Do you feel discomfort or have your ears “pop” every time you fly somewhere? Ear pain during flight is pretty common, and can be caused by a few different things. First, air pressure is not able to equalize behind the eardrum, causing ear pain as the eardrum adjusts to the abnormal pressure changes. When the pressure equalizes behind the eardrum, we frequently say that the ears have popped.
Normally when the plane is taking off and ascending, ear pain is not a problem because air can easily escape from behind the eardrum, through the eustachian tube, and into the throat. However, when the plane descends, air must be forced through the congested eustachian tube into the area behind the eardrum, which can be more difficult. Therefore, ear pain will almost always be experienced on descent if there is any problem at all.
Second, when your nose is congested (which often happens on long flights), it may be difficult for you to equalize pressure between your sinuses and your nose when descending in altitude—and this can lead to sinus pain as well!
Luckily, there are a variety of ways to relieve air pressure on your next flight. That’s why we’ve put together this list that you can reference the next time you fly.
Some ways to relieve air pressure include:
Use an Over-The-Counter Nasal Spray
Stay Awake During Takeoffs and Landings
Use Filtered Earplugs
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Use an Over-The-Counter Nasal Spray
If you're prone to nasal congestion, the best way to avoid it is by using a nasal spray. It will help you clear your nasal passages and ensure proper sinus ventilation during and throughout your flight. The spray should be used about 30 minutes before takeoff and landing. However, as overuse of nasal sprays can cause congestion, so don't use them more than three days in a row.
Stay Awake During Takeoffs and Landings
If you can, 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. One of the best, and easiest, ways is by taking some deep breaths. Simply inhale deeply through your nose, hold for three seconds, then exhale through pursed lips or by blowing out as if trying to extinguish a candle flame. Repeat this sequence until you feel better.
Use Filtered Earplugs
Another way to help you during your flight is by using filtered earplugs. They will equalize the pressure against your ear during accents and descents. Still be sure to yawn and swallow during your light to relieve pressure.
When choosing ear plugs, consider the following:
Size: Earplugs come in different sizes. Some people prefer smaller ones, while others prefer larger ones. You should try different sizes to see which you like best.
NRR: Noise reduction rating (NRR) is a measure of how well an individual earplug blocks out sound. It ranges from 0 to 33 decibels with 0 being no protection and 33 being total protection from noise. An NRR of 30 or higher is recommended for most situations.
Reusability: Some types of earplugs are reusable while others are disposable. Disposable earplugs should not be used more than one time as they may become dirty over time and lose their effectiveness at blocking out noise. Reusable earplugs can be cleaned regularly so they do not get dirty and continue working effectively even after repeated uses.
Let the Experts at OAT Help You
If you’re suffering from hearing damage, hearing loss, or other hearing complications, the specialists at OAT are here to help you.
Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about our services.
