A version of this article first appeared on India Today on Jun 7, 2024 and is reproduced here.
As A Frequent Flier, You’ve Likely Experienced That Peculiar Sensation Of Your Ears Feeling Blocked Or Ear Pain During A Flight. It Can Be Frustrating And Uncomfortable, And As An ENT Specialist, I’ve Seen Many Patients Perplexed By This Issue. Often, People Turn To Quick Fixes Like Cotton Plugs, But These Makeshift Solutions Don’t Address The Root Causes Of Ear Popping. Let’s Delve Into The Science Behind Why Our Ears Pop During Flights.
India Today spoke with By Dr Anita Bhandari A Neurotologist, ENT Surgeon, Director Of Neuroequilibrium,(Neuro Equilibrium Is World’s Largest Chain Of Clinics For Vertigo And Dizziness) She Is An Entrepreneur, Innovator And Author & Dr Anushka Bhandari Is Head R&D At Neuroequilibrium to get more insights.
Sudden Changes In Air Pressure Can Occur On Flights, Particularly During Takeoff And Landing. Our Middle Ear Is Filled With Air And Is Separated From The Outer Ear By The Eardrum. The Eustachian Tube Is A Narrow Passage That Connects The Middle Ear With The Area Behind Your Nasal Passage, Ensuring That The Air Pressure In The Middle Ear Equals The Outside Air Pressure..
Pressure Changes In The Middle Ear Cause The Eardrum To Stretch—Negative Pressure Leads To Indrawing Of The Eardrum, While Positive Pressure Leads To Bulging. This Stretching Can Lead To Discomfort And, Often, Pain. Therefore, The Eustachian Tube Needs To Remain Clear To Allow Proper Ventilation. Sometimes, The Tube Cannot Smoothly Equalise The Pressure, And When It Suddenly Opens, It Causes The Ears To Feel Like They Have Popped. Colds And Allergies Can Cause Blockage Of The Eustachian Tube, Increasing The Risk Of Ear Pain During Flights.
During Takeoff, There Is A Sudden Change In Altitude, Causing The Air Pressure In The Cabin To Become Lower Than The Middle Ear Pressure. Conversely, During Landing, The Cabin Pressure Becomes Higher Than The Middle Ear Pressure.
WHY DON’T COTTON PLUGS WORK?
An Eustachian Tube Block Is The Real Cause Of Ear Discomfort Or Popping Ears. Putting Cotton Plugs In The Ear Will Not Help With This Issue.
Practical Tips To Prevent Ear Discomfort During Your Next Flight
HERE ARE SOME PRACTICAL STRATEGIES:
Slowly Drinking Water Or Chewing Gum: This Helps Activate The Muscles That Open The Eustachian Tube, Facilitating Pressure Equalisation.
Valsalva Maneuver: This Simple Exercise Helps Open The Eustachian Tube. It Involves Pinching The Nostrils And Gently Blowing Out The Cheeks (Like You Are Blowing A Balloon). The Valsalva Should Be Done Without Applying Much Force. Too Much Force Could Increase Ear Pain And Even Damage The Eardrum.
Decongestants: Nasal Decongestants Can Help People With Nasal Blocks, Colds, Or Recurrent Eustachian Tube Problems. The Nasal Drops Should Be Used Before Takeoff And Are Effective For About 8 Hours.
These Practical Tips Can Prevent Ear Discomfort. So Next Time You’re In The Air, Remember To Ditch The Cotton Plugs And Try These Strategies For A Smoother, More Comfortable Flight.
Why do ears pop during flights?
Ears pop during flights due to changes in air pressure, especially during takeoff and landing. The Eustachian tube helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the external environment, causing the popping sensation.
Book a consultation at your nearest NeuroEquilibrium Clinic today.
What causes ear pain during flights?
Ear pain occurs when the Eustachian tube fails to equalize air pressure properly, causing the eardrum to stretch. Conditions like colds, allergies, or nasal congestion can worsen this discomfort
Book a consultation at your nearest NeuroEquilibrium Clinic today.
How can I prevent ear discomfort while flying?
You can prevent ear discomfort by chewing gum, drinking water slowly, performing the Valsalva Maneuver, or using nasal decongestants before the flight if you have nasal congestion.
Book a consultation at your nearest NeuroEquilibrium Clinic today.
Do cotton plugs help with ear pain during flights?
No, cotton plugs do not help alleviate ear pain. They only block external noise and do not address the root cause, which is pressure imbalance in the middle ear.
Book a consultation at your nearest NeuroEquilibrium Clinic today.
Is there a safe way to relieve ear pressure during flights?
Yes, performing gentle techniques like swallowing, yawning, or doing the Valsalva Maneuver can help relieve ear pressure. Using nasal decongestants before takeoff can also be helpful if you have nasal congestion.
Book a consultation at your nearest NeuroEquilibrium Clinic today.
