That plugged, underwater feeling in your ears is a classic (and annoying) cold symptom. It happens because the Eustachian tubes—small passages connecting your middle ear to the back of your throat—become swollen and clogged with mucus.

Be patient and gentle. Focus on thinning mucus (steam, hydration) and encouraging natural drainage (yawning, warm compresses). The "pop" will come when your body is ready.

Never try to "dig out" the blockage with cotton swabs, bobby pins, or your finger. The clog is behind your eardrum, not in your ear canal. Poking can cause injury, infection, or a perforated eardrum.