When you are healthy, this tube opens briefly when you yawn or swallow, equalizing air pressure and draining any natural mucus. But when a cold virus strikes, the lining of your entire upper respiratory tract becomes inflamed. The Eustachian tube, which is only about 35mm long, is particularly vulnerable. It swells shut.
During this period, continue gentle Valsalva maneuvers, stay hydrated, and use a saline spray. The fluid will eventually drain or be absorbed by your body. Do not poke anything into your ear canal. Do not use Q-tips—they only compact earwax, which can cause a separate (and easily confused) blockage. cure for blocked ears due to cold