Blocked Ears

The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and opens when you swallow or yawn to balance pressure. If it doesn’t open properly, the ear feels full or blocked, sounds muffled, and may pop or crackle. It usually follows a cold or hay fever and settles on its own within a few weeks.

Flying tips. Swallow, yawn, chew or suck a lolly during descent, and stay awake for it. Gently pop your ears often as the plane comes down. Feed babies or give a dummy during take-off and landing. If your nose is blocked, a decongestant spray about 30 minutes before descent may help. Avoid flying or diving with a bad cold or ear infection if you can.

Treatment options

Ratings show how strong the research is.

• Moderate evidenceAutoinflationGently pushing air into the ears: pinch your nose, close your mouth and blow gently until you feel a pop. A nasal balloon from the pharmacy does the same. Best evidence is in children with fluid behind the eardrum ("glue ear").
• Moderate evidenceSpecialist treatmentFor blocked ears lasting months: an ENT specialist may offer a small tube in the eardrum (grommet) or widening the Eustachian tube with a balloon.
• Limited evidenceSteroid nasal sprayHelps if hay fever or sinus problems are the cause. Needs daily use for several weeks. In trials it didn’t help blocked ears from other causes.
• Limited evidenceDecongestant nasal sprayCan help short term, such as before a flight. Use for no more than 3 to 5 days, as longer use makes the nose more blocked.
• Not recommendedAntibioticsDon’t help blocked ears unless there is an ear infection.
• Not recommendedEar candlingNo benefit, and can burn the ear.

What you can do

• Swallow, yawn or chew gum often to help the tube open.
• Treat a blocked nose: saline sprays or rinses can help.
• Don’t smoke or vape, as smoke irritates the tube.
• If you hear your own voice or breathing loudly and it eases when you lie down, the tube may be staying open instead. Tell your GP, as decongestants make this worse.

See your GP if

• Symptoms last more than 6 weeks, or keep coming back
• Ear pain, discharge or fever
• Only one ear is affected for a long time

See a doctor the same day for sudden hearing loss, severe dizziness or spinning, or severe ear pain after flying or diving.

Evidence and more information

• Healthify NZ: Blocked ears
• NICE: Balloon dilation for Eustachian tube dysfunction
• NICE: Nasal balloon autoinflation (Otovent) evidence

Reviewed October 2026. General education, not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your situation, so talk to your GP or pharmacist.

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