ENT Health and Holiday Travel: Preventing Ear Pain on Flights

Whether you fly frequently for business or only occasionally for holidays, you know about the common popping sound and sensation your ears make on flights. This popping sensation can often be painful, making for an uncomfortable flying experience. The popping in the ears is typically due to the pressure changes your ears experience during plane take-off and landing.

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As holidays are gearing up, it’s important to have a few measures in your pocket to alleviate the pain and discomfort from this ear-popping sensation.

Airplane Ears: What Are They?

The popping sensation and discomfort fliers experience during takeoff and landing are often referred to as “airplane ears.” The official terminology for them is ear barotrauma. They are also sometimes referred to as aerotitis media or parotitis media

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Airplane ears occur when there is a difference in the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the outside environment. The eustachian tube is a narrow passage in the ears that connects to the middle ear. It also regulates ear pressure. In adults, this tube is slightly slanted, allowing for easier airflow and equalizing ear pressure much more easily. In children, however, this tube lies flat. This makes it harder for children to equalize ear pressure. As a result, children are more prone to airplane ears during flights.

This imbalance in air pressure causes the popping and often painful sensation in the ears, which is especially noticeable during plane take-off and landing. As a result, people are more likely to experience "airplane ears" during these times.

If someone has a cold, nasal congestion, or a sinus infection, their body may struggle to equalize ear pressure, making the pain and discomfort of airplane ears even worse.

Common symptoms of airplane ears:

• Increased pressure in the ears
• Muffled hearing
• Ringing sound in the ears
• Temporary slight to moderate hearing loss
• Moderate discomfort
• A feeling like the ears are stuffed

Travel Tips: How to Prevent Airplane Ears

If you frequently experience airplane ears during flights, there are several ways you can manage and prevent the symptoms:

1. The basic swallow and yawn

Swallowing and yawning are common remedies for airplane ears, as both actions help the eustachian tube equalize ear pressure.

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Drinking water, chewing gum, or sucking on candy can help deal with the pain during take-off and landing. These tricks are especially helpful for children who feel discomfort in their ears during flights.

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You can induce a yawn or if you can’t, simply opening your mouth as if you were yawning can also help manage and equalize ear pressure.

2. The Valsalva maneuver

The Valsalva maneuver is a tried and tested method to equalize ear pressure when there are significant changes in pressure on flights. You can do the Valsalva maneuver by pinching your nose closed with your fingers and making sure you keep your mouth closed as well. Then, gently blow air through your nose, as if you’re just blowing your nose.

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Repeat this technique several times during plane ascent and descent until your ears feel better.

3. Use earplugs

Using earplugs can help equalize the pressure in your ears. While wearing them, you will still need to swallow or induce a yawn to help relieve the pressure in your ears.

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Earplugs are widely available in hearing clinics, drugstores, and shops in airports.

4. Avoid sleeping during ascents and descents on your flight

If you know you are prone to airplane ears during flights, it would be best to avoid sleeping during ascents and descents. Staying awake will let you take necessary self-care steps to alleviate the pain and discomfort in your ears during flights.

5. Take allergy medication

Allergies can make airplane ears much worse. If you have allergies and if you can, take allergy medication about an hour before your flight. This helps lessen the pain and discomfort in your ears during flights.

6. Decongestants, antihistamines, or nasal sprays before your flight

Cold, allergies, and nasal congestion can all make the pain and discomfort in your ears worse during flight ascents and descents. If you have a cold, take decongestants about 30 minutes to an hour before your flight. You may also use nasal sprays 30 minutes before your flight. Antihistamines can help with allergy symptoms and reduce nasal swelling and congestion.

Worried About Holiday Travels? Arizona Breathe Free Can Help!

Ear pain and discomfort during flights are a very common problem for many travelers. There are, however, several ways you can achieve relief so you can travel with a lightness in your heart.

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Schedule a consultation with one of our experts at Arizona Breathe Free for more information on how you can stay healthy during your holiday trip!

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