Traveling by plane can shorten your travel time. But for some people, traveling by plane causes pain in the ear when the plane takes off and lands. This pain may disappear immediately, but for some, it lasts for several days.

Causes of Ear Pain on Flights

Airplane ear pain is a temporary discomfort that affects the ear due to changes in air pressure in the cabin. This condition is also known as ear barotrauma or barotitis media.

Normally, the air pressure inside the middle ear is equal to the pressure outside the ear. However, when an airplane takes off or begins to land, the change in altitude causes rapid air pressure changes in the cabin.

When the pressure change is too sudden, the eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the throat, may not equalize the pressure efficiently. This causes a feeling of pressure buildup in the ear. You may also experience a vibrating or rumbling sensation in the eardrum and middle ear bones.

Sometimes, this condition is accompanied by a popping sound in the ear or a sharp pain for a few moments. Once the air pressure stabilizes while the aircraft is at altitude or after landing, the pain in the ear typically disappears.

In some cases, symptoms can last for a few days. However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Symptoms of Airplane Ear

Ear pain when you are on flights can occur in one or both ears. Some symptoms that may appear include:

• Discomfort or pain in the ear
• A feeling of fullness in the ear
• Muffled hearing

In more severe cases, you may experience:

• Severe pain
• Increased pressure in the ear
• Moderate to severe hearing loss
• Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
• Dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Ear bleeding (rare but serious)

Tips for Airplane Ear Relief

Generally, airplane ear pain resolves on its own within a few days. If symptoms persist or worsen, you should seek medical attention.

To relieve ear pain due to air pressure changes, you can try the following simple remedies:

Performing the Valsalva Maneuver

This is done by pinching your nostrils with your forefinger and thumb while keeping your mouth closed. Then, gently blow air through your nose without forcing it. This method can help open the eustachian tube and equalize pressure.

When the eustachian tubes open, the pressure stabilizes. Repeat this maneuver several times until the discomfort subsides.

Swallowing or Yawning

Another way to relieve airplane ear is to apply the Valsalva maneuver while swallowing saliva. Swallowing activates the muscles that open the eustachian tube, reducing pressure. Yawning can also help equalize pressure when the plane takes off or lands.

Chewing Gum

Chewing gum encourages the swallowing reflex, which can help balance the pressure between the middle ear and the cabin.

Wearing Earplugs

Specialized airplane earplugs help regulate the pressure changes affecting the eardrum when the plane takes off and lands. While they are safe to use, prolonged use can cause ear discomfort. Use them only when necessary.

Taking a Decongestant Medication

If the above methods are ineffective, taking an oral or nasal decongestant before a flight may help, especially if you have nasal congestion. Decongestant medications help relieve nasal congestion caused by colds, allergies, sinusitis, or respiratory infections, which can contribute to increased pressure in the nose and ears, leading to pain during takeoff and landing.

For professional medical advice, you can visit a doctor in person or use telemedicine services available in the Ai Care application. Download the Ai Care app from the App Store or Google Play Store for convenient consultations.

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