## How to Unpop Your Ears After Skydiving
Skydiving is an exhilarating experience, but it can also cause your ears to pop. This is because the sudden change in air pressure can cause the eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat, to become blocked. When this happens, air can’t get into the middle ear, and the pressure inside the ear builds up. This can cause pain, discomfort, and even hearing loss.
There are a few things you can do to unpop your ears after skydiving.
### The Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is a simple technique that can help to open up the eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in the ears. To perform the Valsalva maneuver, follow these steps:
1. Pinch your nose closed.
2. Close your mouth.
3. Take a deep breath and try to blow out through your nose.
4. You should feel a popping sensation in your ears.
If the Valsalva maneuver doesn’t work, you can try the following techniques:
### The Toynbee Maneuver
The Toynbee maneuver is similar to the Valsalva maneuver, but it involves swallowing instead of blowing out. To perform the Toynbee maneuver, follow these steps:
1. Pinch your nose closed.
2. Close your mouth.
3. Take a deep breath and swallow.
4. You should feel a popping sensation in your ears.
### The Frenzel Maneuver
The Frenzel maneuver is a more advanced technique that can help to open up the eustachian tubes. To perform the Frenzel maneuver, follow these steps:
1. Pinch your nose closed.
2. Close your mouth.
3. Take a deep breath and try to push air into your ears by contracting the muscles in your throat.
4. You should feel a popping sensation in your ears.
If you’re having trouble unpopping your ears, you can try using a nasal decongestant or antihistamine. These medications can help to reduce swelling in the eustachian tubes and make it easier for them to open up.
If you’re still having trouble unpopping your ears after trying these techniques, you should see a doctor. There may be an underlying medical condition that is causing your ears to pop.
### Tips for Preventing Ear Popping
There are a few things you can do to help prevent ear popping during skydiving:
Chew gum or suck on candy. This helps to keep the eustachian tubes open.
Drink plenty of fluids. This helps to keep the eustachian tubes moist.
Avoid smoking. Smoking can irritate the eustachian tubes and make them more likely to become blocked.
Use earplugs. Earplugs can help to block out the noise of the wind, which can help to prevent ear popping.
By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of ear popping during skydiving.