Ear Clogged From Cold Updated May 2026

Use a saline spray to thin the mucus in the nose. Then, close your mouth, pinch your nose, and try to sniff gently as if you are smelling a flower. This pulls the thin mucus out of the tube rather than pushing germs in.

Thick, sticky mucus is the enemy. A hot shower or a bowl of steaming water with a towel over your head loosens the glue-like consistency. Drink 2-3 extra glasses of water than normal to keep secretions thin. ear clogged from cold

The Muffled World: Why Your Ear Clogs When You Have a Cold (And How to Fix It) Use a saline spray to thin the mucus in the nose

You know the feeling. Your nose is running, your throat is scratchy, and suddenly— pop —the world sounds like you’re underwater. Someone speaks to you, and their voice echoes in your own head. You yawn. Nothing. You swallow. Still muffled. Thick, sticky mucus is the enemy

Forcing a yawn opens the tensor veli palatini muscle—the muscle that actually pulls the Eustachian tube open. Immediately follow the yawn with a hard swallow. This is more effective than the Valsalva maneuver for viral clogs.