How to avoid getting your ears blocked on a plane

When flying at high altitude, especially during takeoff when the plane climbs rapidly, and landing when it descends just as rapidly, one of the most common discomforts is the discomfort of blocked ears. Symptoms can vary, ranging from a simple sensation of obstruction to severe pain. The discomfort usually resolves within a few minutes, but in other, rarer cases, it can last a few days. But there are some simple steps you can take to avoid it. 

Why does it happen?

During takeoff and landing, the pressure inside the cabin changes very rapidly, making it difficult for the Eustachian tube, the structure that connects the back of the nose and throat, to adapt. When air cannot pass through the Eustachian tube, the internal and external pressures are no longer balanced, resulting in the sensation of ears blocked and even a certain amount of pain due to the intensity of the pressure. In fact, the ear struggles to ventilate.

Who is most at risk?

The subjects who suffer most from the problem of ears getting blocked during the flight are those who have an ongoing congestion of the upper respiratory tract: a cold, an allergy, sinusitis. Boarding a plane under these conditions, if the symptoms are very severe, might not be a good idea.

Natural remedies

The discomfort of blocked ears, especially if associated with pain, can be avoided with simple natural measures and without resorting to unnecessary medications.

• Yawning, swallowing, and chewing gum: they are all small movements that stimulate the opening of the Eustachian tube;
• Drink water in small sips: helps to balance pressure and unclog ears;
• Take breaths deep, which can help eliminate discomfort; 
• Valsalva maneuver: It works in three steps, all done delicately. Close your mouth, pinch your nose, and gently blow to force the Eustachian tube open.
• Avoid sleeping during takeoff and landing: staying awake, in fact, helps prevent pressure from building up in the ears. 

If the problem of blocked ears during takeoff and landing recurs every time you board a plane, it is advisable to speak to an ENT doctor for the appropriate evaluation. 

Prevention

Before and during the flight, including landing, try to blow your nose, drink plenty of water, and stay well hydrated. 

Read also:

• DIY earmuffs: original and creative ideas
• How to clean your ears
• How to choose a seat on a plane
• How to get compensation for a delayed or canceled flight