Experiencing a blocked ear after a flight, also known as airplane ear or barotitis media, is a common and uncomfortable condition. It occurs due to the pressure difference between the air in your middle ear and the air pressure in the airplane cabin. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to relieve this pressure and unblock your ears, allowing you to hear clearly and feel comfortable again.
Airplane ear happens when the eustachian tube, a small passage that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat, doesn’t equalize pressure efficiently. During ascent and descent, the air pressure changes rapidly. If your eustachian tube is blocked or slow to respond, the pressure in your middle ear remains different from the cabin pressure, leading to that blocked or full sensation. This can sometimes be accompanied by pain, dizziness, and even mild hearing loss.
Here are several techniques you can try to fix a blocked ear after flying:
1. Yawn and Swallow Frequently:
Yawning and swallowing are simple yet effective actions that activate the muscles responsible for opening your eustachian tubes. When these muscles engage, they can help to open the tubes and allow air to flow in or out of your middle ear, equalizing the pressure. To maximize this technique, try exaggerated yawns, opening your mouth wide and holding the yawn for a few seconds. You can also stimulate swallowing by chewing gum or sucking on hard candy during the flight’s ascent and descent phases, as these actions naturally increase your swallowing rate.
2. Perform the Valsalva Maneuver:
The Valsalva maneuver is a well-known technique for equalizing ear pressure. To perform it correctly, pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers while keeping your mouth closed. Then, gently try to blow air out of your nose. You should feel a slight pressure build-up in your ears, and you might hear a popping sound as your eustachian tubes open and pressure is released. Repeat this maneuver several times, especially during the descent, as this is when pressure changes are most pronounced and ear blockage is more likely to occur. Be gentle when performing the Valsalva maneuver; excessive force can be harmful.
3. Use Nasal Sprays Before and After Flying:
Nasal congestion due to allergies or a cold can significantly worsen airplane ear by blocking the eustachian tubes. Using an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray can help to reduce nasal congestion and open up the nasal passages, making it easier for air to flow through the eustachian tubes. It’s advisable to use a nasal spray about 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff and landing. However, it’s crucial to use nasal sprays sparingly, as overuse (more than three to four days) can lead to rebound congestion, actually worsening your symptoms in the long run.
4. Consider Oral Decongestants with Caution:
Oral decongestants, available in pill form, can also help reduce congestion and are sometimes recommended for preventing airplane ear. They work by narrowing blood vessels in the nasal passages, which can help open up the eustachian tubes. If you decide to use oral decongestants, take them about 30 minutes to an hour before your flight. However, it’s important to use them cautiously, as they are not suitable for everyone. Individuals with heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, or pregnant women should avoid oral decongestants due to potential side effects. Always consult with a healthcare professional before taking oral decongestants, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
5. Take Allergy Medication if Applicable:
If your blocked ears are related to allergies, taking your regular allergy medication before flying can be beneficial. Allergies can cause inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and eustachian tubes, increasing the likelihood of airplane ear. Taking antihistamines or other allergy medications about an hour before your flight can help to minimize allergic reactions and reduce congestion, making it easier for your ears to equalize pressure.
6. Explore Filtered Earplugs for Flying:
Specially designed filtered earplugs for flying are available at drugstores, airport shops, and hearing clinics. These earplugs contain a filter that slowly and gradually equalizes the pressure against your eardrum during ascents and descents. By regulating the pressure change, they can help prevent the discomfort and blockage associated with airplane ear. Even with filtered earplugs, it’s still recommended to use techniques like yawning and swallowing to further assist in pressure equalization and ensure comfort.
7. Stay Awake During Takeoff and Landing:
Being awake during takeoff and landing allows you to actively manage ear pressure as it changes. If you are asleep, you won’t be able to perform the necessary self-care techniques like yawning, swallowing, or the Valsalva maneuver when you feel pressure building up in your ears. Consciously staying awake during these critical phases of flight gives you the opportunity to respond to ear pressure changes in real-time and take proactive steps to keep your eustachian tubes open.
8. When to Seek Medical Advice:
While most cases of airplane ear resolve on their own or with simple self-care techniques, sometimes medical intervention is necessary. If your symptoms are severe, persist for more than a few days, or include intense pain, significant hearing loss, dizziness, or drainage from your ear, it’s important to seek medical attention. These symptoms could indicate a more serious condition, such as a ruptured eardrum or an ear infection. Consulting a doctor will ensure you receive appropriate diagnosis and treatment, preventing potential complications and ensuring your ear health. For individuals who frequently fly and are prone to severe airplane ear, or those undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, doctors might recommend surgical placement of ear tubes. These tubes help to ventilate the middle ear and equalize pressure more effectively, reducing the risk of blocked ears.
In conclusion, dealing with a blocked ear after flying can be easily managed with these proactive strategies. By understanding the causes of airplane ear and implementing these simple techniques, you can minimize discomfort and ensure a more pleasant travel experience. Remember to seek medical advice if your symptoms are severe or persistent.
