When you catch a cold, the tissues in your nose and throat swell up and produce excess mucus. This swelling can pinch the Eustachian tube shut. When that tube is blocked, air can’t get in or out, and fluid can’t drain. The result? That dreaded “underwater” sensation. Before we get to the solutions, a crucial warning:

Suddenly, your own voice sounds booming in your head, everyone else sounds muffled, and you feel like you’re living underwater. It’s annoying, uncomfortable, and can even be a little disorienting.

There is a unique kind of frustration that comes with a head cold. You’ve already got the runny nose, the scratchy throat, and the fatigue—and then your ears clog up.

Not a Q-tip, not a bobby pin, not your finger.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for persistent or severe symptoms.