How To Pop Ears Safely

Toynbee Maneuver

The Toynbee maneuver can provide successful ear clearing for many patients. This method is fairly forceful, and while it can result in immediate ear popping, it may cause discomfort, and patients may wish to try other methods first and save this maneuver. It should be used with caution in children. To employ this maneuver, patients should start by pinching their nose closed. With the nose pinched shut, patients should then swallow. The swallowing in this method immediately opens the Eustachian tubes, and the act of moving the tongue while the nose is closed helps compress the air passing through to the middle ear. Patients may wish to combine this method with a nasal decongestant spray or applying a warm washcloth to the outside of the ear. Patients who experience any pain or discharge after trying this maneuver should see their doctor for an ear examination.

Learn about the most popular method used to pop the ears next.