What to do if you experience ear pressure while flying?

Ear pressure during flying can affect hearing for up to a week after the flight ends.

Eliminating even the smallest annoyances, such as ear pressure while flying, will help you have a perfect vacation.

Reason

Ear pressure or ear pain while flying occurs when there is a difference in pressure inside and outside the ear. At this time,tubeThe Eustachian tube, which runs from the middle ear to the back of the nose, can close or become compressed, causing the pressure in the middle ear to become unbalanced.Airhas formedinside the earOkayabsorb, suction and stretchingtympanic membranego inside, causing ringing or pain in the ears. If the tube...The eustachian tube doesn't open but remains closed, allowing fluid to seep inside through the membrane to fill the gap, causing dizziness and hearing loss.

However, there's no need to worry too much because there are many ways to stop this phenomenon. Here are some solutions:

Nasal decongestants

Nasal decongestants are effective for many people who experience ear pressure and pain when flying. (Image: Abcnews)

There is no concrete evidence to prove that taking decongestants can resolve ear pressure and pain during air travel; however, it has proven effective for many people. Taking a small amount of decongestant in tablet, spray, or syrup form 30 minutes before takeoff can help constrict the eardrums and reduce ear pressure and pain. However, taking this type of medication too frequently is not recommended.

Swallow

The swallowing motion helps stimulate the muscles that open the esophagus.Eustachian tubes. Therefore, increasing this movement by chewing gum or sucking on hard candy while flying can help prevent ear pressure.

Yawn

Stay alert during takeoff and landing to ensure you swallow and yawn frequently enough to alleviate ear pressure. (Image: Doctoroz)

Yawning can also cause the airways to become blocked.The Eustachian tube opens to allow air into the middle ear, thereby equalizing the pressure on the other side of the eardrum. But make sure you don't sleep during takeoff or landing because during sleep, yawning won't occur frequently enough to equalize the internal pressure. This will worsen ear congestion and pain.

Frenzel Maneuver method

To perform the Frenzel Maneuver: close your nose, then inhale deeply, filling your mouth with air until your cheeks are full. Close the epiglottis by preventing the inhaled air from going down your throat. Next, move the soft palate (the soft tissue at the top of the throat) to a neutral position in the oral cavity and then...usetonguelike pistonto pushairto the backyour throatThus, the problem of ear pressure and pain when flying will be resolved.

Balloon

Blowing up balloons is also an easy but very effective method for relieving pain and ear pressure when flying. Photo: Whenonearth

Prevent ear pain and clear your ears during flights by inflating a balloon attached to a small tube. Block one nostril, then place the tube with the balloon into the other nostril and begin blowing through that nostril. The balloon will inflate and deflate as you inhale. Repeat this several times with the other nostril, and your ear canal will be cleared, relieving ear pressure and pain.

According to VNE