. Leave in the ear until the bubbling stops. The ear canal may feel warm. Allow to drain (preferably into tissue paper).
- If you have allergies, the fluid buildup could be caused from your sinuses. You can try an allergy medicine or chamomile tea.
- You can try ear candling.
- You can take two drops of pure grain alcohol and put them in your ears. Do this once in the morning and once at night. This allows for the moisture to dry up in the ear.
- Use steam to help release pressure. Boil a pot of water carefully, so as not to burn yourself, drape a towel over your head and the pot of steaming water. Stay this way for about 10- 15 minutes.
- Chew gum.
- Plug your nose and blow while still holding your nose closed.
- Drink lots of herbal tea. Sometimes the heat and the herbs can penetrate into the ear canal and open it up. Again, chamomile can be a good choice.
- Chew on mints.
- Sometimes a little warm olive oil or baby oil can help soothe the ear canal.
Eating and yawning are two great activities that can relieve the pressure on the ear canal. Both things can cause you to move your jaw muscles to the point of releasing the pressure on the ear. This allows the fluid buildup to be released. If none of these remedies work for you, you may need to go to the doctor. You may need to have antibiotics for a ear infection.
