Blocked ears on a plane: what can you do?
5 min reading
Published on June 14, 2024 by Nicolas Coccolo
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Blocked ears on a plane: what can you do?
The anxiety associated with air travel is a reality for many people, and the sensation of blocked ears can add to this stress. I'm sharing with you all my knowledge and most valuable advice to help you better understand this phenomenon, avoid it and relieve it once you're in the air (4 tips for better travelling
Why do our ears get blocked in flight?
Understanding the reason behind blocked ears when flying is the first step to better managing this sensation. When you fly, the sensation of plugged ears is generally due to a difference in pressure between the inside of the ear and the outside environment. This pressure difference can cause a blockage in the eustachian tube, preventing air from circulating properly and creating the sensation of blocked ears. This phenomenon occurs when the aircraft is climbing in altitude or descending. Here's what happens:
1) Change of altitude
As the aircraft takes off and rises in altitude, atmospheric pressure decreases. As the pressure outside your ear decreases, the pressure inside your ear remains relatively constant, creating a higher pressure inside your ear than outside.
2) Balancing the pressure
To balance this pressure difference, your body tries to pass air into your middle ear through the Eustachian tube, a small canal that connects the ear to the throat. However, if the Eustachian tube is blocked or fails to open properly, the pressure inside the ear remains different from that outside, creating the sensation of blocked ears. These feelings of blocked ears are generally temporary and disappear once the aircraft has reached a stable altitude. However, for some people, particularly those with sinus or ear problems, these sensations can be more persistent or uncomfortable. But don't panic, there are ways to avoid or alleviate it. Read on to find out more!
Who is affected?
Blocked ears on a plane can affect anyone who flies, whatever their age or state of health. However, some people may be more susceptible to this sensation for a number of reasons:
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Respiratory infections, such as a cold or sinusitis, can lead to nasal congestion and problems balancing the pressure in the ears. So the risk of having blocked ears during a flight is higher.
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People who suffer from tinnitus may be more sensitive to variations in air pressure during air travel. Tinnitus is auditory noise that can be perceived as whistling, buzzing or ringing in the ears or head. The pressure difference caused by the plane taking off or landing can exert additional pressure on the structures of the inner ear, which can intensify the perception of tinnitus and increase the sensation of blocked ears.
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Changes in altitude during take-off and landing can affect everyone, but some passengers may feel these changes more intensely. Especially when flying at high altitudes on long-haul flights.
How can I avoid blocked ears when flying?
Even if it is difficult to avoid and this symptom is fairly random, there are a few ways of preventing the sensation of blocked ears when flying.
Firstly, you can buy earplugs specially designed to be worn during air travel to help reduce pressure variations and minimise the sensation of blocked ears. Some earplugs have special filters to help equalise the pressure in the ears. They are often designed to fit comfortably in the ear, so they can be worn for long periods without discomfort. Some travel earplugs also offer some noise reduction, which can be useful in a noisy environment such as an aeroplane. You can find these types of earplugs in pharmacies, travel supply shops or online.
Secondly, if you suffer from a cold or blocked sinuses, try to decongest your sinuses before the flight using a nasal spray or other methods recommended by your doctor. Flying with blocked sinuses can be uncomfortable and can increase the risk of having blocked ears during the flight. When the sinuses are blocked, this can lead to increased pressure in the nasal passages and ears, which can aggravate the sensation of blocked ears during air pressure variations in flight.
Finally, remember to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. Keeping sufficiently hydrated can help prevent the nasal passages and throat from drying out, while encouraging the Eustachian tubes to function properly.
What techniques can be used to unclog the ears?
To relieve the sensation of blocked ears, you can try different techniques to open the eustachian tube and equalise the pressure between the inside and outside of your ear. Here are a few techniques that should help you on your next flight:
- Chewing a piece of chewing gum or sucking a sweet to encourage movement of the eustachian tube. The simple act of chewing or sucking encourages you to swallow more often, and swallowing opens the Eustachian tubes to allow air to circulate.
- Practise the Valsalva manoeuvre. This technique is used to balance the air pressure in the ears and sinuses. Start by gently pinching your nose with your fingers to close it, then gently blow air through your closed nose. You should feel slight pressure in your ears as you blow. The air pressure you create by blowing should help open the famous Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow between the middle ear and the throat. This equalises the pressure on either side of the eardrum and can relieve the sensation of blocked ears. The Valsalva method is often used during take-off and landing to prevent or relieve blocked ears. It helps to equalise pressure by forcing the Eustachian tubes open, which can relieve these symptoms. However, it is important to Practice this technique with care to avoid forcing too much and causing damage to your ears.
- Yawning can also help to unblock your ears because of its effect on the muscles associated with the eustachian tube. When yawning causes the eustachian tube to open, it allows air to circulate between the middle ear and the throat, just like the Valsalva technique. Obviously, yawning is not a 100% effective technique for unblocking the ears; it depends on the individual and the circumstances.
- A word of advice: avoid sleeping during take-off and landing! If you stay awake during these 2 key stages of a flight, you'll be able to perform these exercises to prevent your ears from becoming blocked.
So yes, the sensation of blocked ears on a plane can be unpleasant, but with the right techniques, it can be managed effectively. You now have all the tools you need to prevent and relieve these sensations, so you can enjoy your plane journeys with less stress!
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