“Airplane ears” refers to the temporary pain and discomfort many travelers experience during air travel. This sensation occurs when the air pressure inside the middle ear does not match the air pressure of the airplane cabin. The result is often a feeling of fullness, stuffiness, or a noticeable pressure that makes the ear feel blocked. Travelers may also notice a distinct popping sound as the pressure attempts to equalize, alongside muffled hearing or slight ear pain. While usually brief and mild, this discomfort can sometimes be severe, particularly during the plane’s ascent or descent.
The Science Behind Airplane Ears
The middle ear is a small, air-filled cavity separated from the outer ear by the eardrum (tympanic membrane). The air pressure within this cavity must constantly match the external barometric pressure for the eardrum to vibrate normally.
This pressure matching is the job of the Eustachian tube, a narrow passageway connecting the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. During a flight’s rapid changes in altitude, especially during descent, the surrounding atmospheric pressure increases quickly. If the Eustachian tube cannot open quickly enough to draw air into the middle ear, a pressure differential forms.
This imbalance causes the higher outside pressure to push the eardrum inward, stretching the membrane and causing the sensation of pain and fullness. The Eustachian tube acts as a pressure-equalizing valve, and pain occurs when this process is impaired or delayed.
Immediate Relief Strategies
The most effective way to combat airplane ears involves actively encouraging the Eustachian tubes to open and equalize the pressure. Travelers should intentionally stay awake during the aircraft’s descent, as the most significant pressure changes occur just before landing. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum are simple actions that help activate the muscles surrounding the Eustachian tube, prompting it to open.
A more direct technique is the Valsalva maneuver, which gently forces air into the middle ear. To perform this, pinch your nostrils closed, take a breath, and gently blow air against the closed mouth and nose. It is important to exhale gently, without excessive force, to prevent possible injury to the eardrum.
If you suffer from congestion due to a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection, consider using a decongestant nasal spray about 30 minutes before takeoff and again before descent, or an oral decongestant one hour before the flight. These medications reduce swelling in the nasal passages, which helps keep the opening of the Eustachian tube clear. Specialized filtered earplugs are also available; these devices slow the rate at which pressure changes reach the eardrum, allowing the ear more time to adapt.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While airplane ears typically resolve minutes to hours after landing, persistent or severe symptoms can indicate a more serious injury. You should consult a healthcare provider if the feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, or discomfort lasts longer than a few days following your flight. This prolonged duration suggests that the pressure imbalance may have caused swelling or fluid buildup in the middle ear.
Immediate medical attention is warranted if you experience severe, unrelenting ear pain, extreme dizziness or vertigo, or any fluid drainage from the ear. Drainage, especially if it contains blood, can be a sign of a ruptured eardrum, which occurs when the pressure differential is too great. Professional assessment is required to prevent potential complications like chronic hearing loss or infection.