It’s summertime, and many are taking advantage of the warm weather and the loosening of travel restrictions and are heading out of town. In many cases, air travel needs to be done, and when that happens, preparation is necessary. Airplane travel can be stressful in itself, but adding the stress of travel and the possibility of experiencing airplane ear can make the experience quite uncomfortable if the proper precautions are not taken. However, following the handy airplane ear tips below can help relieve the pressure.
Many passengers can experience barotitis media or “airplane ear” when the airplane begins to ascend or reduce altitude before landing. While the risk of long-term damage from airplane ear is minimal, it can be excruciating and may even cause partial hearing loss. If a plane ride is unavoidable, here are some airplane ear tips to follow that may offer relief.
· Our ears are sensitive to pressure variations due to flying, so ensure to buy a pair of earplugs before you fly. By adjusting the pressure in the ear canal, you can avoid discomfort and a possible painful situation.
· Yawning, chewing, and swallowing access the muscles that can help open the Eustachian tubes. So have some hard sweet or chewing gum on hand while you fly. Doing this can allow the pressure around the eardrum to equalize the pressure, giving you the relief you need.
· Learn the Valsalva maneuver, just close your mouth, pinch your nose, and carefully blow. Doing this can assist in stabilizing the pressure in your ears while the plane is rising and descending. Repeat the maneuver as required.
· Many wrongly believe that taking a nap or sleeping can help in reducing the chances of airplane ear. While this is a popular viewpoint, it is unfortunately incorrect. It is crucial to remain awake and alert throughout takeoff and landing to perform the actions essential to fend off airplane ear.
· Be conscious of potential individual health issues. It’s not a great idea to fly if you have an ear infection, cold, sinus infection, extreme nasal blockage, or if you had any surgical procedures on or near your ear. Be sure to consult with your physician before flying on an airplane.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airplane ear, also known as barotitis media, occurs due to pressure differences between the inside of the ear and the external environment during airplane ascent or descent. This pressure imbalance can cause discomfort, pain, and sometimes partial hearing loss. It happens because the Eustachian tubes, which normally regulate ear pressure, may not adjust quickly enough to the changing cabin pressure.
Using earplugs specifically designed for air travel can help regulate pressure changes in the ear canal by slowing down the pressure changes that reach your eardrum. This gradual adjustment reduces discomfort and the risk of pain or injury from rapid cabin pressure changes during flights.
Yawning, chewing, and swallowing activate muscles that open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow and equalize pressure between the middle ear and the cabin. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy during takeoff and landing can facilitate this process and help relieve or prevent airplane ear discomfort.
The Valsalva maneuver involves closing your mouth, pinching your nose shut, and gently blowing air out. This action forces air through the Eustachian tubes to equalize pressure in the middle ear with the external environment, providing relief from ear discomfort during airplane ascent and descent. It can be repeated as needed for effectiveness.
No, sleeping during takeoff and landing is not recommended to prevent airplane ear. Staying awake is important because you need to perform pressure-relieving actions like swallowing, yawning, or the Valsalva maneuver at these crucial times to help equalize ear pressure and reduce discomfort.
Yes, it is advised that individuals with ear infections, colds, sinus infections, severe nasal blockages, or recent ear surgeries consult a physician before flying. Such conditions can increase the risk and severity of airplane ear and related complications, so medical advice is necessary to ensure safe air travel.
