Ear pain during flights is a common issue caused by rapid air pressure changes, especially during takeoff and landing. Here’s why it happens and how to fix it.
Why It Happens
- Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
- The Eustachian tube connects your middle ear to the throat, balancing air pressure.
- At high altitudes, cabin pressure drops faster than your ears can adjust, creating a vacuum effect on the eardrum.
- If the tube is blocked (due to colds, allergies, or sinusitis), pressure can’t equalize, causing pain.
- Children Are More Prone
- Kids’ Eustachian tubes are narrower and less developed, making pressure regulation harder.
Immediate Relief Methods
- Swallow, Yawn, or Chew
- Activate muscles that open the Eustachian tube: suck candy, chew gum, or drink water.
- Valsalva Maneuver
- Pinch your nostrils, close your mouth, and gently blow air out through your nose until ears “pop.”
- Use Specialized Earplugs
- Pressure-regulating earplugs (e.g., EarPlanes) slow pressure changes.
- Decongestants
- Use nasal sprays (oxymetazoline) or oral decongestants (pseudoephedrine) 1 hour before landing if congested.
Preventive Measures
- Avoid Flying with Colds/Sinus Infections: Postpone travel if possible.
- Stay Hydrated: Prevents mucus from thickening and blocking the Eustachian tube.
- Allergy Management: Take antihistamines before flying if prone to allergies.
When to See a Doctor
Seek help if pain persists for >24 hours or is accompanied by:
- Severe dizziness or hearing loss.
- Fluid/pus drainage from the ear (sign of a ruptured eardrum).