While many people fly thousands of miles and never experience a problem with pressure or pain in their ears, others are in agony after just a short flight. Whether you have the occasional problem or a chronic one -- especially during takeoff and landing -- choose to use one or more methods to reduce your likelihood of suffering from "airplane ears."
When you fly, there are several oral methods you can use to help prevent the buildup of pressure in your eardrum and middle ear membranes -- the cause of the pain many people experience while in the air. Both yawning and swallowing help relieve the pressure by working the muscles that control your Eustachian tubes. If you experience a dry mouth and find it hard to swallow on your own, sip water or another beverage to give you something significant to swallow. Try chewing gum or sucking on hard candy as another option to help your ears when you fly.
If you want to clear your ears with a manual method -- known as the Valsalva maneuver -- pinch your nostrils closed, close your mouth and blow gently. Oftentimes the pressure will remove the blocked sensation and restore normal hearing. Also, stay awake during takeoff and landing and practice the oral methods outlined above to avoid developing pain and pressure in your ears in the first place. Alternatively, use special earplugs that regulate the amount of pressure your ears receive during the ascent and descent of the plane.
You may want to take a decongestant or antihistamine before flying to reduce mucus and alleviate undue pressure in your ears. Alternatively, you may prefer a decongestant in the form of a nasal spray. If you are a pregnant woman, older man and or experience issues with high blood pressure or your heart, check with your doctor before taking decongestants. Your doctor can warn you of reasons to avoid taking medication before flying and offer an alternative method to help your ears. Avoid flying when you have an ear or sinus infection or cold. The added pressure may be more painful than usual when you suffer with these conditions.
If the worst happens and you end up with ear pain and/or pressure that lasts more than a day or two after your flight, see your doctor immediately. It's possible that you may have an ear infection or a buildup of fluid that failed to disburse from your ear after landing. People with severe fluid buildup may need to have their ears drained and tubes inserted to prevent future problems.
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