Whether you paid for business class or extra legroom, no matter where you’re seated on the plane, experiencing ear discomfort is one thing that all travelers may experience. Although ear discomfort could trigger some annoyance, there are some levels of ear pain where it can get pretty serious.
Sadly, because of the mixture of ear pain and cabin pressure, some ear discomfort can lead to severe pain and hearing loss. With that said, it’s worth noting the different ways to handle this issue.
If you’re curious to know more about ear pain and hearing care solutions while you travel via plane, keep reading. We’ll dig deeper into the best ways to avoid ear pain during air travel. Let’s take a look!
What Does Pressure Have to Do With Ear Pain?
The real reason you’re experiencing ear discomfort is the fluctuation of air pressure in the cabin. Normally, the air pressure in our inner ear and outer area is the same. However, when it’s not the same, that’s where the trouble occurs.
When you go to higher elevations, you’ll need to equalize your ears to relieve you of the uneven pressure and discomfort you may be experiencing. However, when the elevation changes rapidly, like in air travel, the pressure in and out of your ear may not have time to equalize, but fortunately, you can do things to mitigate this.
Different Ways to Prevent Ear Pain While Flying
- Swallowing: When you swallow, you’ll get to pop or click that tiny air bubble that was moved from the back of your nose to the middle of your ear, which is the Eustachian tube. This tube allows the air in the middle of the to be replenished, and the membrane of your inner ear often absorbs the air that is released. This cycle allows your ear to have constant and equal pressure both in and out to help your ears accommodate the air pressure change.
- Chew Gum or Suck on Candy: Another effective way to pop the air pressure in your ears is by chewing gum as you take off or suck on hard candy. When you do this, you get to stimulate frequent swallowing, allowing you to equalize the air pressure present.
- Valsalva Maneuver: This is a pretty old trick, but an incredibly useful one. With a mouthful of air, you’ll want to close your mouth and pinch your nostrils. After that, gently force the air out until you hear your ears pop. This allows the Eustachian tube to open up. However, if you’ve caught the cold or have allergies, this might not be the best solution for you as it could cause an ear infection.
Of course, it’s worth doing some research to know what ear discomfort or hearing caring solution works best for you. For that reason, it’s best to speak to a hearing specialist, so you know the best ways to mitigate these issues.
The Bottom Line: Learning How to Release Ear Discomfort Can Help You Enjoy Your Flight
There’s no doubt that ear discomfort can truly affect your air travel experience. But fortunately, with these tips above, you can easily dodge ear discomfort issues and integrate the right hearing care solution to help you travel with ease. Of course, it’s worth noting that it’s best to reach out to a hearing care specialist to ensure that you’re taking the right steps to relieve yourself from the discomfort without damaging your ears.
How Can We Help You?
Hear More Associates is the country’s most trusted hearing care specialist. We provide care to patients throughout Lexington, Greater Boston, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. From hearing tests to hearing aids, we got you covered! If you’re looking for a hearing care solution, reach out to us today!
