A baby girl screams in pain as the plane is landing, while the passengers around her watch in empathy. Another says, “My ears feel blocked as if cotton is stuck in them.”
Ear fullness, ear pressure, and pain are common complaints of airline travellers.
For the ears to work well, the air pressure on one side of the eardrum should match that of the other side of the eardrum. When there is air pressure imbalance, as happens especially during the plane’s descent, people often experience ear problems. The following suggestions aim to minimize and prevent ear problems especially before you board the airplane.
Ten Tips for Airline Travellers
- If you have had ear surgery, consult your doctor before flying
- Stay awake during takeoffs and landings
- “Pop” your ears if necessary. Do not use excessive force (1), (3)
- Use a decongestant nasal spray about an hour before the plane initiates its descent. Consider oral decongestant medications if there are no medical contraindications. (2)
- Pinch your nose and swallow, yawn, chew gum and /or suck on lozenges, especially during takeoffs and landings
- Rethink travel plans if you’re sick; for example, ear infection, sinusitis, cold or have an allergy attack
- Take your allergy medication
- Earplugs might help
- Insertion of ear tubes have benefited frequent flyers with frequent ear problems
- If you’re dizzy or unsteady on your feet, experience persistent pain or loss of hearing after the flight, seek the advice of an ENT specialist as soon as possible
+ Five
- If a baby is on board, use a pacifier or bottle especially on the plane’s descent.
- No gum chewing or use of oral decongestant medication in children under four years of age.
- Ask your doctor about the use of pain relieving ear drops
- Have ibuprofen or acetaminophen available if needed for ear pain
- If you still have problems, ask the in-flight attendant for two styrofoam cups, one filled with a small amount of hot water and a paper napkin. Place the napkin in the hot water, squeeze out the water and place the napkin in the other cup and place the cup with the napkin in it over the ear. The flight attendant can do this for you. Often the steam from the napkin relieves the ear discomfort.
Flying and ear problems seem to go hand in glove. If your ears will not unplug, feel dizzy or if pain persists after landing — consult your ENT specialist. (3)
References:
- “Pop” your ears, Valsalva maneuver. This technique allows air to enter the middle ear to unblock the ears.
A) Breathe in
B) Pinch your nose
C) Close your mouth
D) Blow your nose — exhale through your nose. You might hear a screeching or a popping sound. Do not use excessive force. Repeat as needed. Older kids can be taught to “pop” their ears. - Men over fifty may experience urinary retention, particularly if they have prostate problems. Pregnant women should consult their Obstetrician. Avoid the use of oral decongestants if you have thyroid disease, heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, hypertension or prone to anxiety.
- Anticaglia, Joseph R.; Airplanes and Ear Problems; Barotrauma of the Ear; HCSmart May 30, 2016
This article is intended solely as a learning experience. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options.