If you have ever had intense ear pain when traveling on a plane during landing, you aren’t alone. Many people experience what is known as “airplane ear”. It can leave sufferers feeling pretty miserable. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to make air travel more comfortable. ENT Specialists are here to share tips to keep your ears from hurting the next time you are in an airplane.
Ear pain during the landing of an airplane is usually caused by unequal pressure the air in the middle ear and the air on the outside of the ear. The air that is found on either side of the eardrum needs to stay the same or there will be pain. As a plane gets closer to the ground, the air pressure increases and this is when people experience pain. There is a tube that connects the back of the nose to the ears, called the Eustachian tube. Air needs to travel up this tube into the middle ear to relieve the pressure.
There are definitely some people that are more affected by ear pain during travel that others. What could possibly be the cause? When it comes to the Eustachian tube, it will open and close on occasion when you are eating or experiencing altitude changes while driving in a car. For some people, this tube doesn’t open and close as easily. Sometimes, someone suffering from allergies or a cold has increased inflammation and mucus which can also make it difficult for the Eustachian tube to open and close. Anytime, you have increased mucus, you are at risk of ear pain during air travel.
If you are suffering from a cold or allergies at the time of air travel, you may want to consider antihistamines or decongestants to help you avoid ear pair during your travels. These will help get rid of the extra mucus and can even reduce inflammation which will help protect your ears.
During an airplane’s descent, you need to take some steps to avoid ear pain.
1. Stay Awake– If you are sleeping, you won’t be aware of a plane’s descent and can’t take the right steps to equalize the pressure in your ears.
2. Suck on Candy– Sucking on a piece of candy is one way to ease the pressure in your ears.
3. Chew Gum– Chewing often opens the Eustachian tube and relieves pressure.
4. Plug Nose & Gently Blow– Plug your nose and gently blow to help ease any pressure in your ears.
When you experience ear pain during air travel, it can be a miserable experience. If you have intense ear pain during travel, and nothing you do seems to help, it might be time to see the ENT Specialists for professional help. Call us today for an appointment.
