The sensation of pressure in the ears, often described as a clogged or full feeling, is a common experience during rapid changes in altitude. This discomfort frequently occurs while flying, driving over mountain passes, or even scuba diving. Many people instinctively reach for chewing gum or a hard candy when this feeling begins, believing the action can relieve the pressure and produce the satisfying “pop” that signals equilibrium. Examining the physiology of the ear can explain why this simple action is effective.
Understanding Pressure Imbalance in the Middle Ear
The middle ear is a small, air-filled cavity behind the eardrum. For proper hearing and comfort, the air pressure within this cavity must match the air pressure of the surrounding environment. Connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and upper throat is a narrow passage called the auditory tube. This tube is typically closed, acting like a one-way valve to protect the middle ear from the nasal cavity.
When external air pressure changes quickly, such as during a plane’s descent, the air in the middle ear space cannot escape fast enough to match the rising pressure outside. This creates a pressure differential, where the eardrum is pushed inward by the higher external pressure. This inward bulging causes the feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, and the pain associated with ear barotrauma. The auditory tube must be actively opened to allow air to flow in or out, thereby equalizing the pressure.
The Mechanism of Chewing and Swallowing
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy is effective because it stimulates a specific, repeated muscular action. The mechanical movement of the jaw and the act of swallowing activate muscles located in the throat and soft palate. One muscle, the tensor veli palatini, plays a primary role in this equalization process.
The tensor veli palatini muscle is anchored near the auditory tube’s entrance. When this muscle contracts during a swallow or wide yawn, it pulls on the walls of the tube, causing it to momentarily open. This brief opening allows a small bubble of air to pass between the middle ear and the back of the throat. Chewing gum encourages frequent, reflexive swallowing, which triggers the tensor veli palatini muscle repeatedly. This constant muscular activity keeps the auditory tube opening and closing, effectively ventilating the middle ear cavity and preventing a significant pressure buildup.
Other Methods for Equalizing Ear Pressure
If chewing and swallowing are insufficient to relieve the pressure, a person can employ other targeted techniques to manually open the auditory tube.
Valsalva Maneuver
One common method is the Valsalva maneuver, which involves gently forcing air into the nasal passages while they are closed. To perform this, pinch the nostrils shut, keep the mouth closed, and then attempt to exhale slowly and moderately, as if blowing up a balloon. This action increases the pressure in the throat, which can force the auditory tube open and equalize the middle ear pressure.
Toynbee Maneuver
Another effective technique is the Toynbee maneuver, which relies on generating negative pressure to pull the tube open. This is performed by pinching the nostrils shut and then swallowing forcefully. The act of swallowing creates a vacuum in the throat, which helps to draw the air from the middle ear space through the auditory tube.
Simple actions like forced yawning or drinking water and swallowing repeatedly can also aid in equalization. Any maneuver involving forced air should be done gently to prevent injury to the delicate structures of the inner ear.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Ear Pain
While most cases of ear pressure imbalance are temporary and resolve with self-care techniques, certain symptoms warrant a consultation with a healthcare professional. Persistent severe pain that does not improve after an altitude change is a concerning sign of more significant barotrauma. If the feeling of fullness or muffled hearing lasts for more than a few days following a flight or dive, the issue may be more than simple pressure.
Other indicators of a potential injury or complication include:
- The onset of ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus.
- A spinning sensation called vertigo.
- Any visible fluid discharge, especially blood, from the ear canal.
These signs could suggest a rupture of the eardrum or other inner ear damage, and a doctor can properly assess the extent of the injury and recommend appropriate treatment.