You know that feeling when your ears get blocked while on a plane, and you have to struggle to relieve the pressure? That discomfort is caused by a condition known as airplane ear (barotrauma), which often results in blocked ears after flying and a feeling of temporary hearing loss.
This guide will explain why this happens, why your ears didn’t pop after the flight, and provide simple methods for how to prevent the pain and find relief when your ears are clogged.
Why Do Your Ears Pop on a Plane?
It all starts with the Eustachian tube. This small, narrow canal connects your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat, and its entire purpose is to regulate the air pressure in the middle ear.
The reason why your ears pop on a plane is simple: it’s the tube opening to equalise pressure between your middle ear and the outside air while flying. However, rapid changes in altitude during takeoff and landing prevent your ears from equalising naturally.
If your ears aren't popping after a flight, the Eustachian tube is likely blocked, inflamed, or closed, making equalisation difficult. This failure to equalise is the cause of barotrauma. Congestion from a cold or allergies significantly worsens this frustrating effect.
What is Airplane Ear (Barotrauma)?
Airplane ear is the clinical term for the discomfort or damage caused specifically by the pressure differences between the environment and your middle ear. The range varies widely, from mild temporary discomfort to severe, persistent symptoms where the airplane ear simply won’t go away.
How to Prevent Airplane Ear
If you frequently experience aeroplane ear and aren’t sure how to prevent it from recurring, try a few of these simple remedies and techniques during ascent and descent.
- Hold Your Nose and Blow (Valsalva Manoeuvre): Gently close your nostrils with your fingers and exhale as if blowing your nose. This forces air into the Eustachian tube. If you hear a popping sound in your ears, you have successfully equalised the pressure.
- Hold Your Nose and Take a Few Sips of Water (Toynbee Manoeuvre): Swallowing helps the tubes open. Combining this with closing your nostrils makes the action more effective.
- Yawning and Swallowing: These are the most natural ways to make your tubes work. Chewing gum or eating candy can encourage frequent swallowing.
- Medication: Some people may benefit from nasal decongestants or antihistamines before flying. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist first, especially for long-haul trips.
- Targeted Product: Mention speciality earplugs designed to slow air pressure change, giving your ears more time to adjust naturally.
What to Do If Your Ears Are Still Clogged After Flying
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your blocked ears may still persist after flying, causing discomfort and muffled hearing for hours. In such situations, you can try the following methods to safely relieve the persistent pressure from your ear:
- Continue using the Valsalva manoeuvre gently. Never blow too hard, as this can cause painful damage to the eardrum.
- Use steam or warm compresses to help open the Eustachian tube; inhaling steam from a hot shower can often help.
- Avoid diving or rapid elevator changes immediately after the flight, as this places unnecessary stress on your middle ear.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most mild cases of airplane ear resolve within a few hours, the symptoms can sometimes move from temporary annoyance to a potential medical concern. It is important to know when to seek professional attention for persistent issues.
Signs you should get help for your airplane ear:
- Pain or muffled hearing that lasts for more than 24-48 hours.
- Severe pain or bleeding from the ear.
- Associated dizziness or vertigo, possibly indicating an issue with your inner ear balance.
- Experiencing a sharp, acute popping sound in your ears accompanied by sudden relief of pressure, which may signal a perforation.
Protecting Your Hearing Post-Flight
The key takeaway is that airplane ear is usually temporary, but its persistence indicates an underlying issue that needs investigation. The failure of your blocked ears to clear themselves could signify inflammation, infection, or damage. It’s best not to ignore the symptoms and reiterate the importance of a professional examination if the airplane ear won’t go away.
If you experience persistent pain or muffled hearing for several days, it is time to visit a hearing care centre in Malaysia. Book a hearing test at The Listening Lab to shed light on your hearing-related complications.
