plane travel ear problems

Airplane ear

On this page, risk factors, complications.

Airplane ear (ear barotrauma) is the stress on your eardrum that occurs when the air pressure in your middle ear and the air pressure in the environment are out of balance. You might get airplane ear when on an airplane that's climbing after takeoff or descending for landing.

Airplane ear is also called ear barotrauma, barotitis media or aerotitis media.

Self-care steps — such as yawning, swallowing or chewing gum — usually can counter the differences in air pressure and improve airplane ear symptoms. However, for a severe case of airplane ear, you might need to see a doctor.

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Airplane ear can occur in one or both ears. Common signs and symptoms include:

• Moderate discomfort or pain in your ear
• Feeling of fullness or stuffiness in your ear
• Muffled hearing or slight to moderate hearing loss

If airplane ear is severe, you might have:

• Severe pain
• Increased ear pressure
• Moderate to severe hearing loss
• Ringing in your ear (tinnitus)
• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Bleeding from your ear

When to see a doctor

If discomfort, fullness or muffled hearing lasts more than a few days, or if you have severe signs or symptoms, call your doctor.

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Airplane ear occurs when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the environment don't match, preventing your eardrum (tympanic membrane) from vibrating normally. A narrow passage called the eustachian tube, which is connected to the middle ear, regulates air pressure.

The middle ear has three small bones — the hammer, or malleus; the anvil, or incus; and the stirrup, or stapes. The eardrum keeps the bones away from the outer ear. A narrow path called the eustachian tube joins the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper part of the throat. The cochlea, a snail-shaped structure, is part of your inner ear.

When an airplane climbs or descends, the air pressure changes rapidly. The eustachian tube often can't react fast enough, which causes the symptoms of airplane ear. Swallowing or yawning opens the eustachian tube and allows the middle ear to get more air, equalizing the air pressure.

Airplane ear happens when there is an imbalance in the air pressure in your middle ear and the air pressure in the environment. This may happen when you’re in an airplane that is climbing or descending. A narrow passage called the eustachian tube regulates air pressure in your ear. When a plane climbs or descends, the air pressure changes quickly, and your eustachian tube often doesn’t react quickly enough. This can trigger airplane ear.

Ear barotrauma can also be caused by:

• Scuba diving
• Hyperbaric oxygen chambers
• Explosions nearby, such as in a war zone

You may also experience a minor case of barotrauma while riding an elevator in a tall building or driving in the mountains.

Any condition that blocks the eustachian tube or limits its function can increase the risk of airplane ear. Common risk factors include:

• A small eustachian tube, especially in infants and toddlers
• The common cold
• Sinus infection
• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Sleeping on an airplane during ascent and descent because you aren't actively doing things to equalize pressure in your ears such as yawning or swallowing

Airplane ear usually isn't serious and responds to self-care. Long-term complications can rarely occur when the condition is serious or prolonged or if there's damage to middle or inner ear structures.

Rare complications may include:

• Permanent hearing loss
• Ongoing (chronic) tinnitus

Follow these tips to avoid airplane ear:

• Yawn and swallow during ascent and descent. These activate the muscles that open your eustachian tubes. You can suck on candy or chew gum to help you swallow.
• Use the Valsalva maneuver during ascent and descent. Gently blow, as if blowing your nose, while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed. Repeat several times, especially during descent, to equalize the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.
• Don't sleep during takeoffs and landings. If you're awake during ascents and descents, you can do the necessary self-care techniques when you feel pressure in your ears.
• Reconsider travel plans. If possible, don't fly when you have a cold, a sinus infection, nasal congestion or an ear infection. If you've recently had ear surgery, talk to your doctor about when it's safe to travel.
• Use an over-the-counter nasal spray. If you have nasal congestion, use a nasal spray about 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff and landing. Avoid overuse, however, because nasal sprays taken over three to four days can increase congestion.
• Use decongestant pills cautiously. Decongestants taken by mouth might help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before an airplane flight. However, if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder or high blood pressure or you're pregnant, avoid taking an oral decongestant.
• Take allergy medication. If you have allergies, take your medication about an hour before your flight.
• Try filtered earplugs. These earplugs slowly equalize the pressure against your eardrum during ascents and descents. You can purchase these at drugstores, airport gift shops or a hearing clinic. However, you'll still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.

If you're prone to severe airplane ear and must fly often or if you're having hyperbaric oxygen therapy to heal wounds, your doctor might surgically place tubes in your eardrums to aid fluid drainage, ventilate your middle ear, and equalize the pressure between your outer ear and middle ear.

Valsalva maneuver

In a Valsalva maneuver, you gently blow your nose while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed.

Helping children prevent airplane ear

To help young children:

• Encourage swallowing. Give a baby or toddler a bottle to suck on during ascents and descents to encourage frequent swallowing. A pacifier also might help. Have the child sit up while drinking. Children older than 4 can try chewing gum, drinking through a straw or blowing bubbles through a straw.
• Avoid decongestants. Decongestants aren't recommended for young children.

Aug 21, 2021

• Vernick DM. Ear barotrauma. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 18, 2019.
• Ears and altitude (barotrauma). American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery. https://www.enthealth.org/conditions/ears-and-altitude-barotrauma/. Accessed June 18, 2019.
• Papadakis MA, et al., eds. Ear, nose, and throat disorders. In: Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2019. 58th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Education; 2019. http://www.accessmedicine.mhmedical.com. Accessed June 18, 2019.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff

• Pain Management

Understanding Airplane Ear

Airplane ear is the stress exerted on your eardrum and other middle ear tissues when the air pressure in your middle ear and the air pressure in the environment are out of balance. You may experience airplane ear at the beginning of a flight when the airplane is climbing or at the end of a flight when the airplane is descending. These fast changes in altitude cause air pressure changes and can trigger airplane ear.

Airplane ear is also called ear barotrauma, barotitis media, or aerotitis media.

Usually self-care steps—such as yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum—can prevent or correct the differences in air pressure and improve airplane ear symptoms. However, a severe case of airplane ear may need to be treated by a doctor.

Airplane ear can occur in one or both ears. Airplane ear signs and symptoms may include:

• Moderate discomfort or pain in your ear
• Feeling of fullness or stuffiness in your ear
• Muffled hearing or slight to moderate hearing loss

If airplane ear is severe or lasts more than a few hours, you may experience:

• Severe pain
• Pressure in your ear similar to being underwater
• Moderate to severe hearing loss
• Ringing in your ear (tinnitus)
• Spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Vomiting resulting from vertigo
• Bleeding from your ear

Usually you can do things on your own to treat airplane ear. If discomfort, fullness, or muffled hearing lasts more than a few hours or if you experience any severe signs or symptoms, call your doctor.

Airplane ear occurs when an imbalance in the air pressure in the middle ear and air pressure in the environment prevents your eardrum (tympanic membrane) from vibrating as it should. Air pressure regulation is the work of a narrow passage called the eustachian tube. One end is connected to the middle ear. The other end has a tiny opening where the back of the nasal cavity and the top of the throat meet (nasopharynx).

When an airplane climbs or descends, the air pressure in the environment changes rapidly, and your eustachian tube often doesn't react quickly enough. Swallowing or yawning activates muscles that open the eustachian tube and allow the middle ear to replenish its air supply, often eliminating the symptoms of airplane ear.

Ear barotrauma also may be caused by:

• Scuba diving
• Hyperbaric oxygen chambers
• Explosions nearby

You may also experience a minor case of barotrauma while riding an elevator in a tall building or driving in the mountains.

Any condition that blocks the eustachian tube or limits its function can increase the risk of airplane ear. Common risk factors include:

• A small eustachian tube, especially in infants and toddlers
• The common cold
• Sinus infection
• Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
• Middle ear infection (otitis media)
• Sleeping on an airplane during ascent and descent

Frequent or severe airplane ear may damage the tissues of the inner ear or eustachian tube, which increases your chances of experiencing the problem again.

Airplane ear usually isn't serious and responds to self-care. Long-term complications may occur when the condition is serious or prolonged or if there's damage to middle or inner ear structures.

Rare complications may include:

• Permanent hearing loss
• Ongoing (chronic) tinnitus

Your doctor will likely be able to make a diagnosis based on questions he or she asks and an examination of your ear with a lighted instrument (otoscope). Signs of airplane ear might include a slight outward or inward bulging of your eardrum. If your condition is more severe, your doctor may see a tear in the eardrum or a pooling of blood or other fluids behind your eardrum.

If you're experiencing a spinning sensation (vertigo), there may be damage to structures of your inner ear. Your doctor may suggest a hearing test (audiometry) to determine how well you detect sounds and whether the source of hearing problems is in the inner ear.

For most people, airplane ear usually heals with time. When the symptoms persist, you may need treatments to equalize pressure and relieve symptoms.

Your doctor may prescribe medications or direct you to take over-the-counter medications to control conditions that may prevent the eustachian tubes from functioning well. These drugs may include:

• Decongestant nasal sprays
• Oral decongestants
• Oral antihistamines

To ease discomfort, you may want to take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others), or an analgesic pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

With your drug treatment, your doctor will instruct you to use a self-care method called the Valsalva maneuver. To do this, you pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently force air into the back of your nose, as if you were blowing your nose. Once the medications have improved the function of the eustachian tubes, use of the Valsalva maneuver may force the tubes open.

Surgical treatment of airplane ear is rarely necessary. However, your doctor may make an incision in your eardrum (myringotomy) to equalize air pressure and drain fluids.

Severe injuries, such as a ruptured eardrum or ruptured membranes of the inner ear, usually will heal on their own. However, in rare cases, surgery may be needed to repair them.

If you experience severe pain or symptoms associated with airplane ear that don't resolve with self-care techniques, you'll likely see your family doctor or a general practitioner first. You may, however, be referred to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. It's useful to prepare for your appointment.

• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to your ear problems.
• Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

By Zahra Barnes

By Audrey Bruno

By Alexis Berger

Preparing a list of questions will help you make the most of your time with your doctor. If you're experiencing signs or symptoms of airplane ear, you might want to ask the following questions:

• Are these signs and symptoms likely related to my recent airplane travel?
• What is the best treatment?
• Am I likely to have any long-term complications?
• How will we monitor for possible complications?
• How can I prevent this from happening again?
• Should I consider canceling travel plans?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask your doctor any other questions you have.

Your doctor will ask you a number of questions, including:

• When did your symptoms begin?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Do you have allergies?
• Have you had a cold, sinus infection, or ear infection recently?
• Have you had airplane ear before?
• Were your past experiences with airplane ear prolonged or severe?

To treat pain, you may take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve, others), or an analgesic pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

Follow these tips to avoid airplane ear:

• Yawn and swallow during ascent and descent. Yawning and swallowing activate the muscles that open your eustachian tubes. You can suck on candy or chew gum to help you swallow.
• Use the Valsalva maneuver during ascent and descent. Gently blow, as if blowing your nose, while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed. Repeat several times, especially during descent, to equalize the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.
• Don't sleep during takeoffs and landings. If you're awake during ascents and descents, you can do the necessary self-care techniques when you feel pressure on your ears.
• Reconsider travel plans. If possible, don't fly when you have a cold, sinus infection, nasal congestion, or ear infection. If you've recently had ear surgery, talk to your doctor about when it's safe to travel.
• Use filtered earplugs. These earplugs slowly equalize the pressure against your eardrum during ascents and descents. You can purchase these at drugstores, airport gift shops, or your local hearing clinic.
• Use an over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray. If you have nasal congestion, use a nasal decongestant about 30 minutes to an hour before takeoff and landing. Avoid overuse, however, because nasal decongestants taken over several days can increase congestion.
• Use oral decongestant pills cautiously. Oral decongestants may be helpful if taken 30 minutes to an hour before an airplane flight. However, if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder or high blood pressure, or if you've experienced possible medication interactions, avoid taking an oral decongestant unless your doctor approves. If you're a man older than age 50, you may experience serious side effects after taking decongestants containing pseudoephedrine (Actifed, Sudafed) such as urinary retention, especially if you have an enlarged prostate. If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking oral decongestants.
• Take allergy medication. If you have allergies, take your medication about an hour before your flight.

If you're prone to severe airplane ear and must fly often, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to aid fluid drainage, ventilate your middle ear, and equalize the pressure between your outer ear and middle ear.

These additional tips can help young children avoid airplane ear:

• Encourage swallowing. Give a baby or toddler a beverage during ascents and descents to encourage frequent swallowing. A pacifier also may help. Have the child sit up while drinking. Children older than age 4 can try chewing gum, drinking through a straw, or blowing bubbles through a straw.
• Consider eardrops. Talk to your child's doctor about prescribing your child eardrops that contain a pain reliever and numbing agent for the flight.
• Avoid decongestants. Decongestants aren't recommended for young children.

Updated: 2016-04-27

Publication Date: 2002-12-02

SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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Ears and Airplane Travel, Earwax, and Ear Cleaning

Ears and air travel.

When many people travel by air, their ears may not pop as the altitude changes. This is 1 of the most common health complaints of airplane passengers. It is caused by an air pocket in the middle ear that is sensitive to changes in air pressure. The changing altitude as the plane takes off or lands can cause mild pain in the ears.

Swallowing or yawning often can help "pop" the ears. This activates the muscle that opens the eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear with the back of the nose. Ears that are already blocked (by a cold, for example) can't equalize the air pressure in the middle ear enough. This creates a vacuum that sucks the eardrum in and stretches it. When the eardrum can't vibrate, sound is muffled. And the stretched eardrum can be very painful. If you have nasal congestion from allergies, a cold, or are prone to painful ears on airplane descent, then taking an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine may help equalize the pressure in the ear. Talk to your healthcare provider about which of these medicines are safe for you.

People who use airplanes will likely experience jet lag and dry air during a flight. Another common body complaint fliers experience is "airplane ears"—the clogged or blocked feeling in your ears due to cabin pressure changes. The medical term is "ear barotrauma," which may be a good description of the pain and discomfort the condition typically causes.

You might be more prone to experiencing airplane ears after flying with a cold. Despite popular advice, doctors do not advise you to try pinching your nose and blowing to relieve airplane ears. However, there are ways to relieve clogged ears—from moving your mouth muscles to using a decongestant. Read on to learn more.

What Causes Ears To Clog After Flying?

Ears clog because of pressure changes. Your middle ear, which houses the eardrum, is connected to the back of the nose and upper throat by the Eustachian tube. This tube stabilizes the air pressure levels between your nose and ear, and it opens and closes throughout the day.

"When we're flying, however, there's a rapid change in the barometric [air] pressure, which causes a collapse of the eustachian tubes and interferes with the normal airflow from the nose to the ear," Hae-Ok Ana Kim, MD , an otolaryngologist at Columbia Doctors Midtown and associate professor of otolaryngology — head and neck surgery at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, told Health .

Getting on a plane while you're sick with a cold or other head infection that triggers nasal congestion makes those changes in air pressure even worse. Active ear or sinus infections can cause pain or injury since it's hard to equalize the pressure in your ears.

1. Use the Frenzel Maneuver

The Frenzel maneuver is a method of equalizing pressure in the ears people have used since the late 1930s. You pinch your nose, close your mouth, and keep them closed while attempting to make a letter "K" sound.

2. Move Your Mouth Muscles

Moving the muscles of your jaw by chewing, yawning, or swallowing water or another beverage can help reopen the Eustachian tubes. If you're traveling with a baby or toddler and you suspect (or they tell you) their ears are plugged up, have them sip juice or water or use a pacifier to get those mouth muscles going.

How Long Ears Stay Clogged After a Flight

The pressure usually clears up after a few hours. However, if it lingers longer—into the following day, for example—you'll want to see a healthcare provider.

Risk Factors

Some individuals, like infants and toddlers with smaller Eustachian tubes, have a higher risk of experiencing clogged ears. Other risk factors include having a cold, sinusitis, or allergic rhinitis and sleeping when pressure changes occur on the plane.

Complications

Ear barotrauma can have potential complications. These complications are problems such as:

• Acute ear infections
• Chronic tinnitus
• Hearing loss
• Ruptured eardrums

How To Prevent Airplane Ear

It's possible to prevent airplane ears in the first place. You can do this by:

• Having earplugs in when your flight takes off or lands
• Rescheduling plans to travel by plane if you have an infection that affects the ears or sinuses
• Sleeping only when the plane is in the air—not when it's landing or taking off
• Taking a decongestant 30 minutes to an hour before a flight as appropriate and with healthcare guidance

When To Contact a Healthcare Provider

Other than when you have airplane ears that linger, consult a healthcare provider if you experience the following:

• Ear bleeding or drainage
• Severe ear pain

A Quick Review

Clogged ears can happen after a flight, but there are ways to resolve airplane ears. Some methods include moving your mouth muscles or using the Frenzel maneuver. Airplane ears are preventable, but if they happen, they usually go away on their own. However, see a healthcare provider if they linger or accompany symptoms like ear pain and drainage or fever.

World Health Organization. Air travel advice .

Bhattacharya S, Singh A, Marzo RR. “Airplane ear”—A neglected yet preventable problem .  AIMS Public Health . 2019;6(3):320-325. doi:10.3934/publichealth.2019.3.320

MedlinePlus. Ear barotrauma .

Casale J, Shumway KR, Hatcher JD. Physiology, Eustachian tube function . In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023.

Wolber P, Meyer MF, Knesic K, et al. Prospective study on the Eustachian tube function during Frenzel maneuver in a hypobaric/hyperbaric pressure chamber .  Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol . 2022;279(4):1843-1850. doi:10.1007/s00405-021-06888-1

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Ears and flying

Aeroplane ear.

Peer reviewed by Dr Colin Tidy, MRCGP Last updated by Dr Toni Hazell Last updated 24 Oct 2022

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

In this series: Health advice for travel abroad Travelling to remote locations Jet lag Motion sickness Altitude sickness

Usually your ears will settle soon after landing. Occasionally pain or a feeling of blockage drags on. If it does, see your doctor.

In this article :

How come my ears hurt on a plane, what is aeroplane ear, what can i do for my child, what causes aeroplane ear pain, why are some people affected more than others, how can i prevent ear pain when i fly, what is the treatment for aeroplane ear, are there any complications, can i fly with an ear infection.

Continue reading below

If you have ever been on a plane journey, you'll know that by the time the pilot announces that the plane has begun its descent to your destination, your ears will have already given you this message. They start to feel a bit odd, either feeling blocked or painful.

It's all due to pressure changes. As the plane starts to lose height, the pressure in the air around you changes. Until the pressure inside the tubes behind your eardrum adapts, the pressure inside and outside your ear is different. This pushes the eardrum in, stretching it and giving you pain. This is commonly known as aeroplane ear, and is a mild and temporary form of ear barotrauma .

Some people experience ear pain when flying in a plane. Usually this happens as the plane descends to land. The pain may get worse the lower the plane gets and can be quite severe on landing. The pain usually goes away soon after landing.

Does aeroplane ear happen to everyone?

The pressure change is happening to everyone, but in some people the pain or blockage is worse than others - some may not feel it at all. In particular, if you are congested (because of a cold or hay fever, for example), it is harder for your ears to adapt. If this is the case, you may be more aware of pain or blocked ears than the person sitting next to you.

Kids are also going to get these pressure changes in their ears, and there is invariably a baby bawling as the plane starts to descend and they notice their ears start to hurt. And of course you can't tell a baby to do the Valsalva manoeuvre at this point. It depends a little on the age of the child.

Feed your baby with a bottle

This as the sucking and swallowing action will help equalise the pressures for them.

Encourage them to suck a dummy

Sucking on a dummy (pacifier) may have the same effect as feeding a baby.

Give them a sweet to suck

Avoid boiled sweets in very young children because of the choking risk, but in older kids this may be a remedy which will make you a popular parent.

Have them drink from a straw sports bottle

A drink which has a straw or which is in a sports bottle might also be useful as it encourages the sucking action as with the other methods.

Give them paracetamol or ibuprofen

If your child has a cold and is therefore likely to have more of a problem on the flight, a dose of paracetamol or ibuprofen an hour before landing might make for a more peaceful flight. Some of the measures described above may be helpful, but decongestants are not generally recommended for children.

The pain is caused by unequal pressure that develops between the air in the middle ear and the air outside the ear during takeoffs and landings.

Ear cross-section diagram: pressure build-up during flying

The small space in the middle ear behind the eardrum is normally filled with air. This air space is connected to the back of the nose by a tiny channel called the Eustachian tube. The air on either side of the eardrum should be at the same pressure. Air pressure is highest nearer the ground. So as a plane descends, the air pressure becomes higher. This pushes the eardrum inwards which can be painful. To relieve this, the pressure ins the middle ear has to rise quickly too. Air needs to travel up the Eustachian tube into the middle ear to equalise the pressure.

The Eustachian tube is normally closed but opens from time to time when we swallow, yawn or chew. In most people, just normal swallowing and chewing quickly opens the Eustachian tube, allowing air to travel up it and equalise the pressure. Some airlines offer sweets to suck and eat when the plane is descending, to encourage you to chew and swallow.

However, the Eustachian tube in some people does not open as easily and so the pressure may not be equalised so quickly. For example, some people may have a more narrow Eustachian tube than normal. Also, if you have any condition that causes a blockage to the Eustachian tube then the air cannot travel up to the middle ear. The common cause of a blocked Eustachian tube is from mucus and inflammation that occur with colds, throat infections, hay fever , etc. Any condition causing extra mucus in the back of the nose can cause this problem.

Ideally, anyone with an ear infection , cold or respiratory infection , etc, should not fly. It is important always to take out travel insurance at the point of booking a holiday - if you are advised not to fly by a doctor then your insurance will cover the cost of the holiday. However, some people may feel that they need to fly anyway as the reason for the trip is so important.The following may help people who develop ear pain when flying.

Suck sweets or chew chewing gum

Do this when the plane begins to descend. Air is more likely to flow up the Eustachian tube if you swallow, yawn or chew. For babies, it is a good idea to feed them or give them a drink or dummy at the time of descent to encourage them to swallow.

Valsalva manoeuvre

Try doing the following: take a breath in. Then, try to breathe out gently with your mouth closed and whilst pinching your nose (the Valsalva manoeuvre). In this way, no air is blown out but you are gently pushing air into the Eustachian tube. If you do this you may feel your ears go 'pop' as air is pushed into the middle ear. This often cures the problem. Repeat this every few minutes until landing - whenever you feel any ear discomfort.

Stay awake when the plane is descending to land

Ask the air steward or stewardess to wake you when the plane starts to descend. If you are awake you can make sure that you suck and swallow to encourage air to get into the middle ear.

The above usually works for most people. However, if you are particularly prone to develop aeroplane ear, you may wish also to consider the following in addition to the tips above:

Antihistamine tablets (available at pharmacies). Take the recommended dose the day before and the day of travel. This may help to limit the amount of mucus that you make.

A decongestant nasal spray can dry up the mucus in the nose. For example, one containing xylometazoline - available at pharmacies. Spray the nose about one hour before the expected time of descent. Spray again five minutes later. Then spray every 20 minutes until landing. These are only for use for a short time.

Decongestant tablets or syrup. For example, a medication called pseudoephedrine. This can be obtained from a pharmacy, without a prescription. Take the dose recommended half an hour before take-off, and if necessary repeat according to the instructions.

Air pressure-regulating ear plugs. These are cheap, reusable ear plugs that are often sold at airports and in many pharmacies. These ear plugs slow the rate of air pressure change on the eardrum. (It is the rapid rate of pressure change on the eardrum that is the problem and these earplugs slow this down.) Follow the instructions that come with them. Basically, you put them in before the door of the aircraft is shut. Some people then wear them for the entire flight. Some people take them out when the plane reaches cruising height and then place them in again just before the plane starts to descend to land.

Blowing up a special balloon. Products such as Otovent® are balloons which you blow up through your nose, by blocking off one nostril at a time and blowing through the other. These can be bought from pharmacies, and some people find they help stop the pain during flying or unblock ears afterwards.

Whilst in the plane, the treatment is the same as all the measures described in the prevention section. So, try one or more of the following:

Suck on a boiled sweet.

Have a drink, ideally through a straw or sports bottle.

Yawn or open your mouth widely as if you were yawning.

Pinch your nose closed with your fingers and blow through your nose until you feel your ears 'pop'.

For babies, give a dummy to suck, or a drink from a bottle.

If the measures above fail to help, although the pain may be severe, it normally goes quickly. If it does not settle, take painkillers such as paracetamol until it does go. Fluid or mucus sometimes accumulates in the middle ear for a few days after the flight, which may make hearing rather dull for a while. This happens if the Eustachian tube is still blocked, and is more likely if you had a cold before flying. To clear it, you could try one of the measures in the section above. For example, the Valsalva manoeuvre, a decongestant or the balloon which you blow up through your nose (Otovent®). On a flight full of people, blowing up a balloon through your nose might be embarrassing but if your ears are still blocked afterwards you should be able to use it in a less public place!

You should see a doctor if the pain or dulled hearing does not clear within a few days.

Complications are extremely unusual, or millions of people wouldn't be flying on a regular basis. Very occasionally, the eardrum can be put under so much pressure that it bursts (perforates), leaving a hole in the eardrum. If this does happen, the pain usually goes away immediately. Perforated eardrums usually heal well without any treatment.

It is advisable NOT to fly if you have an ear infection, such as otitis media or otitis externa If you do fly, the pain in your ear may be worse and it may take longer to settle. You may be more likely to have a perforated eardrum. If you absolutely do have to fly with an ear infection and cannot delay your travel or go by an alternative mode of transport, decongestant medicines may help prevent problems. (These are not suitable for children under the age of 6 years, and only with the advice of a pharmacist for children aged 6-12 years.) It may also be worth taking regular painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen during the flight.

Further reading and references

• Wright T ; Middle-ear pain and trauma during air travel. BMJ Clin Evid. 2015 Jan 19;2015. pii: 0501.

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Next review due: 27 Sept 2027

24 oct 2022 | latest version.

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• v.6(3); 2019

“Airplane ear”—A neglected yet preventable problem

Sudip bhattacharya.

1 Department of Community Medicine, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Dehradun, India

Amarjeet Singh

2 Department of Community Medicine, School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India

Roy Rillera Marzo

3 Department of Public Health, Asia Metropolitan University, Johor Bahru, Malaysia

1. Introduction

Airplane ear or ear discomfort during flight is common irrespective of ticket price we pay for our flights according to class. Whether we get extra leg space or extra facilities during flying in business class, air travelers often face this problem of airplane ear ( Figure 1 ). Airplane ear is also known as ear barotrauma, barotitis media or aerotitis media [1] – [5] . Severe earache affects individuals of varying levels of social determinants of health as it is entirely a physiological phenomenon [3] . Airplane ear is commonly experienced when the airplane is ascending or descending, which makes it one of the commonest health problems for people travelling in air routes.

2. Etiology

Generally, airplane ear occurs due to quick changes in altitude and quick changes in air pressure [4] . In normal physiological conditions, the air pressure in our middle ear cavity is nearly equivalent to that of the external ear canal. This equalization of air pressure is maintained physiologically and contributes to regular auditory function and maintenance of normal balance among individuals.

However, the eustachian tube dysfunction may occur with any changes in pressure and failure to ventilate through the middle ear space. This may result in outward bulging of the tympanic membrane causing moderate to severe earache. This phenomenon can be compared with a bread expanding while baking [3] , [5] .

Conversely, due to the vacuum effect, if the air pressure inside the middle ear space reduces rapidly compared to the external ear pressure, the tympanic membrane may be pulled inside due to the pressure gradient. The eustachian tube becomes flattened during the pressure changes and it necessitates bringing air into the middle ear ( Figure 2 ). During sudden ascend or descend of an aeroplane, ear cavity pressure is often decreased complemented by an increase in the cabin compared to the outside air pressure. In such a scenario, the unusual stretching of the eardrum or tympanic membrane may precipitate pain in the ear. At the same time, individuals may also experience decreased hearing abilities and muffled sounds as the eardrum as it becomes unable to vibrate normally [2] – [4] .

The pathophysiology remains the same in cases of scuba diving, in hyperbaric oxygen chambers, and during explosions happening nearby [2] .

3. Symptoms [3] – [5]

Airplane ear can in occur unilaterally or in both ears. Signs and symptoms of Airplane air include discomfort, pain, and fullness in ear, and mild to moderate hearing loss in acute cases. Moreover, for severe cases, affected individuals may experience severe pain, moderate to severe hearing loss, tinnitus, vertigo, and hemotympanum (severe form).

4. Risk factors [3] – [5]

The common risk factors for airplane ear include—small eustachian tube (infants and toddlers), common cold, acute or chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, otitis media, and napping on an airplane during rapid pressure change in our middle ear. Permanent damage may occur in the membranous linings of the middle ear or eustachian tube, which aggravates the problem further [6] .

5. Complications

Generally, airplane ear does not pose problems unless there is any structural damage in the middle ear. Rare complications may include permanent hearing loss and chronic tinnitus [6] , [7] .

It is very surprising that despite being a very common condition, no prior preventive instruction is given by the air hostesses/airplane authority about this phenomenon. Although the airline authorities provide a lot of instructions to the passengers regarding emergency landing in the water, power failures, low oxygen supply to the cabin and so on; airplane ear remains a neglected health issue in aerospace safety measures.

Furthermore, if a baby suddenly cries or elderly adults feel ear discomfort or pain during rapid descent of ascent of an airplane, then the flight attendants would rush to the sufferers and offer instructions/help. Sometimes, they may have to manage emergencies like ear bleeding by apply ear packs. All these health hazards and associated challenges can be easily prevented if airplane authorities include following preventive instructions for airplane air with existing life-saving instructions.

6. Prevention [2] , [3] , [5] – [15]

6.1. primary prevention.

• (a). Yawning, chewing and swallowing is helpful: During take-off and landing chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that make patent the eustachian tubes bi-laterally.
• (b). Don't sleep during ascent and descent of flights: If we are awake during the period of sudden pressure change, we can practice health promotive measures whenever we feel discomfort on our ears.
• (c). Reschedule travel plans: If possible, it is better to not travel by plane if an individual is suffering from the common cold, sinusitis, nasal congestion, recent ear surgery or ear infection.
• (d). Use of earplugs: Earplugs slowly equalize the pressure against our eardrum during take-off and landing of airplane.
• (e). Use of decongestants: It is helpful if taken before 30 minutes to an hour before the travel.

6.2. Secondary prevention [7] – [15]

• (b). Bleeding ear: In case of bleeding, immediate ear packing is often recommended, followed by early exploration in the OT under expert physician is required.

6.3. Tertiary prevention

For frequent fliers, surgically placed tube in the eardrums is generally helpful to aid fluid drainage in the middle air, particularly for those who are prone to severe airplane ear. This tube helps in ventilating air to the middle ear, and equalize the pressure between the outer and middle ear.

7. Conclusion and recommendations

Airplane ear is a common yet, ignored public health problem. It can be handled effectively if proper precautions/corrective measures are adopted. Previously in the airlines, lozenges were offered, which may have helped the passengers to avoid this problem, but now a days it is less commonly practiced. The airplane authority should explore socio-culturally appropriate and evidence-based strategies and incorporate them with the preventive and curative instructions for the passengers. Moreover, the flight attendants may be trained in recognizing and managing airplane ear alongside other life-saving instructions to their passengers. It may decrease the air discomforts and empower the air passengers during air travel.

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to thank all the authors of those books, articles, sources and journals that were referred in preparing this manuscript. We do acknowledge Dr. Dipak Kumar Dhar, Dr. Kaushik Roy, and Dr. Md Mahbub Hossain for their valuable inputs.

Conflict of interest: All authors declare no conflicts of interest in this paper.

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Keep Your Ears Comfortable on Your Next Flight

Ana Kim, MD, Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at CUIMC

If you’re someone who dreads “airplane ear” when you fly, there are plenty of tips both adults and children can try to ease the discomfort.  

The pain is caused by the change in cabin pressure during take-off and descent, which creates a difference in pressure between the air inside and outside of your middle ear . 

“This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalize your ear pressure,” says Ana H Kim, MD . “Other factors that can affect your ability to equalize pressure include allergies, nasal polyps, or a history of ear infections.”  

Children are more prone to ear discomfort because their Eustachian tube (which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat) is in a flat orientation that makes it harder for children to equalize ear pressure. By adulthood, the tube matures to a slanted orientation that eases airflow into the ear and drainage of fluids out of the ear.

Tips for Easing Ear Plane While Flying 

Dr. Kim shares several techniques you can try to relieve the discomfort of airplane ear:

• Swallowing and yawning: Swallowing can help open the Eustachian tube and equalize the pressure in your ear. Try chewing gum, sucking on hard candy, or sipping water during takeoff and landing to encourage swallowing. Yawning can also help. Try yawning intentionally or opening your mouth wide as if you were yawning.
• Pinching your nose and blowing gently: Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers and then gently blow air into your nose. This can help open the Eustachian tube and equalize the pressure in your ear.
• Using earplugs or special ear pressure-regulating devices: It’s worth trying EarPlanes or similar, which are inexpensive earplugs that act like pressure 'baffles,' reducing the pressure on the eardrum and improving symptoms. I’ve found that some people swear by them, while others find they don’t help.
• If you have a cold, try decongestants: Decongestant nose sprays, including oxymetazoline (like Afrin) or phenylephrine (like Neo-Synephrine or Little Remedies) reduce swelling in the back of the nose at the opening of the Eustachian tube, which improves your ear’s ability to equalize the air pressure. Oral decongestants, like Sudafed, also decrease congestion in the back of the nose, however, these can also contribute to high blood pressure. If you already have high blood pressure or heart disease, ask your doctor if it’s okay for you to use medications like Sudafed.
• Try antihistamines: For those with allergy symptoms and air pressure regulation difficulties, medications like Claritin, Zyrtec, or Allegra may be a good option. Antihistamines are often formulated to include decongestants (such as Claritin-D, Allegra-D, and Zyrtec-D). If you’re unsure whether you can tolerate these medications, check with your doctor.
• Keep small kids comfortable: Since small children may not be able to communicate their pain, it's important to recognize signs of their ear discomfort, such as fussiness, crying, or tugging at the ears. To help prevent and ease this ear discomfort, encourage them to swallow or yawn by using a bottle or pacifier during take-off and landing.
• If nothing helps, ask your doctor about this last resort: If “airplane ear” is a significant problem, a procedure called myringotomy may be considered. This operation puts a hole in the eardrum, which allows instant pressure equalization between the middle ear and the outside world. This approach is so effective in eliminating Eustachian tube problems while flying, it was performed on World War II pilots to treat the problem! The downside is that having a hole in your eardrum means keeping water out of the ear while the hole remains. For patients who regularly fly and have difficulty, we sometimes need to resort to this solution, which also involves placing a tube in the eardrum to keep the hole open. 

Ana Kim, MD, is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at CUIMC

Soar High Without the Pain: The Ultimate Airplane Ear Remedies Guide

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Ever experienced that sharp, throbbing pain in your ears during a flight? You’re not alone. Airplane ear, also known as ear barotrauma, can make air travel a painful experience . But worry not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore some effective airplane ear remedies to help make your next flight a breeze.

• Equalize ear pressure to prevent airplane ear.
• Try the Valsalva maneuver, Toynbee maneuver, or EarPlanes earplugs.
• Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine and alcohol during your flight.
• Consult a doctor if pain persists or worsens.
• Use preventive measures like wearing filtered earplugs during takeoff and landing.

Understanding Airplane Ear

Airplane ear occurs when the air pressure inside your middle ear and the air pressure outside your eardrum become imbalanced. This typically happens during takeoff and landing when the plane’s altitude changes rapidly. The pressure difference can cause pain, discomfort, and even temporary hearing loss.

Effective Airplane Ear Remedies

1. equalize ear pressure.

Dr. Michael Benninger, Chairman of the Head and Neck Institute at the Cleveland Clinic, says, “The most effective way to prevent airplane ear is to equalize the pressure in your ears before it becomes painful.” Here are a few techniques to help you do just that:

• Valsalva maneuver: Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently blow as if you were blowing your nose. This will help equalize the pressure in your ears.
• Toynbee maneuver: Pinch your nose and swallow. This action can help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize ear pressure.
• Yawn or chew gum: These actions can help open the Eustachian tubes and alleviate pressure.

2. Use Special Earplugs

A study published in the Journal of Travel Medicine found that using earplugs during takeoff and landing can reduce the risk of developing airplane ear by up to 50%. EarPlanes are a popular brand of earplugs designed specifically for air travel. They have a unique filter that helps regulate air pressure and can be used by both adults and children.

3. Stay Hydrated and Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your Eustachian tubes functioning properly. On the other hand, consuming caffeine and alcohol can dehydrate you and make it more challenging for your ears to equalize pressure. Stick to water or herbal tea before and during your flight.

4. Use a Warm Compress

If you’re already experiencing ear pain, applying a warm compress can provide some relief. Soak a washcloth in warm water, wring it out, and hold it against your affected ear for a few minutes. The warmth can help relieve pain and promote blood circulation, which aids in pressure equalization.

5. Consult a Doctor

If your ear pain persists or worsens, it’s crucial to consult a doctor . They can assess your condition and recommend appropriate treatments or medications to help alleviate your symptoms. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a decongestant or recommend the use of a nasal spray before your flight to help open the Eustachian tubes and reduce the risk of airplane ear.

Preventive Measures for Airplane Ear

While it’s essential to know how to manage airplane ear, taking preventive measures can make your travel experience even more enjoyable. Here are some tips to help you avoid airplane ear during your next flight:

1. Wear Filtered Earplugs

As mentioned earlier, wearing filtered earplugs like EarPlanes during takeoff and landing can significantly reduce your risk of experiencing airplane ear. These earplugs help regulate air pressure in your ears, making it easier for them to adjust to altitude changes.

2. Practice Ear Pressure Equalization Techniques

Before your flight, practice the Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers to get comfortable with equalizing your ear pressure. Familiarizing yourself with these techniques can make it easier for you to use them effectively during your flight.

3. Avoid Flying with a Cold or Sinus Infection

If you have a cold or sinus infection, your Eustachian tubes may be swollen or congested, making it more difficult for your ears to equalize pressure. If possible, reschedule your flight until you’ve recovered to reduce your risk of experiencing airplane ear.

4. Choose Your Seat Wisely

Sitting near the front of the plane can help reduce your exposure to loud engine noise, which can exacerbate ear pain. Additionally, the air pressure in the front of the plane tends to be more stable, reducing the risk of ear discomfort.

5. Stay Awake During Takeoff and Landing

It’s essential to stay awake during takeoff and landing so that you can actively work on equalizing the pressure in your ears. Falling asleep during these critical moments can make it more challenging to manage ear pressure and increase your risk of experiencing pain.

FAQs About Airplane Ear Remedies

1. can i use over-the-counter pain relievers for airplane ear.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help alleviate ear pain associated with airplane ear. However, it’s essential to consult a doctor before taking any medications, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.

2. Can children use the same airplane ear remedies as adults?

Many airplane ear remedies, like the Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers, can be used by children. However, it’s crucial to teach them these techniques before their flight and supervise them while they’re practicing. For younger children, encouraging them to suck on a pacifier or drink from a bottle during takeoff and landing can help equalize ear pressure.

3. How long does airplane ear usually last?

Most cases of airplane ear resolve within a few hours to a couple of days after your flight. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, consult a doctor to rule out any complications or infections.

4. Can I prevent airplane ear by taking a decongestant before my flight?

Decongestants can help open up the Eustachian tubes and make it easier for your ears to equalize pressure. However, it’s essential to consult a doctor before taking any medications, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Also, remember that decongestants are not a guarantee that you won’t experience airplane ear, but they may help reduce your risk.

5. Can I use noise-cancelling headphones to prevent airplane ear?

Noise-cancelling headphones can help reduce the impact of loud engine noise, which can exacerbate ear pain. However, they won’t directly prevent airplane ear, as the primary cause is the change in air pressure, not the noise level. Combining noise-cancelling headphones with other preventive measures, such as using filtered earplugs, may provide additional comfort during your flight.

6. Can frequent flyers develop long-term complications from airplane ear?

Frequent flyers may be at a higher risk of developing complications from airplane ear if they repeatedly experience it. In rare cases, long-term complications may include chronic ear pain, tinnitus, or even hearing loss. To minimize the risk, it’s crucial to practice preventive measures and follow the recommended airplane ear remedies consistently.

7. Are there any alternative remedies for airplane ear?

Some alternative remedies, such as using essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus, may help alleviate ear pain and promote relaxation. However, it’s essential to note that these remedies may not be as effective as the proven techniques and products mentioned in this guide. Always consult a healthcare professional before trying alternative remedies.

8. Can scuba divers experience a similar issue as airplane ear?

Yes, scuba divers can experience a similar issue called “barotrauma,” which occurs when the pressure inside the middle ear and the external water pressure become imbalanced. Divers can equalize their ears using techniques like the Valsalva or Toynbee maneuvers, similar to those used to prevent airplane ear.

9. Can I fly if I have an ear infection?

If you have an ear infection, it’s best to consult a doctor before flying, as the pressure changes during the flight can worsen your symptoms and potentially lead to complications. In some cases, your doctor may recommend postponing your flight until your infection has cleared up.

10. Are some people more prone to airplane ear than others?

Some individuals may be more susceptible to airplane ear due to anatomical differences in their Eustachian tubes, a history of ear infections, or allergies. If you’re concerned about your risk of developing airplane ear, consult a doctor to discuss preventive measures and potential treatment options.

With the right knowledge and techniques, you can prevent and manage airplane ear effectively. By practicing pressure equalization techniques, staying hydrated, using filtered earplugs, and seeking medical advice when necessary, you can ensure a comfortable and pain-free flying experience. So, pack your bags , board that plane, and enjoy your travels without the fear of airplane ear!

Journal of Travel Medicine. (2018). The effectiveness of earplugs as a preventive intervention for reducing the risk of ear pain among air travelers. https://academic.oup.com/jtm/article/25/1/tay070/5105684

This post is also available in: English

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One response to “Soar High Without the Pain: The Ultimate Airplane Ear Remedies Guide”

Deborah, your article truly resonated with me. I particularly liked your emphasis on the importance of self-care, something I’ve been trying to prioritize. I wonder, how do you manage to balance your work and personal life so effectively? One angle that could be interesting to explore is the role of mindfulness in achieving this balance. From my experience, daily meditation has been a game-changer. Anyone else tried this? Also, do you think there’s a one-size-fits-all approach to this, or does each person need to discover their own path? Looking forward to your insight! 😊🙏

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Health Encyclopedia

Ears and airplane travel, earwax, and ear cleaning, ears and air travel.

When many people travel by air, their ears may not pop as the altitude changes. This is 1 of the most common health complaints of airplane passengers. It is caused by an air pocket in the middle ear that is sensitive to changes in air pressure. The changing altitude as the plane takes off or lands can cause mild pain in the ears.

Swallowing or yawning often can help "pop" the ears. This activates the muscle that opens the eustachian tube. This tube connects the middle ear with the back of the nose. Ears that are already blocked (by a cold, for example) can't equalize the air pressure in the middle ear enough. This creates a vacuum that sucks the eardrum in and stretches it. When the eardrum can't vibrate, sound is muffled. And the stretched eardrum can be very painful. If you have nasal congestion from allergies, a cold, or are prone to painful ears on airplane descent, then taking an over-the-counter decongestant or antihistamine may help equalize the pressure in the ear. Talk to your healthcare provider about which of these medicines are safe for you.

If swallowing or yawning does not ease the ears, try this ear-clearing method:

Breathe in through the mouth.

Pinch the nostrils shut and purse your lips closed.

Then exhale (while keeping nostrils and lips sealed). This will puff out your cheeks and you should feel your eardrums pop.

If you hear a pop, your ears are unblocked. You may need to repeat this process a few times, especially during the plane's descent before landing. After landing, if your ears don't open and are still painful, see a healthcare provider who specializes in ear problems.

Small children are more likely to have blocked ear canals. That's because their eustachian tubes are narrower. Using a bottle or pacifier during take-off and landing may help pop their ears. Try to keep small children awake during a descent so they will swallow more often.

What is earwax?

Earwax is naturally made by the outer part of the ear canal to keep the ear clean. It does this by trapping dust and sand particles before they reach the eardrum. It entraps and kills bacteria, fungus, and viruses. Wax also coats the fragile skin of the ear canal and acts as a water repellent. Wax buildup often moves its way to the ear opening, dries up, and falls out.

How should I correctly clean my ears?

Normally, ears canals are self-cleaning. They should not need cleaning with any devices or cotton-tipped swabs. Cleaning the ear can cause problems by pushing the earwax deeper into the ear canal and against the eardrum. Sometimes, too much wax can build up or can get pushed inwards. This will cause a blocked ear canal. In the case of a blocked ear canal, see your healthcare provider. They may be able to do 1 or more of the following:

Irrigate the ear canal to wash out the wax

Vacuum the ear canal with a special tool to remove the wax

Use other special tools to remove the wax

Use eardrops or mineral oil to soften the wax

Ear candles are not recommended. They have not been shown to work well and can cause severe burns and burst (ruptured) eardrums.

Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis and for more information.

Medical Reviewers:

• Ronald Karlin MD
• Sumana Jothi MD
• Tara Novick BSN MSN
• Ask a Medical Librarian Make an Appointment Physicians & Services Physicians who treat the Ear, Nose, and Throat

How to Pop Your Ears on a Plane, According to Medical Experts

By Blane Bachelor

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The aircraft has hit cruising altitude, there’s no turbulence , and you’re settled comfortably in your seat, eager to give the in-flight entertainment your full attention. There’s just one problem: You’re unable to clear your ears.

Sometimes known as “airplane ear,” this condition occurs when there is an imbalance in air pressure between that of the airplane cabin and the pressure in your middle ear, causing the uncomfortable sensation of your ears feeling full or plugged. According to the Cleveland Clinic, ear barotrauma , as it’s also called in clinical terms, is the most common form of barotraumas, which are medical conditions that occur when your body experiences a sudden or large shift in water or air pressure. (Barotraumas can also happen while diving or swimming, or even riding an elevator.)

“It’s very common to get that ear fullness when on planes because of the change in air pressure,” explains Dr. Kimberly Lee, a Los Angeles -based board-certified plastic surgeon and assistant clinical professor in the Division of Head and Neck Surgery at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center. “When the pressures on the inside and outside of the eardrum aren’t the same, the eardrum acts like a suction cup causing the dreaded sensation of ear fullness and discomfort that makes you want to pop the ears.”

The good news? Clearing your ears can be quick and painless, and we've got several expert-recommended tips and tricks to safely put discomfort at bay. For some travelers, such as babies and young children, and anyone with sinus problems, a little extra vigilance and measures may be required.

Here, we offer a guide with everything you need to know about one of the most common annoyances of air travel, including why your ears pop in the first place, and how to clear them safely.

Why do our ears pop on airplanes?

First, a little biology lesson. Airplane ear occurs when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the environment don’t match, preventing your eardrum (in science-speak, it’s the tympanic membrane) from vibrating normally. That’s because the Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connected to the middle ear that regulates air pressure by slowly releasing it, can’t keep up with the change in pressure quickly enough.

Why can’t I pop my ears?

Colds or allergies, which trigger inflammation in mucus membranes, are often to blame when ears don’t clear easily. That inflammation then causes the Eustachian tube to become clogged, inhibiting it from opening and closing properly. When this happens, flying can be painful. At worst, you may rupture your eardrum or bleed into the space behind it.

“The worse the cold is, the higher the risk that you end up with an ear problem,” says Dr. Alicia M. Quesnel, an otologist and neurotologist at Massachusetts Eye and Ear. If you must fly with a cold, consider a nonstop flight instead of a connection whenever possible to minimize the number of ascents and descents you experience.

What is the easiest way to pop your ears?

1. yawn or talk to activate the eustachian tube.

Anything that involves opening or closing your mouth is an easy way to ease mild discomfort. Even a fake yawn, where you simply mimic the wide stretching of the mouth, can do the trick.

That’s because these actions are tied to that all-important Eustachian tube, explains Dr. LaTasha Seliby Perkins, M.D., a Washington, DC -based family physician and assistant professor of medicine at Georgetown University School of Medicine. “There are muscles around the Eustachian tube that change when you open your mouth, so they pull on the tube and they open it up when your mouth is open versus when your jaw is closed, those muscles are contracted so the tube is smaller,” she says. “That’s why something like chewing can help, because it opens and closes [the tube].”

2. Chew gum, swallow liquid, or suck on candy

Pop a piece of gum before takeoff and landing, recommends Dr. Gary Snyder, a New York -based board-certified otolaryngologist. But not just any kind, Dr. Snyder says: “Gum in general is a good idea, but mint gum causes extra saliva and extra swallowing, which can be better for the ears for plane flights.”

You can also multitask on hydration and keeping your ears clear by sipping water or another liquid during takeoff and landing. Sucking on candy helps, too.

3. Try a long-acting nasal decongestant

Many ENT specialists recommend using a long-acting nasal decongestant to offset any inflammation that may be affecting your nasal passages and interfering with Eustachian tube function. According to the Stanford Ear Institute , oral decongestants should be taken from two to three hours prior to your anticipated arrival time, while nasal sprays should be used about one hour before arrival.

4. Try the Toynbee maneuver

This ear-popping technique, which is also popular among scuba divers , is simple but effective. Pinch your nose shut while simultaneously swallowing. It might feel a little odd, so do it as gently as possible.

5. Try the Valsalva maneuver

This breathing technique is sometimes recommended by medical professionals to help patients slow down a too-fast heart rate or assess problems with the autonomic nervous system. Despite its complicated-sounding name, it’s fairly simple. Here’s how to do it, according to Mercy Health : First, take a deep breath and hold it, then pinch your nose shut and close your mouth. Next, bear down (yes, like you’re trying to go to the bathroom) and breathe out like you’re trying to blow up a balloon, for about 10 to 15 seconds. If it doesn’t work, repeat and try again. You can also alternate it with the Toynbee maneuver.

One caveat with both of these techniques: Don’t overdo it. Blowing excessively hard can puncture your eardrum.

6. Try to stay awake during takeoff and landing

Are you one of those passengers already snoring before takeoff or still snoozing when the wheels hit the tarmac (or both)? You may be more susceptible to airplane ear. That’s because when you’re asleep, you won’t be yawning, swallowing, chewing, or doing any of the other tricks that will help your ears pop naturally. As a result, you may wake up with the Eustachian tube “already locked closed,” according to the Stanford Ear Institute. But you can avoid this discomfort by staying awake during takeoff and landing, and making sure your ears have popped before you allow yourself to snooze.

7. Use specially designed earplugs to mitigate the rapid change in pressure

Earplugs aren’t just for getting a good night’s sleep in an unfamiliar place : They can also help ease the discomfort from popping ears. Some passengers also swear by EarPlanes , hypoallergenic earplugs that are specially designed to help regulate pressure in the ear. Available in reusable and disposable versions, they have a unique filter that regulates air pressure, which should help relieve discomfort.

8. Apply a heating pad or warm washcloth to your ear

For stubbornly unpopped ears, try applying heat with a warm washcloth or heating pad to open up your Eustachian tubes. The heat should help unclog the tube and allow it to release built-up ear pressure.

9. Consider pressure equalization tubes.

If you suffer from pressure-related ear pain during every takeoff and landing (whether you have a cold or not), Eustachian tube dysfunction could be the underlying issue. This condition is diagnosed in 1% of the adult population, while approximately 70% of children develop it before age 7, according to the Cleveland Clinic . Frequent travelers with Eustachian tube dysfunction might want to consider having pressure equalization tubes implants in their ears. This simple, 15-minute procedure, which is performed under anesthesia, helps your ears drain fluid and regulate pressure. Implants last one to two years. However, it should be a last resort, as the tubes can lead to ear infections and/or perforated ear drums.

How to ease ear discomfort in kids

Those little ones who are wailing during takeoff and landing are likely feeling some serious discomfort, as the mechanisms in their ears may still be developing. In addition, as Dr. Perkins points out, airplane ear is “brand new sensation” for babies. “They have no idea what to do with it, and they don’t know how to manipulate the facial muscles to make a change in pressure.”

Jessica Puckett

Cassie Shortsleeve

Arati Menon

Fortunately, many of the same ear-clearing tips and tricks that apply to adults also can work for kiddos. For babies , breastfeeding or taking a bottle during takeoff and landing is a good way to keep the sucking mechanism going; a pacifier works, too. Older children, meanwhile, can suck on a lollipop, hard candy, or even gum (just make sure you dispose of it properly!). And for the kiddos who don’t mind earplugs, EarPlanes also makes a version designed for smaller ears.

Finally, if your child has a severe cold or ear infection, you may want to reconsider flying—or, at the very least, prepare for some additional discomfort. “Children with ear infections may experience more severe discomfort because oftentimes middle ear infections are associated with increased fluid accumulating in the middle ear space, which therefore exacerbates the pressure differential, ultimately causing increased pain,” explains Dr. Christina Johns, a pediatric emergency physician and senior medical advisor at PM Pediatric Care, which has locations across the United States.

This story has been updated with new information since its original publish date. Additional reporting by Kristi Kellogg and Brian Sumers.

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Why travelling by plane can cause ear problems?

Why do ears pop on a plane.

Air transport occurs at high altitude, usually around 10,000 meters. At higher altitudes, the air pressure decreases, which can cause ear problems. Inside the middle ear, the pressure is usually equal to the one of the outer ear . When the cabin pressure drops suddenly, a pressure difference is created between the middle ear and the outer ear. This blocks the Eustachian tube and can cause the sensation of plugged ear, an auditory discomfort called barotrauma. When this happens, the passenger may notice a strong pressure inside the ear and sometimes pain.

How to avoid ear pressure problems during flights?

The risk can be reduced with actions that facilitate the opening of the Eustachian tube, such as:

• Yawning, chewing, swallowing some food or drinking small amounts of liquids during takeoff and landing to mobilize the muscles of chewing and swallowing.
• Perform the Valsalva maneuver: take air and blow gently with your mouth and nose closed.
• Use ear protection or ear plugs during the flight.

What to do if you have an earache while flying?

If you experience earache while flying or an earache after the flight, the cause is usually an  otitis media  . Often children suffer from it after flying. Especially if there was still water in the ear from the last pool visit. Then there is the air conditioning and there is the cold after flying. Children and adults with a tendency to develop otitis media should only wear earplugs during take-off and landing. Ventilation is very important for ears that are prone to inflammation. If possible, you should not dive again immediately before departure. Taking a nasal spray as a preventive measure definitely makes sense. By the way: if the ear “closes” during the flight and hearing remains muffled hours after arrival, this sometimes feels like a sudden hearing loss, but it is very uncommon . As a rule, the ears open again on their own at the latest on the following day. If you want to actively help, you can use a decongestant nasal spray.

What to do if plugged ears sensation persists

If the sensation of plugged ears persists for hours after the flight, consult a doctor or an ENT specialist. The information contained in this post is purely informative, not substituting, in any case, the advice of your doctor.

Can you fly with an ear infection?

Flying with an ear infectionis not ideal, but who wants to postpone or even cancel their vacation because of it? If you or your child have to fly with an earache, earplugs for flying for take-off and landing, nasal spray and warm clothing such as hats, scarfs, sweaters and warm socks are the ideal flight equipment.

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• Travel Strategies
• How to Navigate a Relapse
• Wellness Coaches
• 8 Steps to Managing Fatigue
• Avoiding Falls
• Visually Induced Dizziness – “Supermarket Syndrome”
• Controlling Your Symptoms
• Vestibular Disorder Triggers

Motion Sickness

• Coping With Tinnitus
• How to Deal with an Acute Vertigo Episode
• Dietary Considerations
• Home Safety

Tips for Dining Out

Tips for attending events.

• Environmental Influences on Vestibular Disorders
• Stress Management
• Meditation and Mindfulness
• Managing Nausea, Vomiting & Poor Appetite
• Relaxation Techniques
• Healthy Sleep Habits
• Mitigating Triggers from Digital Devices
• Dentist’s Guide to the Dizzy Patient

Article Summary

Traveling with a vestibular illness can feel impossible and problematic. Obstacles like rapid altitude changes, visual disturbances, patterned airport carpets, and passive motion can amplify symptoms. Many people with vestibular dysfunction need accommodations or restrictions to prevent symptoms, attacks, or flare-ups. Having a vestibular disorder should not prevent someone from traveling. Here are some tips you can use to prepare for your next trip.

PLANNING FOR TRAVEL WITH A VESTIBULAR DISORDER

Planning a trip while managing a vestibular condition requires a bit of extra preparation, especially if it is your first trip post diagnosis. Here are a few questions to ask yourself while planning your trip: 

• What types of travel increase my symptoms?
• What can I do to minimize discomfort while traveling?
• Is my destination friendly to my sensitivities?
• What do I need to talk to my doctor about?

Asking yourself these questions and reflecting on the answers can help you prepare for your journey. Other issues you may want to consider include:

• Weather patterns
• Planned activities at your destination
• What to bring to manage your symptoms
• Communicating with your travel companions in advance about your needs

Does my Diagnosis Prevent Me from Certain Types of Travel?

According to the Association for Research in Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, ear problems are the most common medical complaint of air travelers. This is largely because changes in altitude and fluctuating pressure impact the middle ear, which is the pressure regulation portion of the ear. The ear ‘pops’ when one changes elevation in order to change the pressure and volume of air in the space between your eustachian tube and ear drum. For most people, this is temporary and popping your ear allows for air to flow through the eustachian tube, equalizing the pressure in your middle ear so it matches the pressure outside of your body. This change in pressure helps to keep your eardrum intact and maintains equal pressure in your inner ear. For most, this is just a mild irritation, but for those with vestibular disorders, this change in pressure can trigger other symptoms. 

Vestibular disorders with symptoms caused by pressure fluctuations may flare up during rapid ascents and descents or in other elevation changing situations. Volume and pressure are inversely proportional – both gas (air) and fluid (endolymph and perilymph fluids in your inner ear) react to changing altitudes. There is a constant change of pressure in your inner ear as you travel up and down in elevation, whether you’re on land, in the ocean, or in the air. This relationship can be thrown off and cause dizziness or vertigo in those with pressure-related vestibular disorders. Take special care with or avoid unpressurized air travel, underwater diving, and fast elevators. 

Here are a few tips to avoid rapid elevation and pressure changes:

• If staying in a high-rise hotel, ask for a room on the first few floors. 
• Avoid ‘hopper’ planes (smaller planes that typically go short distances).
• Find out ahead of time if your train or car ride will have large mountain passes with major elevation changes. 
• Avoid scuba diving, freediving, and swimming in deep water.
• Chew gum, yawn, sip water frequently, or use another way to pop your ears, especially during descents. 
• Ask your doctor if you can take a decongestant. This can help keep your nasal passages clear, which helps with pressure equalization. 

It’s important to note that those who are post-operative from Semicircular Canal Dehiscence repair surgery should not fly for a specified amount of time. This decision should be made by your surgeon. 

Additionally, those with a perilymph fistula should ask their healthcare team about if it is safe for them to travel, and about the precautions they should take if plane travel is necessary. 

Planning Around the Weather

Barometric pressure changes happen with changes in heat, humidity, storms, and other weather events. Often people with vestibular disorders report they can ‘feel a storm coming,’ as if it’s a sixth sense. While you cannot change or control the weather, you can sometimes choose a travel destination to avoid weather patterns associated with pressure changes, such as tropical storms.

Changes in atmospheric pressure can affect those with Meniere’s Disease, secondary endolymphatic hydrops, and vestibular migraine (1,2). There is not much research stating why or how this may happen. For those with Meniere’s Disease (1), however, one study found that increased pressure was problematic. For those with vestibular migraine low pressure systems were more problematic (2). 

For more information on weather and vestibular disorders, click here .  

Here are some tips to find places with fewer barometric pressure changes. 

• Accuweather has a migraine tracking feature. To find this feature:
• Go to Google.com
• Type in “Accuweather migraine forecast (+ your desired city)”
• Search and then click the top Accuweather result
• Research places that have few weather and barometric pressure changes to vacation when possible.
• Pack your “rescue kit” to help you if a weather event should arise.

Packing for Your Trip

Besides clothes, shoes, and toiletries, pack all the items you use to manage your symptoms on a daily basis, as well as anything you might need in an emergency. Your “rescue kit” may include a water bottle, medications, light-sensitivity glasses, hat with a brim, heating pad, and more (see below). 

Medications

Always keep your medications and supplements with you. Whether they’re for prevention or used to abort or rescue an attack, medications should be by your side at all times. Be sure that you have what you need in your carry-on baggage, not your checked luggage.

It is not recommended to change your medication routine when you travel. If time differences are a factor, ask your doctor what’s best for you when changing time zones. You may need to take the medication or supplement at a new time so that your body keeps on the same schedule, or you may be able to take it at another time.

Food and Water

Always pack a water bottle! It’s important to stay hydrated. Water and/or water containers are not always easily accessible. A small to medium, lightweight water bottle is best.. 

If your vestibular symptoms are triggered by food, bring your own snacks. Packs of safe seeds, crackers, and power bars are often great options to throw in your backpack or purse to make sure you have something on hand in case you need it. This is especially important during the days you’re traveling. Airports and train stations are notoriously unpredictable, and they do not always have safe food options.

Here are some resources that may help you plan your travel diet:

Pantry Staples (and Snacks) for those on a migraine diet

Check out the list of foods from the VeDA dietary considerations list! 

Accessories

Sun/light-sensitivity glasses, anti-nausea bands, ear plugs, a hat, a foldable cane, and other useful items may be on your list. Whether you are on a plane, in a bright environment, or somewhere with an uneven surface, these tools can come in handy to keep your trigger-load low. The key is to think through all the situations you may be in to predict what you may need. 

TRAVELING TO YOUR DESTINATION AND THROUGHOUT YOUR TRIP

Getting there.

If you have the time it is recommended to budget a day on either end of your trip to get acclimated to your new environment. Often people with vestibular disorders are triggered by travel, so your first day should be low-key and restful. This does not mean that you have to just sit in your hotel room for a full day, but if you’re planning on having one day to lay by the pool, go to the spa, or otherwise relax, making it the first day may help you acclimate before adventuring. 

Motion Sensitivity

Vestibular disorders cause altered processing of motion cues. When the signals aren’t firing accurately, this creates motion sickness (car-sickness or sea-sickness). Here are a few tips to help you manage motion sickness and the accompanying nausea:

• If you’re on a car trip, and you can safely drive, ask to be the driver rather than the passenger so your body knows when acceleration and deceleration are going to happen. This will help your body adjust to the motion more easily. 
• If you are the passenger on any form of transportation, make sure you can see outside when choosing your seat. Focus on the horizon because this helps stabilize your vestibular system.
• If possible, get out and walk around frequently to help decrease the length of time you are in passive motion. Take breaks at rest stops or when the train is in the station. You could also schedule a layover when flying. 
• In passenger trains with seating on two levels, sit on the lower level where there is less sway (rocking motion).
• Avoid reading, using your phone/computer, and other activities that require your head to be down throughout your journey. 
• Ask your doctor about a vestibular suppressant or other medication you can use during your journey.
• Pack a rescue kit with items to help nausea if it arises (see below).

Those with Mal de Debarquement Syndrome may feel better during passive motion and worse when the motion stops. This can also occur if a person has developed movement and postural compensation strategies in response to a chronic vestibular disorder. If passive motion helps you to feel better, you may enjoy the ride, but prepare yourself instead for when you get off the transportation.

• Bring a cane if you have trouble balancing after you deboard.
• You may need some time to rest after getting off the boat/train/plane/etc.
• Talk a short walk after you get off of your vehicle and focus on the horizon. 

Visual Vertigo & Visual Sensitivity

Vestibular dysfunction often increases our reliance on the visual system for balance. Because your visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive systems should work together to help you balance, when one has a dysfunction the other two need to work harder to compensate. For people with a vestibular disorder, this typically results in visual dependence, which can cause visual vertigo and visual motion sensitivity.

Airports, train stations, parking lots, and traffic are incredibly visually stimulating environments. When paired with travel-fatigue, they can be even more irritating to your system. Here are a few tricks you can use to help minimize these symptoms:

• Wear sunglasses or other tinted glasses to decrease irritating lights and patterns.
• Rest your eyes when you can.
• Wear a hat to decrease the amount of light and irritants in your peripheral view.
• Talk to your physical therapist about what you can do to prepare for being in visually stimulating environments.

Nausea & Vomiting 3

Motion sickness and visual vertigo can cause nausea and/or vomiting to occur during your trip. 

• Ginger is your best friend! Ginger can help reduce nausea and comes in many forms, such as chews, candies, and teas.
• Practice deep breathing – inhaling and exhaling deeply and slowly will help decrease nausea, especially if you can be outside or roll down a window for fresh air. 
• Peppermint or lavender oil can help reduce your nausea response – apply it on your temples or diffuse it into the air. 
• Peppermint gum, tea, or candies can also reduce nausea.
• Seltzer or sparkling water can settle the stomach.

If motion or visual sickness causes vomiting, it’s important to stay hydrated and try to keep something in your stomach, if possible. 

• Drink fluids slowly, approximately 1-2 oz every 10-15 minutes.
• Eat only well-tolerated foods.
• Bland foods, such as crackers, potatoes, rice, and noodles, can be helpful.
• Avoid milk products for 24-48 hours.
• Avoid fried or greasy foods.
• Bring an emesis bag in case you need it. 
• Talk to your provider about an antiemetic medication if this is a frequent symptom. 

OTHER STRATEGIES 

• If you have a balance problem and are traveling to an unfamiliar place, pack items that will help you manage uncomfortable light and sound disturbances. These might include sunglasses, a hat with a visor, a flashlight, and ear plugs.
• Standing in long lines and walking through airport terminals or train stations can be tiring for a person with a balance disorder because these large, open, echo-filled spaces are disorienting. In this circumstance, you might find it helpful to use a cane or hold onto the extended handle of a suitcase.
• Some automobiles have curved windshields that have distortion at the lower corners. This is merely annoying for most persons, but it is often disorienting for those with visual sensitivities. If your travel plans include renting a car, prior to signing the rental agreement ask to sit in the front seat of the proposed vehicle so you can test the comfort of the windshield’s optics.
• Try to arrive in the evening so you can walk around to calm your system down a little bit, then head right to bed to reset for the morning. 

Although traveling, and planning to travel, with a vestibular disorder may feel daunting at first, adequate preparation and planning can help ease your nerves so you feel more prepared, resulting in a more enjoyable experience.

By the Vestibular Disorders Association with edits by Madison Oak, PT, DPT

NO MORE GLARE

Many vestibular patients are sensitive to bright lights. The sun’s warm rays cause anguish. Fluorescent lights at work make it hard to focus. The glare from your computer screen is more than just annoying.

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer. Avulux’s specially formulated lenses block the “bad” light while letting in the “good” light, which reduces your vestibular symptoms.

Shop for light-sensitivity glasses on Avulux’s website and a portion of the proceeds support vestibular education, awareness, and advocacy (use code VEDA) .

Gürkov, Robert, et al. “Atmospheric Pressure and Onset of Episodes of Menière’s Disease-A Repeated Measures Study.” PloS one 11.4 (2016): e0152714.

 von Mackensen, Sylvia, et al. “Prevalence of weather sensitivity in Germany and Canada.” International journal of biometeorology 49.3 (2005): 156-166.

Beatty, D., & Galvin , T. (2021, May 3). Managing nausea, vomiting & poor appetite . Managing Nausea, Vomiting, & Poor Appetite . Retrieved September 22, 2021, from https://vestibular.org/article/coping-support/living-with-a-vestibular-disorder/managing-nausea/.

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Motion sickness is the most common medical problem associated with travel. Dizziness, vertigo, and motion sickness all relate to the sense of balance and equilibrium. You might also suffer from dizziness, vertigo and/or nausea due to an inner ear dysfunction. Suppose you suffer inner ear damage on only one side from a head injury or an infection. The damaged inner ear does not send the same signals as the healthy ear. This gives conflicting signals to the brain about the sensation of rotation, and you could suffer a sense of spinning or vertigo, as well as nausea.

A person with vestibular dysfunction is easily fatigued when sorting out vision and balance signals in expansive areas, even those that are quiet and calm. This effort becomes daunting in noisy and busy environments such as in large “box” stores, at crowded sporting events, in theaters, or even while navigating city sidewalks with other pedestrians. Such conditions make it difficult for a person to rely on visual clues about balance and movement because everything is moving, lighting isn’t ideal, and stable anchors such as walls are far away. A few simple can help you be more prepared when you cannot avoid crowded spaces.

Do you avoid dining out because public restaurants trigger your vestibular symptoms? Eating out is supposed to be fun, but no one is laughing when you have to leave early because you’ve become dizzy, nauseated, and can’t think straight. With a few simple tips, you’ll be able to have date night again. Read on!

Stay up-to-date with the latest vestibular news.

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Got travel plans here’s what to do about airplane ear.

If you’ve ever felt the pressure building in your ears during air travel, this blog is for you. Keep reading to find out where that pressure comes from, and why you need to address it before it becomes a serious problem for your ears (and even hearing!).

Ear pressure issues - highlighted by discomfort, popping, and even severe pain - are a common issue experienced by travelers. Usually these symptoms are just annoying. But sometimes, they can be more serious. So before you take to the skies, it's a good idea to take precautions and to prepare to care for your ears as you get from Point A to Point B.

First Thing’s First: Why Does Flying Hurt My Ears?

That’s a good question. Why do so many of us experience discomfort - sometimes referred to as airplane ear - while flying?

Blame the air pressure.

When we're at ground level, our normal state of being, the air pressure inside our inner ear is equal to the air pressure outside of it. This state of equilibrium allows us to move about and hear comfortably. Additionally, in this state, our ears have more time to naturally adjust to changes in air pressure that occur due to activities such as hiking to an elevated area.

When we’re on an airplane, however, we reach new heights much faster than we would by foot.  As a result, the pressure inside the inner ear and the air pressure outside don’t have time to equalize.

So when taking off, the air pressure inside the inner ear quickly surpasses the pressure levels outside of it. This causes our inner ear and eardrum to swell and creates the discomfort we're too familiar with. Then the reverse can happen during a descent - and when the air pressure in the inner ear drops, the inner ear membranes can be stretched inward as the changing pressure creates a vacuum effect.

Whether you're taking off or landing, the changes and stretching of the inner ear and eardrum can cause minor discomfort or even pain. Worse still, severe airplane ear that isn't addressed can escalate. In these cases, people may experience a ringing in their ears, moderate to severe hearing loss, a spinning sensation known as vertigo, vomiting due to vertigo, and even bleeding from their ears.

Taking Action: Self-Care that Treats Airplane Ear

There is good news to be shared here. Airplane ear usually isn't serious and even responds very well to self-care. To maintain your comfort and avoid the worst side effects of this issue, you can do the following:

• Yawn and swallow during takeoff and landing . The movements we make while yawning and swallowing activate muscles that open up our inner ear tubes. This then helps your inner ear reach equilibrium again.
• Buy filtered earplugs. Filtered earplugs slowly equalize the pressure against your eardrum during ascents and descents. They’re a great tool and can be purchased OTC at a pharmacy - and even in some airport stores.
• Avoid travel while ill. Try not to fly when you have a cold, sinus infection, nasal congestion, or ear infection. These illnesses can create blockages in the tubes of the inner ear, which may keep you from achieving an equalization of pressure after takeoff or landing. If you must fly, use medicines such as nasal decongestants to help clear up your medical symptoms temporarily and to make the flight easier on your ears.
• Avoid sleeping. While it's tempting to nap on a flight, it's important to at least resist the urge to cat nap during takeoff and landing. This will allow you to catch any uncomfortable symptoms and address them promptly.

Still Need Help? Contact Your Ear Doctor

Even with self-care, it’s possible to experience long-term hearing effects from flying. Because of this, we advise patients to see a hearing healthcare professional if their hearing and ears don’t return to normal within several days of their last flight. Additionally, if they experience any severe symptoms (i.e. bleeding from the ears), they should visit a doctor as soon as possible!

Do you have travel plans coming up? Do you have additional questions that we didn’t answer here? Whether you need advice about your travels or you’re just due for a routine ear exam, we can help! All you have to do is contact us via phone or request an appointment online . We’re here and we’re ready to ensure you can hear your best for years to come.

Image courtesy of Pexels.com

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Travel & Flying Effects On Ears & Sinuses

How does air travel affect sinuses?

Anytime you are traveling or sharing public spaces in areas in close proximity to others, the chances of catching a bacterial or viral infection are higher. Germs are more likely to spread in this kind of environment and certain allergens, like pet dander, could be present. Many take care when traveling on the subway, trains, buses, and planes to avoid germs by wearing face masks, taking multivitamins, or using hand sanitizer. While these can help in any mass transit situation, there are certain difficulties during air travel that are harder to avoid, such as close quarters, small cabin space, dry air, drastic altitude changes, and shared circulated air. These difficulties may make air travel particularly hard on your immune system, sinuses, and ears.

How does air travel affect ears and sinuses?

What do air travel, sinus infections, colds, and ear infections have in common? During air travel, the cabin pressure needed during ascent and descent can cause pain and pressure in the sinuses, face, and ears. Many have experienced “popping” in your ears or some other side effect of this cabin pressure while flying.

For those who have an existing ear infection, allergies, sinus infections, or congestion might experience added pain and pressure during air travel. Flying with a pre-existing ear infection or other ear, nose, or throat condition could even lead to complications in some cases. For this reason, many doctors will recommend avoiding air travel when experiencing a severe infection in the ears, nose, or throat.

What is airplane ear?

Airplane ear, also called barotrauma, aerotitis media, or barotitis media, is a condition characterized by stress on the eardrum and tissues within the eardrum during a flight. This usually occurs during the beginning or end of the flight, during the extreme altitude changes. The pressure changes that occur during this time cause rapid changes in the air pressure and balance of your ear, which can cause the condition. The condition can be triggered by the common cold, sinus infections, and ear infections, and in rare cases could lead to hearing loss or chronic tinnitus.

What are the symptoms of airplane ear?

The main symptoms that you might notice on a flight if you are experiencing airplane ear include:

• Pain or discomfort in your ear
• Stuffiness in the ear/clogged ears
• Inability to hear
• Tinnitus (ears ringing)
• Vertigo (dizziness)
• Ear bleeding
• Sinus headaches

Is it safe to fly with an ear infection or sinus infection?

Whenever possible, it’s best to avoid air travel when you are sick with an ear infection or sinus infection. Check with your doctor to learn more about when it is safe to travel and how to avoid complications when flying with an ear infection or sinusitis. Some of the ways you can avoid airplane ear and other discomforts associated with air travel and cabin pressure include:

• Use alternative travel or avoid travel when you have an ear infection or sinusitis
• Staying awake during flight takeoff and landing
• Using earplugs with filters to help equalize pressure
• Use decongestant spray
• Take allergy medication prior to the flight if you suffer from allergies
• Yawning and/or swallowing during flight takeoff and landing

If you are suffering from travel and flight ear, nose, and throat problems, the first step is to consult with a sleep health expert. Ear, nose, and throat specialists at  eos sleep  have extensive experience in treating ear, nose, and throat conditions as well as sleep-related problems. Call  212.873.6036  today or fill out the form on this page to schedule an appointment or to learn more about eos sleep treatment options.

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Airlines struggle with lack of planes as summer travel set to hit record levels

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The number of people killed in plane crashes in Russia dropped to a decade low in 2023, despite Western sanctions on Russia's aviation industry which had raised concerns about flight safety, according to new data.

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US stocks end mixed on rising Treasury yields, Middle East jitters

Wall Street see-sawed to a mixed close on Tuesday as rising U.S. Treasury yields and elevated geopolitical worries counteracted a generally positive string of first-quarter corporate results.

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Zeynep Tufekci

You Don’t Need to Freak Out About Boeing Planes (but Boeing Sure Does)

By Zeynep Tufekci

Opinion Columnist

“Ah, it’s a Boeing Max,” I exclaimed to my travel companions after we boarded our plane a few weeks ago. I looked to see if we were seated next to a hidden door plug panel like the one that blew out on Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January. We weren’t, but joining a trend on social media , we cracked a few jokes at Boeing’s expense: “Maybe they can charge extra, saying it’s potentially an even bigger window seat.”

The F.B.I. recently informed the passengers on that ill-fated Alaska Airlines flight that they might have been crime victims . The agency hasn’t explained why, but Boeing has told the Senate that it cannot find documentation of exactly how the door plug was removed and reinstalled, even though the company acknowledged it is supposed to have kept such records. Facing all this, the company announced last week that it was replacing its chief executive . But the bad news wasn’t over: On Thursday a New York Times investigation reported a disturbing pattern of sloppy safety procedures and dangerous cost cutting. One expert who had spent more than a decade at Boeing told The Times, “The theme is shortcuts everywhere — not doing the job right.”

Is it any wonder that some travelers are trying to avoid Boeing planes? Kayak, the travel booking site, noticed an uptick in the number of people trying to weed them out ; it recently made that search filter more prominent and even added an option to specifically avoid certain models.

Boeing’s problems, great as they are, are just one reason that consumers might be wary of taking flight. United Airlines now also faces scrutiny for a series of safety incidents, although many experts say the issues there do not appear to be systemic. The biggest danger of all may be understaffing in air traffic control and overstuffed runways , which lead to far too many near misses.

Personally, I am not worried about flying, and other than cracking some ill-advised jokes, I have not changed my behavior. That’s why I hadn’t bothered to check whether I’d be flying on a Boeing Max or any type of Boeing plane until after I boarded.

The trajectory of Boeing as a corporation, however, is another matter. It’s going to take a lot more than a shuffle at the top to fix that company’s problems. But the fact that Boeing managed to cut as many corners as it did is testament to the layers and layers of checks, redundancies and training that have been built into the aviation industry. Aviation safety is so robust because we made it so.

Two seemingly contradictory things are both true: U.S. commercial passenger airlines have gone an astonishing 15 years without a single death from a crash. And there is a huge safety crisis in commercial aviation that we urgently need to fix.

Commercial aviation is a complex system involving many dynamics — technology, engineering, corporate culture, regulation, weather, human factors, politics and more.

It’s extremely hard to predict what will emerge from so many different things interacting all at once — an example of the so-called butterfly effect, in which a tiny insect flapping its wings leads to major weather events on the other side of the world. And though testing every part of the system on its own is necessary, it’s insufficient, since it’s the interaction of many moving parts that creates those hard-to-foresee problems. Solving equations won’t be enough to manage it all because such systems defy easy calculations.

We do, however, have methods to manage complex and safety-critical systems, and if done right, they can work very well.

Perhaps the most important measure is redundancy, the layering of precautions. Since even a minor failure could set off a catastrophic chain of events, it’s important to shore up everything. That’s why many plane parts have duplicates or backups and much of planes’ production and maintenance is subject to inspections by multiple people.

Redundancy, however, while great for safety, is expensive.

The first Boeing 737 Max crash occurred in Indonesia in 2018 . Everyone on board was killed. The next was in 2019 in Ethiopia. There were no survivors of that flight, either. After that, the planes — which had been flying globally for more than a year — were grounded by the F.A.A. (About 387 of them had been delivered at that time, and 400 or so more were in production.)

The public later learned Boeing had added a new software system to the planes to help keep them stable. Because the system made the planes behave more like older Boeing models that pilots were already familiar with, the company got permission from the F.A.A. to avoid retraining pilots on the new planes (a cost savings for the airlines that bought them) or even telling pilots about it.

Those two flights proved the danger of that approach. The new system relied on a single sensor, even though the planes were equipped with two. When that sensor failed, pilots lacked the information to diagnose the problem and avoid disaster. Boeing’s actions were a violation of those core tenets of aviation of building in redundancy and understanding how complicated interactions can create problems that no one predicted.

Given the impossibility of testing for every outcome, keeping complex systems safe also depends on another crucial signal: near misses. If something goes wrong but disaster is averted, the correct response should not be a “whew” and back to normal. It should be caution and investigation.

The Times investigation shows how alarmingly different Boeing’s approach was.

The Boeing plane that crashed in Indonesia experienced the exact same problem with the new stabilization system the day before. But on that flight there happened to be a third pilot, riding off duty in the back of the cockpit . When things went haywire, he was able to suggest the correct sequence of actions and saved the day. Had Boeing updated pilots about the system, would the passengers on the airplane’s next flight have landed safely? We’ll never know.

That third pilot — in that case, present purely by luck — was an example of how redundancy can save lives. So is a co-pilot. Planes fly on autopilot all the time and can even land on their own. Still, regulations require a second person in the cockpit for many types of passenger flights not just to handle things in the extremely rare event that the primary pilot gets sick or dies midflight but also to help manage emergencies and equipment failures . It’s the same reason that planes have more engines, more tires and more ways to extend the landing gear than they need for any individual flight, just in case one of those things fails, as has happened many times.

An extra layer of safety helped avert the Alaska Airlines blowout from turning into a catastrophe: Because the incident occurred so soon after takeoff, all the passengers were still required to wear their seatbelts.

Pilots even do walk-arounds of their planes just before takeoff to conduct final visual inspections. Commercial aviation works because of the principle of trust nothing and check everything.

It’s hard to escape the conclusion that those at the company who took all those shortcuts figured the system, with all its redundancies, would save them. But that’s a gamble. Eventually, two or three or four rare mishaps will align.

A Boeing representative told me that the company was taking responsibility and working to improve quality. But we need to see action, not promises.

So why should anyone still fly on Boeing’s planes? Or fly at all? Because the statistics still show that commercial aviation is miraculously safe, far more so than all the alternative ways of traveling.

While I don’t check for who manufactured the planes I fly on, I do keep my seatbelt on even when the captain says I don’t have to. Other than that, I’m as comfortable as possible while flying. I know that on balance, air travel is a well-regulated system staffed by highly trained crews with layers and layers of safety precautions and a dedication to learning from accidents. Let’s keep it that way.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

An earlier version of this article misidentified the agency that informed passengers of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 that they might have been crime victims. It is the F.B.I., not the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Zeynep Tufekci  ( @zeynep ) is a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University, the author of “Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest” and a New York Times Opinion columnist. @ zeynep • Facebook

Engine cover falls off Boeing plane, hits wing flap; Southwest flight returns to Denver airport

A Southwest Airlines plane heading to Houston turned back to Denver International Airport on Sunday morning after an engine covering fell off the Boeing plane and hit the plane's wing flap, officials said.

The Federal Aviation Administration said the Boeing 737-800 plane returned to Denver safely around 8:15 a.m. local time and was towed to the gate.

The agency said it would investigate the incident. The plane's crew reported that engine cowling fell off during takeoff and struck the wing flap, the FAA said.

In a statement to USA TODAY, Southwest said passengers arrived in Houston on another aircraft, about three hours behind schedule.

"We apologized to those Customers for the inconvenience of their delay and our Maintenance teams are reviewing the aircraft. We place our highest priority on ultimate Safety for our Customers and Employees," the airline said in a statement.

According to data from FlightAware.com , the initial flight had taken off around 7:40 a.m. and was expected to land around 10:10 a.m.

Latest plane emergency landing

CBS News reported that the incident could be heard on air traffic control recordings.

"Let's go ahead and declare an emergency for Southwest 3695, and we'd like an immediate return," an air traffic control official could be heard saying on the recording, the outlet reported. "We've got a piece of the engine cowling hanging off apparently."

This is the latest in a string of recent incidents, where a plane has had to make an emergency landing due to mechanical issues. Late Thursday, a Southwest Airlines flight, a Boeing 737 plane, was preparing to depart to Las Vegas from Lubbock, Texas but returned to the gate before takeoff for a reported engine fire.

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Iran missile and drone attack on Israel – what we know so far

Israel’s military has reported minor damage after Iran launched dozens of drones and missiles towards it late on Saturday

• Iran attack on Israel – live updates
• Full report: Iran launches drones and cruise missiles against Israel

Iran launched hundreds of drones as well as cruise missiles towards Israel , in the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Jewish state, in response to the 1 April strike on an Iranian diplomatic building in the Syrian capital, Damascus, which killed a senior figure in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards and eight other officers.

Benny Gantz, a member of the war cabinet, said that Israel will exact a price from Iran in response to its mass missile and drone attack when the time is right. His comments came ahead of a war cabinet meeting alongside Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the country’s defence minister, Yoav Gallant.

Tehran has warned it will strike again with greater force if Israel or the US retaliate for the Iranian strike on Israel by more 300 drones and missiles on Saturday night. The air raids , the Islamic Republic’s first ever direct attack on the Israeli state, brought a years-long shadow war into the open and threatened to draw the region into a broader conflagration as Israel said it was considering its response.

However, the attack, mostly launched from inside Iran, caused only modest damage in Israel as most were shot down with the help of the US, Britain and Jordan. An air force base in southern Israel was hit, but continued to operate as normal and a seven-year-old child was seriously hurt by shrapnel. There were no other reports of serious damage. Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari said that 99% of the launches had been intercepted.

Most of the Iranian drones flying over Syria’s airspace during Tehran’s strikes overnight were downed by Israeli and US jets before reaching their targets in Israel, two western intelligence sources told Reuters .

The UN security council will hold an emergency meeting on Sunday at the request of Israel’s ambassador to the UN, the council’s president said in a statement.

Iran informed Turkey in advance of its planned operation against Israel, a Turkish diplomatic source has told Reuters . The source also said that the US conveyed to Iran via Ankara that its operation must be “within certain limits”. These reports come after Iran’s foreign minister, Hossein Amirabdollahian , said in a meeting with foreign ambassadors in Tehran that Iran had informed the US that its attacks against Israel will be “limited” and for self-defence only.

John Kirby, the White House’s top national security spokesperson, told ABC’s This Week programme on Sunday that the US will continue to help Israel defend itself, but does not want war with Iran. “We don’t seek escalated tensions in the region. We don’t seek a wider conflict,” Kirby said. News outlet Axios reported that Joe Biden , the US president, had told Netanyahu that he would oppose an Israeli counterattack against Iran and that the prime minister should “take the win”.

UK Royal Air Force fighter jets and refuelling aircraft were also involved in Israel’s defence, taking off from bases in Cyprus. Their role, according to the UK Ministry of Defence, was to fill in for the US air force in the sorties against Islamic State normally carried out over Iraq and north-eastern Syria, but also to intercept Iranian drones if they came into the UK area of operations.

World leaders have condemned Iran’s attack, with regional powers including Saudi Arabia and Egypt calling for restraint. The UN secretary general, António Guterres, said: “I am deeply alarmed about the very real danger of a devastating region-wide escalation. I urge all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any action that could lead to major military confrontations on multiple fronts in the Middle East.”

Jordan’s prime minister, Bisher Khasawneh , warned that any escalation in the region would lead to “dangerous paths”, joining a chorus of condemnation from world leaders to the attack. Other countries including the UK, Spain, the US, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and China, have called for restraint amid fears of a regional escalation of conflict across the Middle East. Iran’s foreign ministry has summoned the ambassadors of the UK , France , and Germany to question what it referred to as their “irresponsible stance” regarding Tehran’s retaliatory strikes on Israel, the semi-official Iranian Labour news agency reported .

Major airlines across the Middle East, including Emirates Airlines and Qatar Airways , announced they would resume some of their operations in the region after cancelling or rerouting some flights in response to Iran’s attack on Israel. Israel said it had reopened its airspace as of 7:30am local time on Sunday morning, with Beirut airport also reopening this morning. Several Iranian airports, including Tehran’s Imam Khomeini International, however, have cancelled flights until Monday.

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