Ear pressure occurs when pressure inside the eardrum differs from pressure outside the eardrum. This condition, called ear barotrauma, often causes discomfort, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Ear pressure may lead to complications, including an acute ear infection, hearing loss or a ruptured or perforated eardrum. Physicians may prescribe steroids, antihistamines or decongestants, but home remedies to relieve ear pressure usually offer successful treatment.
Chewing Gum
MedlinePlus indicates that chewing gum may help relieve pressure in the ears. The Newton Ask a Scientist website, a service of the Argonne National Laboratory, reveals that the act of chewing gum encourages swallowing, which serves to equalizing air pressure in the inner ear between the air outside the ear. The eustachian tubes in the throat, normally closed, open slightly during the act of swallowing to help equalize the pressure in this home remedy. The Aetna InteliHealth website warns sufferers not to blow too hard, as a tear to the eardrum may occur.
Exhaling Through the Nose
Air pressure relief can occur by using a home remedy that involves the sufferer exhaling through the nose while plugging the nostrils. The mouth must be closed to ensure that air pressure is able to equalize. In blowing through the nose, air is forced through the eustachian tubes located in the throat, which helps to adjust the air pressure inside the ear, according to the New York University Langone Medical Center website.
Decongestants
Over-the-counter decongestants may find use in relieving air pressure at home without professional medical intervention. According to the website of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, taking a decongestant may shrink the membranes located in the ear and ease the process of popping the ears to relieve ear pressure. People prone to ear pressure problems from flying taken decongestants before flying and just before descent of the plane.
