Experiencing clogged ears after a flight, often referred to as airplane ear or barotitis media, is a common and uncomfortable issue. It occurs due to the pressure difference between the air in your middle ear and the cabin air pressure during ascent and descent. Fortunately, there are several simple and effective techniques you can use to unclog your ears and prevent this from happening in the first place. This guide will walk you through proven methods to alleviate ear pressure and ensure a more comfortable flying experience.
Techniques to Unclog Your Ears During and After a Flight
Several actions can stimulate the muscles that open your Eustachian tubes, the small passages connecting your middle ears to your throat. When these tubes open, they help equalize the pressure in your ears, relieving that blocked-up feeling.
Yawning and Swallowing
One of the easiest and most natural ways to unclog your ears is by yawning and swallowing. These actions activate the muscles around your Eustachian tubes, encouraging them to open.
- Yawning: A big yawn is particularly effective as it opens the Eustachian tubes wider.
- Swallowing: Swallowing also works, though less intensely than yawning. To encourage swallowing, you can:
- Chew Gum: The continuous chewing and swallowing motion can help.
- Suck on Candy: Similar to chewing gum, sucking on candy increases saliva production and swallowing.
The Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is a well-known technique for equalizing ear pressure. It involves gently forcing air into your Eustachian tubes.
- How to Perform the Valsalva Maneuver:
- Pinch your nostrils closed 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.
- Repeat this several times, especially during descent, until your ears feel clear.
- Caution: Perform the Valsalva maneuver gently. Forcing too hard can be harmful.
Nasal Sprays and Decongestants
If you are prone to congestion or are flying with a cold or allergies, nasal sprays and decongestants can be helpful in keeping your nasal passages clear, which in turn can help your Eustachian tubes function properly.
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Nasal Sprays:
- Use an over-the-counter nasal spray about 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff and landing. This helps to reduce swelling in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes.
- Important: Avoid overuse of nasal sprays, as prolonged use (more than 3-4 days) can actually worsen congestion (rebound congestion).
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Decongestant Pills:
- Oral decongestants can also be taken about 30 minutes to an hour before flying.
- Caution: Decongestants may not be suitable for everyone. Avoid them if you have heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant. Consult your doctor if you are unsure.
Allergy Medication
For those with allergies, taking allergy medication before flying can help minimize allergy-related congestion that could contribute to blocked ears.
- Take your usual allergy medication about an hour before your flight to reduce allergy symptoms and potential Eustachian tube blockage.
Prevention Tips for Airplane Ear
Preventing airplane ear is often easier than treating it after it occurs. Here are some proactive steps you can take:
Stay Awake During Takeoff and Landing
Being awake during ascent and descent allows you to actively use techniques like yawning, swallowing, and the Valsalva maneuver as soon as you feel pressure changes in your ears. If you are asleep, you may miss these crucial times to equalize pressure.
Reconsider Travel if Congested
If you are experiencing significant nasal congestion due to a cold, sinus infection, or ear infection, it’s wise to reconsider flying if possible. Flying with congestion significantly increases the risk of airplane ear and can worsen existing infections. If you must fly, be extra diligent with prevention techniques and consider consulting a doctor beforehand.
Filtered Earplugs
Special filtered earplugs are designed to slowly equalize pressure against your eardrum during flights.
- These earplugs can be purchased at drugstores, airport shops, or hearing clinics.
- They work by regulating air pressure changes more gradually, giving your Eustachian tubes more time to adjust naturally.
- Note: Even with filtered earplugs, you may still need to yawn and swallow to fully relieve pressure.
When to Seek Medical Advice
In most cases, airplane ear resolves on its own or with simple self-care techniques. However, if you experience severe pain, persistent hearing loss, dizziness, or ringing in your ears after flying, it is important to seek medical advice. For individuals who frequently fly and are prone to severe airplane ear, or those undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy, doctors may recommend ear tubes. These tubes are surgically placed in the eardrums to help with fluid drainage, ventilate the middle ear, and equalize pressure more effectively.
By understanding the causes of airplane ear and utilizing these preventative measures and techniques, you can significantly reduce discomfort and enjoy a more pleasant flying experience.
