Many air travelers experience clogged or “popping” ears during flights, a common phenomenon known as “airplane ear” or ear barotrauma. This occurs due to shifts in cabin pressure. For most, this discomfort is a minor and temporary annoyance that resolves shortly after landing. However, for some, especially those with pre-existing conditions, effects can be more pronounced and lead to complications.
Understanding Ear Pressure Changes During Flight
The feeling of clogged ears during air travel results from rapid changes in air pressure. Though aircraft cabins are pressurized, pressure still differs from ground level, particularly during ascent and descent. The middle ear connects to the back of the nose and throat via the Eustachian tube, which equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the external environment.
During takeoff, as the plane climbs and cabin pressure decreases, air in the middle ear expands, pushing the eardrum outward. During descent, as cabin pressure increases, air compresses, pulling the eardrum inward. If the Eustachian tube doesn’t open quickly enough to balance these differences, fullness, discomfort, or muffled hearing can occur.
Potential Risks of Flying with Clogged Ears
Flying with already clogged ears or difficulty equalizing pressure can lead to negative consequences. The most common is ear barotrauma, stress on the eardrum from pressure imbalance. Symptoms can range from mild discomfort, fullness, or muffled sounds to severe ear pain and temporary hearing loss.
Unaddressed pressure differences can cause fluid buildup behind the eardrum, known as serous otitis media. Severe barotrauma may result in intense pain, ringing in the ear (tinnitus), or dizziness (vertigo). Rarely, extreme pressure can rupture the eardrum, causing severe pain, bleeding, or fluid drainage, and significant hearing loss. While most eardrum ruptures heal on their own, they can be quite painful and may take weeks to months to recover.
Strategies for Ear Pressure Management
To prevent or alleviate ear clogging during flights, several strategies can be employed. Swallowing and yawning frequently activate muscles that help open the Eustachian tubes. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candies also encourages swallowing, aiding pressure equalization. Staying awake during takeoff and landing allows for active engagement in these measures.
The Valsalva maneuver is another recommended technique. This involves gently blowing air out through the nose while pinching nostrils shut and keeping the mouth closed. This helps force air into the Eustachian tubes, equalizing pressure. Perform it gently to avoid eardrum damage. Over-the-counter nasal decongestants or antihistamines can reduce swelling around Eustachian tube openings, especially if congestion is present due to a cold or allergies. Specialized earplugs, designed to regulate air pressure changes, are available and can help reduce discomfort by slowing the rate of pressure change.
When Not to Fly with Clogged Ears
In certain situations, flying with clogged ears or conditions that impair ear pressure equalization is inadvisable due to increased risks. Individuals with an active ear infection (otitis media) should avoid flying, as inflammation and fluid buildup make pressure equalization difficult and intensify pain.
A severe cold, flu, or significant nasal and sinus congestion can obstruct the Eustachian tubes, making pressure changes painful and harmful. Recent ear surgery, such as tympanoplasty or stapedectomy, is another contraindication, as delicate healing tissues are vulnerable to pressure changes. Uncontrolled allergies causing substantial congestion also increase risk. In these scenarios, consult a healthcare professional to assess travel safety.