Ear Problems

Air travel often involves rapid changes in air pressure. This is particularly true as the airplane is landing, when air pressure in the cabin increases. To maintain comfort, the Eustachian tube in your ear must open frequently and wide enough to equalize these changes; this is characterized by a popping sound and a feeling of release of pressure.

If your ears do not automatically pop, it can lead to a build up of pressure; which at best is merely uncomfortable, and at worst is excruciatingly painful.

However, there are several ways to help your ears to adjust to the pressure changes on board.

1. Yawning is an excellent way to help your ears adjust, as is hardening the back of your tongue.

2. Swallowing activates the muscle that opens the Eustachian tube. Sucking a boiled candy or chewing gum makes you swallow more often, and so should help ease the pressure.

3. If yawning and swallowing are not effective, unblock your ears as follows:

• Pinch your nostrils shut.
• Take a mouthful of air.
• Using your cheek and throat muscles, force the air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and fingers off your nostrils.
• When you hear a loud pop in your ears, you have succeeded.
• You may have to repeat this several times during descent.
• Care MUST be taken - if you blow too hard, you can damage your ears.

4. If you are traveling with a baby, give them their bottle or pacifier during the descent - do not allow them to sleep at this time.

5. Many experienced air travelers use a nasal spray or take a decongestant pill an hour before descent. This helps the ears to pop more easily. However, the side effects (dry mouth and drowsiness), can make jetlag worse.