Ouch… My Ear Are Painful!

We've all felt it: A plane descends, pressure inside the cabin changes, pressure builds inside our ears, and then - pop! Here is what to do when you experience the pain.

Why Do Your Ears Pop on Airplanes?

It all starts with your Eustachian tube, a pencil-sized funnel connecting the back of your nose with the middle ear. As your flight prepares for landing, it ensures air pressure on both sides of the eardrum stays roughly the same.  The air pressure around us changes with altitude. The outside air pressure changes rapidly during flight take-off or just before landing. So to keep up (with the pressure change), you need to open and close your Eustachian tube, or it will hurt your ears.

How To Pop Your Ears In Airplane, And Minimise Ear Discomfort?

1.      Swallow, chew gum, yawn, suck a candy or drink water.

These actions activate the muscles that open the Eustachian Tube, and allow air back into the middle ear, reducing the pain.

2.      Keep awake during takeoff and landing. If you sleep, the frequency of swallowing is reduced, so it is counter-productive.

3.      Use nasal spray one hour before landing. Nasal sprays are often prescribed by doctors to reduce any swelling in the nose, which can interfere with Eustachian Tube functions.

4.      Try the Valsalva Maneuver. This helps to unblock the ears when pressure starts to build up. Pinch your nostrils and blow your nose, while keeping the mouth closed. You can repeat this several times during ascent and descent, but be careful not to blow too hard, or you will risk rupturing your eardrum.

5.      Try the Toynbee Maneuver. Close your mouth and nose, and swallow several times until the pressure equalises.

For some travellers, applying the above are still not enough to clear their ears. Or it may be a hassle, especially to children. If you are a frequent air traveller, and you need something that can work fast, try the Otovent. 

Otovent is an auto inflation device that offers natural and non-surgical treatment for barotrauma. It consists of a medical- grade balloon connected to an applicator, which you use to blow up through your nose. You can use the Valsalva Maneuver with Otovent.  Do this a few times, during flight descent to pop your ears and reduce the pain. Otovent is easily used by young children, as it is similar with blowing up a party balloon.

Have a safe and happy travel!

InnoHear Hotline: +6017 638 7247.

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