Before we dive into the solutions, let's quickly understand why ears pop on a flight. When the air pressure around you changes, such as during takeoff and landing, the air in your middle ear can't adjust quickly enough, causing the eardrum to bulge or "pop." This can lead to discomfort, hearing loss, or even pain.
Most ears will clear on their own within a few hours. If not, gentle maneuvers and hydration usually resolve the issue. Never blow your nose forcefully while holding it shut—that’s a common mistake that can make things worse.
The frustrating and uncomfortable feeling of having your ears pop after a flight! Here are some useful tips on how to unpop your ears after a flight: