Allergy season is in full swing, and for many of us that means that our sinuses are terribly unhappy. Blocked noses and blocked ears are a common side effect, with it sometimes feeling like one’s head is about to explode. The difference in pressure within the Eustachian tubes (the little passage that connects your middle ear to the throat) can also be a painful experience, but, thankfully, there are some things that can be done to release and relieve.
The Valsalva Maneuver
This method attempts to gently equalize the pressure by gently exhaling. Named after 17th-century physician, Antony Maria Valsalva, it involves closing your mouth, pinching your nostrils together, and blowing out softly. Be careful not to blow too hard as this can cause harm to your eardrum.
The Toynbee Maneuver
Swallowing is another way to reset the pressure of your middle ear. Pinch your nose in the same way as with the Valsalva Maneuver and take a few sips of water to swallow.
Warm Compress
Sometimes fluid build-up is the reason that your ears feel so blocked. In this case, wet a cloth with warm water and squeeze out the excess. Hold the cloth to your ear for 5-10 minutes and the fluid will start to drain.
