Yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum helps equalize ear pressure and quickly relieve blocked ears after flying.
Why Do Ears Get Blocked on a Plane?
Flying causes rapid changes in air pressure, especially during takeoff and landing. The middle ear is connected to the back of the nose and throat by the Eustachian tube, which helps equalize pressure on both sides of the eardrum. When the external air pressure changes quickly, this tube can become clogged or fail to open properly. This results in a pressure imbalance that causes the feeling of blocked or “popped” ears.
The sensation can be uncomfortable or even painful. It’s often described as muffled hearing, fullness, or a popping sound when the pressure finally equalizes. For some people, this blockage persists longer than for others due to factors like congestion, allergies, sinus infections, or anatomical differences in their Eustachian tubes.
Immediate Actions To Relieve Pressure
The fastest way to relieve blocked ears is by encouraging the Eustachian tube to open and balance the pressure. Here are some effective techniques:
Yawning and Swallowing
Yawning naturally stretches the muscles around the Eustachian tube, helping it open wider. Swallowing works similarly by activating muscles that pull open this passageway. Chewing gum or sucking on candy encourages frequent swallowing and can provide continuous relief.
The Valsalva Maneuver
This classic technique involves pinching your nostrils shut, closing your mouth, and gently blowing as if trying to blow your nose. This increases pressure in the back of your nose and forces the Eustachian tubes to open. Be careful not to blow too hard; excessive force can damage your eardrum.
The Toynbee Maneuver
Swallow with your nostrils pinched closed. This combines swallowing action with nasal blockage to help equalize ear pressure more effectively than swallowing alone.
Preventive Measures Before Flying
Preventing ear blockage during flights is better than dealing with discomfort later. Here are practical steps you can take before boarding:
- Stay Hydrated: Dry mucus membranes increase congestion risk; drinking water keeps them moist.
- Avoid Sleeping During Descent: Staying awake allows you to actively swallow or yawn during critical pressure changes.
- Use Nasal Decongestants: Sprays or oral decongestants taken about 30 minutes before descent can reduce nasal swelling and improve Eustachian tube function.
- Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Both can dehydrate you and worsen congestion.
If you have a cold or sinus infection, consider postponing your flight if possible since these conditions make ear blockage more likely and harder to relieve.
Medical Options for Stubborn Blockage
Sometimes natural methods aren’t enough, especially if congestion is severe. Medical interventions include:
Nasal Steroid Sprays
These reduce inflammation in nasal passages and Eustachian tubes over several days when used consistently. They’re effective for chronic sinus issues but require advance use.
Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen can ease discomfort caused by ear barotrauma (pressure injury).
Myringotomy (Ear Tube Surgery)
In rare cases with chronic ear problems or severe barotrauma, doctors may insert tiny tubes into the eardrum to ventilate the middle ear directly. This procedure is generally reserved for persistent issues.
The Science Behind Ear Pressure Changes on Planes
Understanding how altitude affects air pressure sheds light on why ears get blocked during flights.
At sea level, atmospheric pressure is about 101 kPa (kilopascals). As planes ascend rapidly to cruising altitudes of around 35,000 feet, outside air pressure drops significantly. Although airplane cabins are pressurized to simulate altitudes near 6,000-8,000 feet rather than sea level, this still represents a sharp decrease from ground level.
The middle ear maintains pressure through gas exchange via capillaries and ventilation through the Eustachian tube opening into the nasopharynx (upper throat). When cabin pressure falls during ascent, air inside the middle ear expands slightly; during descent it compresses as outside pressure rises again.
If the Eustachian tube doesn’t open properly during these phases—especially descent—pressure differences stretch or retract the eardrum painfully until equilibrium is restored.
Comparison of Common Ear Pressure Relief Techniques
| Technique | Ease of Use | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Yawning/Swallowing/Chewing Gum | Very Easy – Natural reflexes | High – Opens tubes frequently |
| Valsalva Maneuver | Moderate – Requires instruction & care | High – Directly forces tubes open |
| Toynbee Maneuver (Swallow + Nose Pinch) | Moderate – Needs practice | Moderate-High – Effective but less known |
| Nasal Decongestants (Sprays/Pills) | Easy – Pre-flight use recommended | Moderate – Depends on congestion level |
| Myringotomy (Surgical) | Difficult – Medical procedure required | Very High – For chronic/severe cases only |
The Role of Age and Health in Ear Blockage Risk During Flights
Children often experience more severe ear blockage because their Eustachian tubes are narrower and more horizontal compared to adults’, making drainage and ventilation less efficient. This anatomical difference explains why infants and toddlers cry more during takeoff and landing.
Adults with allergies or chronic sinus conditions face increased risk due to inflamed nasal tissues obstructing tube openings. Smokers also tend to have compromised mucosal function that worsens blockage problems.
Maintaining good nasal hygiene before flights—such as saline rinses—can help reduce inflammation and improve airflow through these passages for all age groups.
Troubleshooting Persistent Ear Blockage After Flying
Sometimes ears remain blocked hours or even days after landing due to residual fluid buildup or inflammation inside the middle ear—a condition called barotrauma.
If symptoms persist beyond two days with pain or hearing loss:
- Avoid inserting cotton swabs: They won’t help equalize pressure and risk damaging your eardrum.
- Treat congestion: Use nasal sprays or steam inhalation to reduce swelling.
- If pain worsens: Seek medical advice promptly; antibiotics may be necessary if infection develops.
- Avoid flying again immediately: Repeated rapid altitude changes worsen injury risk until healing occurs.
Most mild cases resolve naturally once normal airflow resumes through the Eustachian tube.
The Importance of Proper Technique When Applying Pressure Relief Methods
Incorrect use of maneuvers like Valsalva can cause damage rather than relief. For example:
- Pushing too hard while blowing prevents proper air escape from lungs;
- This may rupture delicate blood vessels in ears;
- You could burst an eardrum if excessive force is applied.
To avoid injury:
- Breathe normally;
- Squeeze nostrils gently but firmly;
- Breathe out softly without letting cheeks puff out;
- If no “pop” occurs after a few seconds’ gentle blowing, stop immediately;
Practicing these techniques at home before flying builds confidence in their safe application mid-air.
The Connection Between Ear Barotrauma And Diving Vs Flying Pressure Changes
Both scuba diving and flying expose ears to rapid environmental pressure shifts but differ in directionality:
- Diving: Pressure increases rapidly as you descend underwater causing inward compression of air spaces including those in ears.
- Flying: Pressure decreases sharply ascending then rises again descending inside cabin.
In both cases failure of Eustachian tubes leads to pain from unequalized pressures stretching eardrums abnormally. However diving injuries tend toward inward barotrauma while flying causes outward stretching damage mostly during descent phases.
Understanding this helps pilots, divers, frequent flyers recognize symptoms early and apply appropriate relief methods tailored for each environment’s unique challenges.
Key Takeaways: How To Get Rid Of Blocked Ears From Plane
➤
➤ Yawning and swallowing help equalize ear pressure quickly.
➤ Use the Valsalva maneuver to gently open your Eustachian tubes.
➤ Stay hydrated to keep mucus thin and ears clear.
➤ Avoid sleeping during descent to actively manage ear pressure.
➤ Use nasal sprays or decongestants if you have a cold or allergies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How To Get Rid Of Blocked Ears From Plane Quickly?
Yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum helps open the Eustachian tubes and equalize ear pressure. These simple actions can provide fast relief from blocked ears after flying by encouraging the tubes to open and balance the pressure inside your ears.
Why Do Ears Get Blocked On A Plane?
Blocked ears during a flight happen because of rapid changes in air pressure, especially during takeoff and landing. The Eustachian tube may become clogged or fail to open properly, causing a pressure imbalance that leads to a feeling of fullness or muffled hearing.
What Are Effective Techniques To Relieve Blocked Ears From Plane?
The Valsalva maneuver, which involves gently blowing with nostrils pinched closed, and the Toynbee maneuver, swallowing while holding your nose, are effective techniques. Both help force the Eustachian tubes to open and equalize ear pressure safely.
Can Chewing Gum Help Get Rid Of Blocked Ears From Plane?
Yes, chewing gum encourages frequent swallowing which activates muscles that open the Eustachian tubes. This helps equalize pressure in your ears and can relieve the uncomfortable feeling of blockage after flying.
How Can I Prevent Blocked Ears From Plane Before Flying?
Stay hydrated and avoid sleeping during descent so you can actively swallow or yawn. Using nasal decongestants about 30 minutes before landing may also reduce congestion and help keep your Eustachian tubes clear during pressure changes.
Conclusion – How To Get Rid Of Blocked Ears From Plane
Blocked ears after flying result from rapid cabin pressure changes that disrupt middle ear balance through clogged Eustachian tubes. The quickest relief comes from yawning, swallowing frequently—especially chewing gum—and performing gentle maneuvers like Valsalva carefully when needed. Preventive steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding sleep during descent, using nasal decongestants before landing significantly reduce symptoms’ severity.
Persistent blockage lasting beyond two days warrants medical attention since untreated barotrauma may lead to infections or long-term hearing issues. With simple awareness and practiced techniques at hand, anyone can minimize discomfort caused by plane-induced ear blockages efficiently every time they fly.