Why Does Ear Pain and Blockage Happen During Flights?
Airplane ear explanation and coping strategies: insights from pilots
Let's dive into the reasons behind the common issue of ear discomfort during takeoff and landing. Aviation expert, William Hosea, explains that this happens due to sudden pressure changes experienced at these stages.
During ascent, an aircraft's cabin pressure decreases, making it feel like you're at an altitude of about 1,800 meters above sea level. The thinning air can lead to ear problems for some passengers. This difference in external and internal pressure causes the eardrum to bulge or retract, resulting in sensations such as blockage, muffled sound, and even pain.
So, how do you cope with these uncomfortable feelings? Here are tips from William Hosea to help you survive your flight:
- Valsalva Maneuver: Pinch your nose, close your mouth, and gently exhale as if puffing out your cheeks. This helps equalize pressure but remember, be careful not to use too much force that might damage the eardrum.
- Swallowing and Yawning: These actions help open the Eustachian tube – the channel connecting the ear to the nasopharynx. This aids in balancing pressure.
- Candy or Lozenges: They stimulate swallowing, helping you avoid pain before it starts.
- Infants and Children: During takeoff and landing, give them a bottle or pacifier to help deal with ear pressure.
Now, you might wonder what happens to cabin pressure at high altitudes. At such heights, external atmospheric pressure drops three times lower than at sea level. To maintain comfort and safety, cabin pressure is kept as if at an altitude of 1,500-2,400 meters. Despite this, gases expand, causing common issues with chips bags and bottles.
During takeoff, pressure inside the ear is higher than in the cabin – the eardrum bulges outward. On the other hand, during descent, external pressure increases but the internal pressure hasn't had time to equalize, pushing the eardrum inward. This leads to the familiar sensation of blockage and deafness.
In the past, airline passengers were given sugar candies to ease these uncomfortable sensations, but the current practice of providing such candies is unclear. Today, over-the-counter decongestants or hard candies can help alleviate the pressure. So, remember to pack them for your next flight!
What about using science to alleviate ear discomfort during flights? Introducing health-and-wellness techniques such as fitness-and-exercise routines like yoga or meditation before boarding could help prepare the body for the pressure changes. Additionally, incorporating therapies-and-treatments like acupressure on certain pressure points or ear acupuncture might offer relief. Lastly, adopting a travel lifestyle that includes adequate hydration, avoiding alcohol and caffeine, and taking breaks during long flights could prevent ear problems during takeoff and landing.
