It's not a stupid question BMI701EGCC, maybe better posted under "Medical & Health", but not a stupid question.
Yawning works for light cases, but for a more persistent case use the valsalva action (I'll bet that that spelling is wrong), i.e.
Pinch your nose tightly, close your mouth tightly, and blow until both ears 'pop'.
I guess that different people have greater / lesser paths of resistance in their eustacian tubes (for certain, another spelling mistake), but it works for me even during the 'after effects' of a cold when the condition is at it's worst.
For heaven's sake, don't fly, even as a passenger, if you can't clear them at all, a very unpleasant experience.
Now, MDs, how did I go on my spelling?
Regards,
Old Smokey