Landing after a flight can sometimes be more of a discomfort than a relief, especially when your ears feel stubbornly clogged. This common condition, often called “airplane ear” or, medically, ear barotrauma, can cast a shadow on the start of your trip, making it difficult to fully engage in activities, from listening to tour guides to enjoying conversations.
This plugged-up sensation arises from pressure imbalances within your middle ear. The eustachian tube, responsible for ventilating this ear section, can become blocked due to pressure fluctuations during flights, leading to inflammation and that bothersome stuffiness. Instead of enduring this discomfort and waiting for it to dissipate naturally, there are several proven ways to pop your ears after flying. The good news is, these methods are not only effective but also safe and natural. The following five techniques are designed to help clear your eustachian tubes and relieve any fluid buildup that might be causing your ear pain and blockage.
1. Master the Valsalva Maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver is a tried-and-true technique to equalize ear pressure. To perform it, start by taking a deep breath. Then, close your mouth tightly and pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers. Gently try to exhale, as if you were blowing your nose, while keeping your mouth and nose closed. You should feel a slight pressure build-up, and hopefully, hear a pop as your eustachian tubes open.
Repeat this maneuver several times if necessary, even during the flight itself, particularly during takeoff and landing when pressure changes are most significant. However, it’s crucial to apply gentle pressure; avoid blowing too forcefully to prevent any potential damage to your eardrums.
2. Utilize the Toynbee Maneuver
Similar to the Valsalva maneuver, the Toynbee maneuver aims to balance the pressure in your ears, but it engages the throat muscles instead of forced exhalation. Pinch your nose closed and take small sips of water, swallowing as you do so. The act of swallowing while your nostrils are pinched helps to open the eustachian tubes, providing relief from the clogged sensation. This is another technique that’s safe and convenient to use both during and after your flight.
3. Ear Drops with Olive Oil or Hydrogen Peroxide
This method focuses on clearing potential blockages in your eustachian tubes by softening and removing earwax, which can sometimes contribute to the feeling of clogged ears. Warm a bit of olive oil or hydrogen peroxide until it’s lukewarm (never hot). Using an ear dropper, lie down with the affected ear facing upwards. Administer three to five drops of the chosen liquid into the blocked ear and remain in this position for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Afterward, switch sides, positioning the affected ear downwards, allowing earwax and any excess liquid to drain out. It’s a good idea to have a towel pressed against your ear during drainage. Once complete, use a cotton ball or tissue to gently absorb any remaining liquid at the ear canal entrance. This technique can be safely repeated up to three times daily if needed.
4. Apply a Warm Compress
A warm compress is a simple yet soothing remedy to help relieve clogged ears. Take a clean washcloth and dampen it with warm water, ensuring you wring out any excess moisture. Apply the warm cloth to your affected ear for 5 to 10 minutes. The warmth can help to loosen fluids within your ear, encouraging them to drain and alleviate pressure. Alternatively, a heating pad (used dry) can offer a similar therapeutic effect.
5. Steam Inhalation
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Steam inhalation is an effective way to naturally open up your ear passages. Start by boiling water and carefully pouring it into a large bowl. Lean over the bowl, maintaining a safe distance from the hot water, and drape a towel over your head to trap the steam and direct it towards your face. Inhale the steam deeply; this moist heat helps to thin mucus and soften earwax, facilitating drainage and opening up your ear canals.
For enhanced relief, consider adding a few drops of tea tree or lavender oil to the steaming water. These essential oils possess anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing properties that can further soothe your ears. Continue to inhale the steam until you begin to feel your ear canals clearing.
For immediate relief during a flight, you can create a makeshift steam compress using a tea bag. Ask a flight attendant for a tea bag and two cups, one with hot water and one empty. Steep the tea bag in the hot water, then transfer the tea to the empty cup, leaving the tea bag and a little water in the first cup. Hold the cup with the tea bag up to your clogged ear. The tea bag will retain heat and generate steam, offering localized relief from ear pain. Similarly, a hot, steamy shower after your flight can also work wonders in clearing your ears.
How to Prevent Clogged Ears During Future Flights
Preventing airplane ear is often easier than treating it after it occurs. To minimize the chances of experiencing clogged ears on your next flight, consider these preventative measures:
- Take a Decongestant: Consider taking an over-the-counter decongestant, such as Sudafed, about an hour before your flight. Decongestants help to reduce mucus in your sinuses, which can aid in keeping your eustachian tubes clear. Always follow the product instructions and consult with a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about taking decongestants.
- Use Nasal Spray: Employ a nasal spray before boarding and again approximately 45 minutes before landing. Nasal sprays can help to keep your nasal passages and eustachian tubes open, effectively combating dryness and pressure buildup.
- Wear Earplugs Designed for Flying: Special earplugs designed for air travel can help regulate air pressure changes in your ears more gradually, reducing discomfort.
- Chew Gum or Suck on Hard Candy: The simple acts of chewing gum, yawning, or sucking on hard candy during takeoff and landing can stimulate swallowing, which helps to open the eustachian tubes and equalize pressure.
By understanding how to effectively unclog your ears after flying and taking preventive steps, you can ensure that airplane ear doesn’t detract from your travel experiences. Enjoy your journey, and breathe easy!
