How do you massage your ears for drainage?
With firm, steady pressure slide your finger down until it slips into a groove between the ear lobe and the jaw. Follow that groove down the neck with your finger, sliding down (with same steady pressure) until you reach the collar bone. Repeat three to four times per side, about three times a day.
If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.
Placing the top of the ear between the forefinger and thumb, rub the finger back and forth as you work your way down the edge of the ear. Rubbing stimulates the ear nerve endings and will increase blood flow to the area, bringing blood to the head and making you feel more alert and awake.
- Chew gum.
- Inhale, and then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.
- Suck on candy.
- Yawn.
Tilt your head sideways, and rest your ear onto your cupped palm, creating a tight seal. Gently push your hand back and forth toward your ear in a rapid motion, flattening it as you push and cupping it as you pull away. Tilt your head down to allow the water to drain.
Close your mouth, hold your nose, and gently blow as if you are blowing your nose. Yawning and chewing gum also may help. You may hear or feel a "pop" when the tubes open to make the pressure equal between the inside and outside of your ears.
Blocked eustachian tubes often get better on their own. For adults, decongestants that you take by mouth or spray into your nose may be helpful. If you have allergies, the doctor may prescribe a steroid medicine that you spray into your nose.
Pressure that builds up in your sinus cavities can make your ears feel “stuffed up” or cause painful throbbing around your temples and behind your ears. For centuries, acupressure and massage have been used as a remedy for pain and pressure in your ears and head.
By gently blowing your nose, it can help clear the sinus passages and bring quick relief. While blowing your nose, block one nostril, then change nostrils and repeat. This can help ease the pressure in the ears. Just don't blow too hard or it may make you feel worse.
Try forcing a yawn several times until the ears pop open. Swallowing helps to activate the muscles that open the eustachian tube. Sipping water or sucking on hard candy can help to increase the need to swallow. If yawning and swallowing do not work, take a deep breath and pinch the nose shut.
Why won't my Eustachian tubes drain?
What causes eustachian tube dysfunction? Allergies and infections (like the common cold and the flu) are the most common causes of eustachian tube dysfunction. These conditions can cause inflammation and mucus buildup, leading to blockage. GERD, or chronic acid reflux, can also cause ETD.
By swallowing water or another drink your ears will pop, equalizing the pressure. A more intense method to pop your ears by swallowing is to pinch your nose closed. This creates a vacuum in your nose that helps your Eustachian tubes open. Chewing gum during pressure changes is also a common way to pop your ears.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Treatment
Eustachian tube dysfunction usually resolves in a few days to two weeks without treatment. You can take certain actions to open up the tubes, such as swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum.
In most cases, the fluid clears up within a few months without treatment. You may need more tests if the fluid does not clear up after 3 months. For adults, decongestants that you take by mouth or spray into your nose may be helpful.
Try forcing a yawn several times until the ears pop open. Swallowing helps to activate the muscles that open the eustachian tube. Sipping water or sucking on hard candy can help to increase the need to swallow. If yawning and swallowing do not work, take a deep breath and pinch the nose shut.
Fluid in the Ear
Thickened fluid blocks the auditory tube and prevents the fluid from draining into the back of the throat. Sometimes this is caused by an ear infection. This condition has a few different names, including: Serous otitis media.
Your ear may unblock on its own within hours or days. But several home remedies and medications can provide fast relief. As you treat a clogged ear, it's also helpful to identify possible causes of the blockage. By doing so, you and your doctor can determine the best way to treat the clog and prevent future problems.
