My Hack to Help Your Ears "Pop"

 

Patients who have eustachian tube (ET) problems often times can struggle when their ears needs to “pop,” such as when flying on airplanes or, even more significantly, when trying to scuba dive. I know patients who state that they attempted to scuba dive and just could not do it because of their eustachian tubes would not clear (“pop”) appropriately. 

Well, I’ve got a secret treatment to help out and get that eustachian tube to “pop”. 

Afrin.

Yes, I know I’ve said before how much I hate Afrin, but this is one time that I might actually recommend using it.  

What I recommend doing when flying is to spray each nostril with Afrin about 30 minutes before take-off and again about 30 minutes before landing. For scuba diving, spray it about 30 minutes before diving. Afrin goes through the nose and gets to the opening of the ET at the back of the nose. It acts as a decongestant and can really open things up pretty well so that your eustachian tube’s won’t be so clogged up.

If you continue to have problems clearing your eustachian tubes, or making them “pop,” make an appointment with me by calling (817)-261-3000.

 

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Daily Life, EarErin ShellenbergerEustachian Tubes, Ears Pop, Scuba Dive, Flying, Afrin