We’ve all been there: the plane begins its descent, and suddenly it feels like someone is driving a dull spike into your ear canal. Known medically as , "airplane ear" is the result of an imbalance between the air pressure in your middle ear and the pressure in the environment.
While rare, severe barotrauma can cause a ruptured eardrum or an inner ear infection. See a professional if you experience:
The middle ear is connected to the back of the nose and throat by the . This tube acts as a pressure equalization valve. Under normal circumstances, it opens briefly when you swallow or yawn to let air in or out, keeping the pressure on both sides of the eardrum equal. airplane ears treatment
Specialized earplugs (often found in airport shops) contain filters that regulate the flow of air into the ear. While they are best used as a preventative measure, putting them in during the descent can help slow down pressure changes, giving the ear more time to adjust.
If you are suffering from congestion due to a cold or allergies, an oral decongestant taken an hour before landing can shrink the membranes around the Eustachian tube. Alternatively, using a nasal decongestant spray 30 minutes before descent can provide rapid relief. We’ve all been there: the plane begins its
Children are particularly susceptible to airplane ears because their Eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal than those of adults. This makes equalization difficult.
The symptoms of airplane ears can vary from person to person, but common complaints include: See a professional if you experience: The middle
Here’s a short, informative piece on (ear barotrauma during flights):