With our children out from school and warmer days finally upon us, many of us utilize this period to spend time away with our families. Depending on how far we plan on traveling, we may fly on an airplane to get where we are going. Unfortunately, air travel can be a stressful endeavor in itself since there is so much to remember, pack, and do. So much so, it’s not uncommon for people to pack up their luggage and forget one of the most valuable items they can carry on with them aboard the airplane, a pair of ear plugs.
Flying on a plane can cause travelers to experience “airplane ear,” or barotitis media. While airplane ear will likely not do any serious damage, this condition can be excruciating and can cause partial hearing loss. If you plan on flying anytime soon, make sure you check out and follow these simple tips that can help you avoid airplane ear.
• Before you travel, make sure you purchase a pair of ear plugs. Since our ears are susceptible, the pressure from flying in a plane can quickly impact your ears. Wearing a pair can help protect your ears from this painful and uncomfortable condition by equalizing the pressure against your eardrum.
• During ascent and descent, yawn, chew gum, suck on a piece of candy, or swallow. By doing so, you will activate the muscles that open up your Eustachian tubes. To help make this step easier, make sure you fly with chewing gum or hard candies.
• Another option is to practice the Valsalva maneuver during ascent and descents. To help equalize the pressure, pinch your nostrils and keep your mouth closed, while gently blowing your nose. Make sure you repeat this procedure several times during ascent and descent.
• You may think that sleeping will help lessen your chances of experiencing airplane ear, but this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Stay awake during ascents and descents so you can practice the necessary steps needed to ward off airplane ear.
• While this is not always possible, if you have a cold, ear infection, sinus infection, or severe nasal congestion try not to fly! If you recently had any type of surgery on your ear(s), make sure you consult with your doctor first before you fly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airplane ear, or barotitis media, occurs due to the changes in air pressure during the ascent and descent of a flight. These pressure differences can cause discomfort and partial hearing loss as the pressure on the eardrum becomes unbalanced. The Eustachian tubes normally help equalize this pressure, but if they don't function properly, pain and ear problems can result.
Using ear plugs during flights helps protect your ears by equalizing the pressure against your eardrum. They act as a barrier, reducing the rapid pressure changes that occur during takeoff and landing, thereby minimizing discomfort and lowering the risk of developing airplane ear.
Yawning, chewing gum, sucking on candy, and swallowing during ascent and descent activate the muscles that open your Eustachian tubes. This activity helps balance the pressure inside your ears and prevents painful pressure build-up. Keeping chewing gum or hard candy handy on the flight is recommended to facilitate this process.
The Valsalva maneuver involves pinching your nostrils, closing your mouth, and gently blowing as if blowing your nose. This technique helps open the Eustachian tubes to equalize pressure in the middle ear during ascent and descent. Repeating this maneuver several times on the plane can alleviate pressure and reduce ear discomfort.
No, sleeping during the airplane's ascent and descent is not recommended to prevent airplane ear. Staying awake allows you to actively perform pressure-relieving actions such as yawning or chewing gum, which are necessary to keep your ears comfortable and balanced through changes in cabin pressure.
It is advisable to avoid flying if you have a cold, ear infection, sinus infection, or severe nasal congestion because these conditions can impair your Eustachian tubes' ability to equalize ear pressure, increasing the risk of pain or damage. If you have had recent ear surgery, consult your doctor before flying to ensure it is safe.
