Many people feel ear pain or discomfort while traveling by air. This problem is more common during takeoff and landing of the plane. Its main reason (airplane ear pain causes) is the changes in air pressure, which affect the inner part of the ear. Let us understand the causes and prevention measures of this problem (aviation ear pain solutions).

Causes of ear pain in airplane

Air Pressure Changes

When the airplane rises or descends, the atmospheric pressure changes rapidly. There is a small tube inside our ear, called the Eustachian Tube. This tube connects the middle part of the ear and the throat and helps to balance the pressure.

When the altitude of the plane changes, the outside air pressure fluctuates rapidly, but sometimes the Eustachian tube is not able to function properly, which puts pressure on the eardrum and causes pain.

Cold or allergies
If the passenger has a cold, sinus, or allergy problem, the Eustachian tube may get blocked due to swelling. This does not balance the pressure and can cause severe ear pain.

Ear infection
If a person already has an ear infection, the pain may increase during air travel.

Tips to avoid ear pain in a plane (flying ear pressure tips)
Yawn or swallow
Yawning or swallowing repeatedly opens the Eustachian tube and balances the pressure. Therefore, yawning or maintaining throat movement while the plane descends or ascends can relieve ear pain.

Chew chewing gum or candy.
Chewing gum or eating candy produces more saliva and increases the swallowing process, which reduces ear pressure. This is especially useful for children.

Valsalva Maneuver
In this technique, try to slowly expel air from the nose by pressing the nose lightly and closing the mouth. This balances the pressure inside the ear with the pressure outside.

Take nasal steam or decongestant.
If you have a cold, you can take nasal steam or use a decongestant medicine (such as nasal spray) before traveling as per the doctor's advice. This opens the Eustachian tube and balances the pressure.

Use earplugs or pressure-balancing earphones
Certain types of earplugs (such as "earplanes") help in changing the pressure gradually during air travel, which does not cause ear pain.

Take special care of children
The Eustachian tube of small children is narrow, so they may feel more pain. Feed them milk or give them a pacifier while landing or boarding the plane, so that the pressure in the ear is reduced by the act of swallowing.

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