What to do if your ears are clogged when flying

Earache during flight can affect hearing for up to a week after the flight ends.

Eliminating seemingly minor annoyances like ear pain while flying will help you have the perfect vacation.

Reason

The phenomenon of ringing or ear pain when sitting on a plane occurs when there is a difference in pressure between the inside and outside of the ear. At this time,tubeThe Eustachian tube that runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose closes or becomes compressed, causing the pressure in the middle ear to be unbalanced.Airhas formedinside the earOkayabsorb, suction and stretchtympanic membraneinto, causing tinnitus or ear pain. If the tubeThe Eustachian tube does not open but continues to close, fluid will seep inside through the membrane to fill the gap, causing us to feel dizzy and lose hearing.

However, we do not need to worry too much because there are many ways to stop this phenomenon. Here are some solutions:

Decongestants

Decongestants are effective for many people who experience ear pain and congestion when flying. Photo: Abcnews

There is no evidence that taking decongestants can help relieve ear pain and congestion when flying, but it has been shown to be effective for many people. Taking a small amount of decongestant, such as a tablet, spray, or syrup, 30 minutes before takeoff can help shrink the eardrums and reduce ear pain and congestion. However, taking these medications too often is not recommended.

Swallow

The swallowing movement helps stimulate the muscles that open the tube.Eustachian. Therefore, increasing this movement by chewing gum or sucking on hard candy while flying will help prevent ear congestion.

Yawn

Keep your mind alert during takeoff and landing to ensure that swallowing and yawning occur at a frequency sufficient to resolve the tinnitus. Photo: Doctoroz

Yawning can also cause the tube toThe Eustachian tube opens to allow air to flow into the middle ear, which equalizes the pressure on the other side of the eardrum. But make sure you don’t fall asleep during takeoff or landing, because yawning during sleep won’t occur as often to equalize the pressure inside. This can make the tinnitus and earache worse.

Frenzel Maneuver Method

Perform the Frenzel Maneuver by: pinching your nose, then inhaling air into your mouth until your cheeks are puffed out. Close the epiglottis by preventing the inhaled air from going down your throat. Next, move the soft palate (the soft fleshy part of your throat) to a neutral position in your mouth and thenusetonguelike pistonto pushairbackyour throat. Thus, the phenomenon of ringing in the ears and ear pain every time you sit on a plane will be resolved.

Balloon

Blowing up balloons is also an easy but very effective method to deal with pain and earache when flying. Photo: Whenonearth

Prevent ear pain and clear your ears during flights by blowing up a balloon attached to a small tube. Close one nostril, then place the tube with the balloon attached to the other nostril and start blowing through that nostril. The balloon inflates and deflates as you inhale air. Repeat a few times with the other nostril and your ear canal will be clear, your ear pain and congestion will go away.

According to VNE