Ear pain or ear barotrauma occurs on a flight due to changes in air pressure. Here are 5 methods to prevent the pain.
According to Cleveland Clinic, chewing gum can prevent ear pain or plane ear during flights. It activates the muscles responsible for opening the Eustachian tube in the middle ear that is affected by air pressure changes. Chew gum, particularly during take-off and landing when pressure fluctuations are more. Sucking on a hard candy and sipping on a drink help as well, because chewing, yawning and swallowing also do the trick.
This technique involves pinching the nose, closing the mouth, and gently blowing as if attempting to exhale through the nose. Intermittently use this maneuver during descent to equalise pressure between the middle ear and your surrounding, when altitudes fluctuate, as suggested by Mayo Clinic.
According to Medical News Today, specialised earplug called ear planes, easily available, are designed to regulate pressure changes in your ears during take-off and landing and minimise discomfort.
Drinking plenty of water maintains the moisture of the mucous membranes, supporting better ear function. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have nasal congestion, use a saline nasal spray or decongestant to clear your nasal passages so a cold does not cause further pain on a plane.
According to Medical News Today, babies and toddlers are particularly susceptible to airplane ear pain due to the underdevelopment of their Eustachian tubes. Babies and toddlers should drink fluids or be breastfeed during take-off and landing. It prevents ear barotrauma.