Ear pressure, often felt during air travel or mountain driving, is a common form of barotrauma caused by rapid changes in surrounding air pressure. This sensation of fullness, popping, or pain occurs because the pressure outside the ear changes too quickly for the body’s natural regulatory system to keep up. Alleviating this discomfort requires understanding the ear’s anatomy and the specialized tools developed for this purpose.
Understanding the Cause of Ear Pressure
The middle ear is an air-filled cavity behind the eardrum; its air pressure must match the external atmospheric pressure for comfortable hearing. The Eustachian tube, a narrow passage connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, acts as a pressure regulator. Under normal conditions, this tube opens briefly when a person swallows or yawns, allowing air to flow in or out to equalize pressure.
When ascending in an airplane, the cabin pressure drops, causing the air trapped in the middle ear to expand and push the eardrum outward. During descent, the cabin pressure increases rapidly, creating a vacuum effect that pulls the eardrum inward. If the Eustachian tube cannot open quickly enough, the pressure differential stretches the eardrum, resulting in discomfort or pain known as “airplane ear” or barotitis media. Inflammation from colds, allergies, or sinus infections can block the Eustachian tube, making pressure equalization even harder.
The Difference Between Standard and Pressure-Regulating Ear Plugs
The effectiveness of an earplug depends entirely on its design. Standard earplugs, typically foam or silicone, are designed primarily for noise reduction by creating a seal in the ear canal. Because they seal the external ear canal, standard earplugs do not regulate middle ear pressure and may sometimes worsen the feeling of blockage during a pressure change.
Specialized pressure-regulating earplugs, often called flight earplugs, incorporate a porous or ceramic filter. This filter does not equalize the pressure itself but acts as an impedance, slowing the rate at which air enters or leaves the sealed ear canal. By moderating the speed of the air pressure change, these filtered earplugs give the Eustachian tube more time to open and adjust the middle ear pressure naturally. This slower adjustment lessens the strain on the eardrum, reducing discomfort associated with rapid altitude changes, particularly during descent. These specialized devices should be worn before takeoff and landing to manage the greatest pressure fluctuations.
Practical Application and Other Relief Methods
For pressure-regulating earplugs to be effective, they must be inserted before the airplane begins descent and kept in place until the cabin pressure stabilizes after landing. Manufacturers recommend replacing these plugs after four to six flights, as the microscopic pores in the filter can become clogged, reducing effectiveness. While these specialized plugs aid equalization, they offer limited relief if severe cold or sinus congestion completely blocks the Eustachian tubes.
Fortunately, several simple, active techniques work alongside or as an alternative to earplugs to help open the Eustachian tube.
Active Equalization Techniques
Simple acts like swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum activate the muscles that help the tube open and close, promoting pressure equalization. A more direct method is the Valsalva maneuver, which involves closing the mouth, pinching the nostrils shut, and gently attempting to exhale as if blowing up a balloon. This maneuver forces air into the Eustachian tubes, often resulting in a “popping” sensation as the pressure equalizes. Care should be taken to exhale gently to avoid potential eardrum damage. If ear pain is severe or the blocked feeling persists for hours or days after a flight, a medical consultation is necessary to check for barotrauma or fluid buildup.