How to Pop Your Ears During a Flight
It’s one of those everyday annoyances of air travel: as the plane ascends or descends, the cabin pressure changes and leaves you wondering how to pop your ears during a flight. This phenomenon is sometimes known as airplane ear. According to medical experts, it results from an imbalance in air pressure between the cabin and your middle ear. This discomfort is something most air travellers have experienced.
“It’s very common to get that ear fullness when on planes because of the change in air pressure,” explains Dr. Kimberly Lee, a board-certified plastic surgeon and assistant clinical professor. “When the pressures on the inside and outside of the eardrum aren’t the same, the eardrum acts like a suction cup causing the dreaded sensation of ear fullness and discomfort that makes you want to pop the ears.”
The good news? Clearing your ears is usually quick and painless, and there are several expert-recommended tips to keep discomfort at bay. Here’s everything you need to know about why your ears pop and how to pop them comfortably for every flight.
Why Do Your Ears Pop on Airplanes?
First, a little biology lesson. Airplane ear occurs when the air pressure in the middle ear doesn’t match the environment’s pressure. This prevents your eardrum from vibrating normally. The Eustachian tube, which regulates air pressure, can’t always keep up with rapid changes in altitude, leading to discomfort known as ear barotrauma.
Why Can’t I Pop My Ears?
A common reason your ears may not pop is due to colds or allergies, which can inflame mucus membranes. This inflammation can clog the Eustachian tube, making it difficult to equalize pressure effectively. “The worse the cold is, the higher the risk that you end up with an ear problem,” states Dr. Alicia M. Quesnel, an otologist. If you must travel with a cold, consider taking a nonstop flight to reduce the number of pressure changes.
What Is the Easiest Way to Pop Your Ears?
1. Yawn or Talk.
Yawning or talking can relieve mild discomfort effectively. Even a fake yawn may help by opening and closing the Eustachian tube, thus equalizing pressure.
2. Chew Gum, Swallow, or Suck on Candy.
Keeping a pack of gum handy can help ease pressure. Mint gum is particularly beneficial as it promotes extra saliva and swallowing. Sipping water or sucking on candy can also activate muscles that assist in opening the Eustachian tube.
3. Use a Long-Acting Nasal Decongestant.
ENT specialists often recommend long-acting nasal decongestants to reduce swelling affecting your nasal passages. Using a nasal spray about 30 minutes before takeoff can also help alleviate pressure problems.
4. Try the Toynbee Manoeuvre.
This technique involves pinching your nose shut while swallowing, which can help equalize ear pressure.
5. Practice the Valsalva Manoeuvre.
This technique requires you to take a deep breath, pinch your nose shut, close your mouth, and then attempt to blow gently as if trying to inflate a balloon. Be cautious not to blow too hard, as this could damage your eardrum.
6. Stay Awake During Takeoff and Landing.
Passengers who sleep during these critical phases may miss the natural actions that help their ears pop. Staying awake can help you actively yawn or swallow to mitigate ear discomfort.
7. Use Specially Designed Earplugs.
Earplugs can help regulate pressure fluctuations in the ear. Look for hypoallergenic options designed specifically for air travel.
8. Apply Heat to the Ears.
If your ears feel stuffed after landing, applying heat with a warm washcloth can help open the Eustachian tubes and relieve pressure.
9. Consider Pressure Equalization Tubes.
If you frequently experience ear pain during flights, you might want to consult your doctor about pressure equalization tubes, which can assist in regulating ear pressure during altitude changes.
How to Ease Ear Discomfort in Kids
If you’re concerned about your child’s ear discomfort during flights, many of the same strategies used for adults can be effective for children as well. For infants, breastfeeding or using a bottle during takeoff and landing can help, as can pacifiers. Older children may find relief from sucking on lollipops or chewing gum. However, if your child has a cold or ear infection, consider delaying your trip, as these conditions can exacerbate ear pressure issues.
In summary, understanding and managing ear pressure during flights is important for a comfortable travel experience. Therefore, by implementing these tips, you can successfully mitigate discomfort associated with changes in altitude.
