How to Alleviate Ear Pain While Flying

If you’ve ever experienced sharp, relentless ear pain while flying, you’re not alone. Many travelers, including myself, are familiar with the discomfort caused by rapid pressure changes during flights. The good news is that there are practical strategies to reduce or eliminate this issue. In this article, I’ll share tips that range from over-the-counter products to natural techniques, all aimed at helping you avoid ear pain and potential complications, such as eardrum perforation, during your next flight.

Why Does Air Travel Cause Ear Pain?

The ear pain you experience during takeoff or landing stems from changes in air pressure. As an airplane ascends, the cabin pressure decreases rapidly, which affects the air trapped behind your eardrum in the middle ear. This imbalance can lead to pain, as the ear struggles to equalize the internal and external pressures. A similar situation occurs during descent when the pressure increases again. This is why ear pain during flights is so common and often unavoidable without intervention.

Preparing Your Ears Before Takeoff

If congestion is a concern, decongestant sprays or oral decongestants, like Sudafed, can be helpful. These products work by narrowing the blood vessels in the nasal passages, making it easier for your ears to adjust to the pressure changes. However, Sudafed contains pseudoephedrine, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate. I recommend speaking with a pharmacist before using it, especially if you have any cardiovascular issues, glaucoma, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, or prostate enlargement. Additionally, pseudoephedrine may interact with certain medications, so it’s important to consult your healthcare provider if you take medications like MAO inhibitors.

For those who prefer to avoid medication, or for whom decongestants are not suitable, EarPlanes are an effective alternative. These earplugs are designed to regulate the pressure inside your ear canal, helping to prevent the pain associated with rapid altitude changes. EarPlanes work by creating a slow, controlled pressure adjustment, reducing the discomfort caused by sudden pressure shifts. They’re widely recommended, including by US Navy aviators, and come in both adult and children’s sizes.

Note: EarPlanes are recommended for short-term use only because the "micron-sized pores in the CeramX filter become clogged by dust and other minuscule particles in the air, potentially clogging the filter over time", according to the manufacturer.

Natural Remedies for Ear Pain

If you find yourself on a flight without these products, there are still natural ways to alleviate ear pain. One well-known method is chewing gum or swallowing, which helps open the eustachian tube — a small passage that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. This tube plays a crucial role in equalizing ear pressure.

The Toynbee Maneuver

Before takeoff, try this technique by pinching your nostrils shut, closing your mouth, and swallowing several times. This maneuver can help equalize pressure in your ears during ascent.

The Valsalva Maneuver

This technique is particularly useful during descent. Pinch your nostrils, close your mouth, take a deep breath, and gently blow through your nose. You should hear a “pop” in your ears, which signals that your eustachian tubes have opened, allowing air to flow into your middle ears and relieve pressure. However, be sure to perform the Valsalva maneuver gently, as forcefully blowing can cause complications like barotrauma or even ear drum perforation. If you’re unsure, it’s always safer to consult with a healthcare professional.

Both of these techniques can be done anytime your ears feel clogged, not just during flights.

When to Seek Professional Help

Airplane ear pain can be incredibly uncomfortable, but by using a combination of over-the-counter solutions like decongestants and EarPlanes, or by employing natural methods like the Toynbee and Valsalva maneuvers, you can minimize or even eliminate the discomfort. For frequent travelers or those prone to ear pain, it’s worth considering these options for your next flight.

However, if you experience persistent issues with ear pressure, frequent barotrauma, or recurring discomfort, it’s important to consult with an audiologist. In some cases, more extensive treatments like pressure equalization tubes or medical intervention may be necessary to manage chronic eustachian tube dysfunction.