What to Do If Your Ears Won't Pop After a Flight

There’s nothing quite like jetting off for a summer getaway. Whether you’re heading to a tropical beach, a cool mountain retreat, or just visiting family a few states away, flying can be exciting. But if you’ve ever stepped off the plane only to find that your ears still feel “stuck” or won’t pop, you’re not alone.

That muffled, clogged sensation can put a damper on your trip. While most people regain normal hearing shortly after landing, others may struggle for hours—or even days. In this post, we’ll explain why this happens, how to safely help your ears pop, and what to do if the sensation doesn’t go away.

Why Your Ears Won’t Pop After a Flight

The sensation of clogged ears during or after flying is usually caused by ear barotrauma—a pressure imbalance between the air pressure in the cabin and the pressure inside your middle ear.

Your middle ear is connected to your throat via the Eustachian tubes, which open and close to equalize pressure. During takeoff and landing, the air pressure in the cabin changes rapidly. If your Eustachian tubes can’t equalize that pressure quickly enough, it results in that blocked or muffled feeling in your ears.

Common reasons your ears might not pop after a flight include:

• Mild congestion or allergies
• Sinus infections or colds
• Narrow or dysfunctional Eustachian tubes
• Rapid altitude changes
• Dehydration or cabin dryness
• Sleeping through descent (when the biggest pressure change occurs)

Is It Normal for Ears to Stay Plugged After Flying?

For most people, any ear pressure or muffling resolves within a few minutes to a few hours after landing. But if your ears still feel blocked after a full day—or worse, if you experience pain, hearing loss, or dizziness—you could be dealing with barotrauma or fluid buildup behind the eardrum.

While it’s usually not serious, persistent symptoms shouldn’t be ignored. If left untreated, ear barotrauma can sometimes lead to middle ear infections or temporary hearing loss.

What to Do If Your Ears Won’t Pop After a Flight

Here are a few safe and effective ways to help relieve pressure and get your ears to pop:

1. Try the Valsalva Maneuver

• Pinch your nose shut.
• Close your mouth.
• Gently blow as if blowing your nose.

This increases pressure in the back of your nose and throat and can help open the Eustachian tubes.

Important: Don’t blow too hard—you don’t want to risk damaging your eardrum.

2. Swallow or Yawn Repeatedly

Swallowing or yawning activates the muscles around your Eustachian tubes, encouraging them to open and equalize pressure.

Try chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, or drinking water to trigger swallowing reflexes.

3. Use a Warm Compress

Place a warm washcloth or heating pad over your ear or jaw area to help relax the surrounding muscles and improve drainage from the middle ear.

4. Try Over-the-Counter Decongestants

If your Eustachian tubes are inflamed or clogged due to congestion, a nasal decongestant spray or oral antihistamine can help reduce swelling and allow pressure to normalize.

Always follow package instructions and consult a doctor before using these medications, especially if you have other health conditions.

5. Use the Toynbee Maneuver

Swallow while pinching your nose shut—this also activates the muscles needed to open the Eustachian tubes and can relieve pressure.

6. Stay Upright and Hydrated

Sitting upright helps fluid drain more easily from your ears and encourages natural pressure equalization. Be sure to drink plenty of water, too—hydration supports healthy mucous membranes and Eustachian tube function.

What Not to Do

When your ears feel plugged after flying, it can be tempting to try any remedy to get relief. But be careful—some methods can do more harm than good:

• Don’t insert cotton swabs, fingers, or other objects into your ear. This can damage your ear canal or eardrum and make things worse.
• Don’t blow forcefully during the Valsalva maneuver. A gentle push is enough—too much pressure could injure your middle ear.
• Don’t ignore pain or symptoms that worsen. Persistent discomfort may indicate an ear infection or injury.

When to See a Hearing Care Professional

If your ears still feel blocked 24 to 48 hours after flying, or if you experience any of the following symptoms, it’s time to seek help:

• Sharp or persistent ear pain
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Fluid drainage or signs of infection
• Muffled or reduced hearing that doesn’t improve

You may be experiencing moderate to severe ear barotrauma, a middle ear infection, or a more serious pressure-related condition. The sooner you’re evaluated, the sooner you can start feeling better—and get back to enjoying your summer plans. 

Can Hearing Aids Be Affected by Flying?

If you wear , you may wonder if they’re safe to fly with—and the answer is yes!

Hearing aids are not affected by air pressure changes, and you don’t need to remove them during takeoff or landing. However, here are a few travel tips to help protect your devices and keep them functioning their best:

Hearing Aid Travel Tips

• Pack extra batteries or a charging case.
• Keep your hearing aids in your carry-on. Never pack them in checked luggage.
• Bring a small dehumidifier or drying kit to remove moisture from sweat, humidity, or climate changes.
• Use a storage case to protect your hearing aids when not in use.
• Download your hearing aid app and ensure your phone is charged for easy adjustments on the go.

If your ears feel plugged during descent, your hearing aids may sound a bit different due to the muffled perception caused by pressure changes. But your devices themselves won’t be harmed.

Can You Prevent Your Ears From Plugging Up During Flights?

Yes! While not every case can be prevented, these tips can help reduce your risk:

• Take a decongestant before the flight if you’re prone to ear issues (ask your doctor first).
• Use filtered earplugs to regulate pressure more gradually.
• Stay awake during descent, when pressure changes are most dramatic.
• Chew gum, drink water, or suck on candy to encourage swallowing.
• Avoid flying with a cold or sinus infection, if possible.

Enjoy Summer Travel Without Ear Troubles

Summer should be about soaking up sunshine and making memories—not struggling with muffled ears after every flight. If your ears won’t pop after flying, try the methods above to encourage pressure equalization, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a hearing care professional if the issue persists.

At Beltone, we’re here to help you hear your best no matter where life takes you. Whether you’re traveling this summer or simply want to protect your hearing year-round, our team is ready to support your hearing health journey.