Flying should be an exciting experience. But, for many individuals, it comes with an annoying issue, and that is ear pain during flight, particularly during landing and takeoff. This takes place when the air pressure inside the middle ear does not match the air pressure in the plane’s cabin as it descends or rises.
However, this is a common problem, which is also known as “Airplane Ear” or “Ear Barotrauma.” The ear pain during flight can lead to pain and, at times, muffled hearing.
This blog covers information about this issue, what it is, its causes, and how you can prevent it from taking place.
What Causes Ear Pain in the Air?
Ear pain during flight is a problem that is experienced by many individuals. It has been reported that about 8% to 17% of the passengers ended up developing barotitis after a flight. So, why does this happen? When the plane climbs right after the takeoff or comes down for the landing, the cabin pressure changes instantly.
The middle ear is connected to the back of the throat and nose by the Eustachian tube, which is a narrow tube. This tube oops normally opens when you yawn or swallow to equalize the pressure. However, if it is slow to adjust or blocked, the differences in the pressure stretch the eardrum outward or inward, which leads to ear pain during air travel.
Common Symptoms That You May Feel
When you experience ear pain during flying or Ear Barotrauma, you might experience the following symptoms:
- A feeling of stuffy or blocked ears.
- Fullness or pressure in the ear.
- A crack or pop as pressure equalises
- Mild to sharp ear pain
- Momentary muffled hearing
These are some of the symptoms that are normally felt by individuals during a flight. They can be mild or, in rare cases, much more severe.
How to Prevent Ear Pain While Flying?
When you want to know how to avoid ear pain during flight, here are some reliable techniques that you can use during landing and takeoff to keep the pain away:
Keep Yawning and Swallowing
To prevent eardrum pain during flight, you should keep on swallowing and yawning. These actions can open the Eustachian tube naturally and help balance the pressure. Try sipping water or chewing gum.
Try the Toynbee or Valsalva Maneuvers
These are easy pressure equalising methods, which you can do in your seat. To lower the ear pressure during flight, pinch the nose and then gently blow with the mouth closed (Valsalva). Otherwise, you can pinch the nose and swallow (Toynbee).
Stay Awake During Key Times
To prevent ear pain during flight landing, or takeoff, you should actively work on opening the ears during those times. Make sure to stay wide awake during those times.
Use Nasal Sprays and Filtered Earplugs (After Medical Advice)
To prevent issues like an ear blocked during flight, you should use special earplugs, which are created for flying. It can slow down the pressure change, and decongestants might help if you have a blocked nose.
When to See a Physician?
Most mild to extreme ear pain during flight clears by its own within several hours after landing. However, you must consult with a physician if you experience the following:
- The pain is extreme and lasts more than a couple of days.
- You are experiencing symptoms like severe muffled hearing, bleeding or dizziness.
- Hearing does not return to normal.
These might signal something more than the routine Barotrauma.
Conclusion
Ear pain during a flight is common and usually temporary, caused by pressure differences that your ear struggles to balance with cabin air changes. Most people find relief using simple moves like swallowing, yawning or gentle equalising techniques while the plane climbs and lands. If pain or muffled hearing lasts past the flight or becomes severe, it’s wise to check with a doctor if you need medicine for ear pain during flight. Using prevention tips can make flying much more comfortable next time.
Frequently Asked Questions Related to Ear Pain During Flight
How do you stop your ears from hurting on a plane?
To avoid ear pain while flying, you try to swallow, yawn or chew gum during takeoff and landing to open your Eustachian tube and equalise air pressure.
How long will ears hurt after a flight?
Usually, ear pain clears shortly after landing, but if congested, it can last a few days before normalising.
Do headphones help with airplane pressure?
Headphones do not change cabin pressure and won’t prevent airplane ear; they don’t relieve pressure imbalance.
Can an airplane ear last for days?
Yes, if the Eustachian tube stays blocked or inflamed, symptoms can persist for several days.
How do you get sinus pressure out of your ear?
Use gentle equalising techniques like Valsalva (pinch nose and blow softly) and decongestants to reduce sinus blockage.
