The Eustachian tube is a canal the size of a pencil that extends from the front wall of the middle ear to the lateral wall of the nasal passage. Normally the Eustachian tube is closed, but it can open to let a small amount of air through to equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere. Sometimes the Eustachian tube can get blocked due to colds, allergies, and sinus or throat infections. At times mucous and pus can get trapped, causing pain, swelling, congested ears, and poor hearing. You may become feverish, which is a sign of an ear infection. Young children are at higher risk as their Eustachian tubes are shorter and more easily blocked than older children and adults. The tube may also get blocked while flying, while going up and down mountains, scuba diving, or swimming.
How to clear your blocked Eustachian tubes? The simplest exercise is to yawn or swallow hard, which activates the muscles that open the Eustachian tube. You can try to close your mouth, hold your nose and gently blow as if you are blowing your own nose. This will clear the blocked tube. You can also chew a gum or open your jaws wide as if you are yawning. Repeat a few times to clear the block. Try using a warm cloth or heating pad to soothe the aching ear.
Mix a little common salt in warm water and place a small amount on your palm. Draw the mixture in through your nose and hold it in. Tilt your head to the side where it is blocked. Repeat it a few times but if does bring relief do not it attempt further.
To clear wax from the ear you may insert a few drops of warm garlic oil in your ears and lie down with the ear in which you put in oil towards the ceiling for few minutes. Then hold a soft cloth over the ear and place yourself in a position with the ear facing the ground. The wax will clear out along with oil. This will bring relief and get rid of any pain.
If your ears are blocked while swimming or scuba diving the simple way to open blocked ear is to tip in a few drops of water into the ear while tilting your head away from the ground. After a while, tilt the head towards the floor. The block will be cleared.
When on an airplane the best thing to do is chew gum, yawn, or drink fluids during takeoff and landing. You can exercise by gently blowing while holding pinching your nostrils shut.
In case of severe infection and persistent problem you may have to consult a physician.