Experiencing clogged ears after a flight, also known as airplane ear or ear barotrauma, 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 during ascent and descent. Fortunately, there are several effective techniques to unclog your ears and prevent this from happening in the future.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to relieve that frustrating blocked ear feeling and ensure comfortable air travel.
Simple Techniques to Unclog Ears Mid-Flight and Post-Flight
When you feel that pressure building up in your ears during a flight, or find your ears clogged after landing, these methods can help to equalize the pressure and open up your Eustachian tubes, the small passages that connect your middle ear to your throat.
1. Yawn Widely and Swallow Frequently
Yawning and swallowing are natural actions that activate the muscles responsible for opening your Eustachian tubes. When these tubes open, air can flow in and out of your middle ear, helping to balance the pressure. Exaggerate your yawns to maximize the muscle engagement. Swallowing has a similar effect, so try to swallow frequently, especially during descent.
2. The Valsalva Maneuver
This technique is a tried-and-true method for equalizing ear pressure. To perform the Valsalva maneuver:
- Pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers.
- Close your mouth.
- Gently try to blow air out of your nose while keeping your nostrils pinched and mouth closed.
You should feel a slight pressure in your ears, and you might hear a popping sound. This indicates that your Eustachian tubes have opened, and the pressure is equalizing. Be gentle; forcing too hard can be harmful. Repeat this maneuver several times, particularly during the airplane’s descent.
3. Chewing Gum or Sucking on Candy
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy encourages swallowing. As mentioned earlier, swallowing helps to activate the muscles around the Eustachian tubes, promoting them to open and relieve pressure. Keep gum or candy handy, especially during takeoff and landing.
4. Warm Compress
Applying a warm compress to your ear can provide soothing relief and may help to decongest the area around the Eustachian tube. While not a direct method to unclog the ear, the warmth can ease discomfort and potentially encourage the Eustachian tube to open naturally. You can use a warm, damp cloth placed over the affected ear for several minutes.
5. Nasal Saline Spray
Sometimes, congestion in the nasal passages can contribute to blocked Eustachian tubes. Using a nasal saline spray can help to moisturize and clear your nasal passages. This, in turn, can assist in opening up the Eustachian tubes. Use the spray according to the product instructions, typically spraying once or twice in each nostril.
Preventing Airplane Ear: Proactive Measures for Comfortable Flights
Prevention is often better than cure. If you are prone to airplane ear, or want to minimize the chances of it happening, consider these preventative measures before, during, and after your flight.
1. Stay Awake During Takeoff and Landing
Being awake during ascent and descent allows you to actively use the techniques mentioned above when you first feel pressure changes in your ears. If you are asleep, you might miss the early signs of pressure build-up and be unable to take timely action.
2. Reschedule Travel if Ill
If you are suffering from a cold, sinus infection, nasal congestion, or an ear infection, flying can exacerbate ear problems. These conditions cause inflammation and congestion in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes, making it harder for pressure to equalize. If possible, reconsider your travel plans until you have recovered. If flying is unavoidable, consult your doctor for advice.
3. Use Nasal Decongestant Spray (With Caution)
A nasal decongestant spray can be used about 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff and landing to reduce nasal congestion and help keep Eustachian tubes open. However, it’s crucial to use decongestant sprays sparingly. Overuse, typically beyond three to four days, can lead to rebound congestion, making the problem worse.
4. Oral Decongestant Pills (With Caution and Medical Advice)
Oral decongestants can also be taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight to help reduce congestion. However, these medications have potential side effects and are not suitable for everyone. If you have heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, or are pregnant, avoid taking oral decongestants. Always consult your doctor before using oral decongestants, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
5. Allergy Medication for Allergy Sufferers
If your nasal congestion is due to allergies, taking your allergy medication about an hour before your flight can help to minimize allergy symptoms and reduce the likelihood of blocked ears.
6. Consider Filtered Earplugs for Flying
Special filtered earplugs are designed to slowly equalize the pressure against your eardrum during ascents and descents. These earplugs can be purchased at drugstores, airport shops, or hearing clinics. While helpful, they are not a standalone solution. You should still use techniques like yawning and swallowing in conjunction with filtered earplugs for optimal pressure regulation.
When to Seek Medical Advice
While airplane ear is usually temporary and resolves on its own or with simple self-care techniques, sometimes medical attention is necessary. Consult a doctor if you experience:
- Severe ear pain that doesn’t subside.
- Persistent clogged ear sensation lasting for more than a few hours after landing.
- Dizziness or vertigo.
- Hearing loss.
- Ringing in your ears (tinnitus).
- Signs of ear infection, such as ear drainage or fever.
In rare cases, for individuals who frequently experience severe airplane ear or are undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, doctors might recommend surgically placed tubes in the eardrums. These tubes help to ventilate the middle ear and equalize pressure more effectively, preventing fluid build-up and discomfort.
By understanding the causes of airplane ear and utilizing these preventative and treatment strategies, you can significantly reduce the discomfort of clogged ears after flying and enjoy more pleasant and comfortable air travel experiences.
