Tips To Avoid Airplane Ear: Get Ready For A Pain-Free Flight

Airplane ear, also known as barotrauma, is a condition that occurs when there is a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of the ear. This can happen during air travel, when the cabin pressure changes rapidly. Airplane ear can cause pain, discomfort, and even hearing loss.

There are a few things you can do to avoid airplane ear, including:

• Chewing gum or sucking on candy during takeoff and landing.
• Yawning or swallowing to open up the Eustachian tubes.
• Using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to reduce the noise level.
• Taking a decongestant or antihistamine before flying.

If you do experience airplane ear, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain and discomfort, including:

• Applying a warm compress to your ear.
• Taking a pain reliever.
• Seeing a doctor if the pain is severe or does not go away.

Airplane ear is a common condition that can be easily avoided and treated. By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing airplane ear and enjoy your flight.

1. Chew gum or suck on candy

Chewing gum or sucking on candy is a simple and effective way to help avoid airplane ear. When you chew or suck, you create a swallowing motion that helps to open up the Eustachian tubes. This allows air to flow more freely between the middle ear and the back of the throat, which helps to equalize the pressure and prevent pain.

• Chewing gum or sucking on candy can help to reduce the risk of developing airplane ear by up to 50%.
• Chewing gum or sucking on candy is especially effective for children, who are more likely to experience airplane ear than adults.
• Chewing gum or sucking on candy can also help to relieve the pain and discomfort of airplane ear if it does occur.

If you are flying, chewing gum or sucking on candy is a simple and effective way to help avoid airplane ear. It is a good idea to start chewing or sucking before takeoff and to continue until the plane has reached its cruising altitude. You can also chew or suck on gum or candy during landing to help prevent pain.

2. Yawn or swallow

Yawning and swallowing are two simple and effective ways to help avoid airplane ear. When you yawn or swallow, you create a swallowing motion that helps to open up the Eustachian tubes. This allows air to flow more freely between the middle ear and the back of the throat, which helps to equalize the pressure and prevent pain.

• Yawning and swallowing are especially effective for children, who are more likely to experience airplane ear than adults.
• Yawning and swallowing can also help to relieve the pain and discomfort of airplane ear if it does occur.
• If you are flying, yawning and swallowing frequently can help to reduce your risk of developing airplane ear.
• You can also yawn and swallow during landing to help prevent pain.

Here are some tips for yawning and swallowing to avoid airplane ear:

• Start yawning and swallowing before takeoff.
• Continue yawning and swallowing until the plane has reached its cruising altitude.
• Yawn and swallow frequently during landing.
• If you have trouble yawning, try chewing gum or sucking on candy.

Yawning and swallowing are simple and effective ways to help avoid airplane ear. By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing airplane ear and enjoy your flight.

3. Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones

Airplane ear is a condition that occurs when there is a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of the ear. This can happen during air travel, when the cabin pressure changes rapidly. Airplane ear can cause pain, discomfort, and even hearing loss.

Noise can make airplane ear worse. When the noise level is high, it can be more difficult for the Eustachian tubes to open up and equalize the pressure in the middle ear. This can lead to pain and discomfort.

Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help to reduce the noise level and make it easier for the Eustachian tubes to open up. This can help to prevent airplane ear or reduce its severity.

• Earplugs are a simple and inexpensive way to reduce noise levels. They can be purchased at most drugstores and pharmacies.
• Noise-canceling headphones are more expensive than earplugs, but they can be more effective at reducing noise levels. Noise-canceling headphones use active noise cancellation technology to block out unwanted noise.
• Both earplugs and noise-canceling headphones can be effective at preventing airplane ear. However, noise-canceling headphones may be a better choice for people who are particularly sensitive to noise.

If you are flying, using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones is a good way to help prevent airplane ear. Earplugs and noise-canceling headphones can also help to reduce the severity of airplane ear if it does occur.

FAQs about How to Avoid Airplane Ear

Airplane ear is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort during air travel. It occurs when there is a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of the ear. Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to avoid airplane ear, including chewing gum or sucking on candy, yawning or swallowing, and using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones.

Here are some frequently asked questions about how to avoid airplane ear:

Question 1: What is the best way to prevent airplane ear?

The best way to prevent airplane ear is to chew gum or suck on candy, yawn or swallow, and use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones. Chewing gum or sucking on candy helps to open up the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. Yawning or swallowing also helps to open up the Eustachian tubes. Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help to reduce the noise level, which can make airplane ear worse.

Question 2: Can I use earplugs to prevent airplane ear?

Yes, earplugs can be effective at preventing airplane ear. Earplugs help to reduce the noise level, which can make it easier for the Eustachian tubes to open up and equalize the pressure in the middle ear.

Question 3: Can I use noise-canceling headphones to prevent airplane ear?

Yes, noise-canceling headphones can be effective at preventing airplane ear. Noise-canceling headphones use active noise cancellation technology to block out unwanted noise. This can help to reduce the noise level and make it easier for the Eustachian tubes to open up.

Question 4: What should I do if I experience airplane ear?

If you experience airplane ear, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain and discomfort. You can try chewing gum or sucking on candy, yawning or swallowing, or using a nasal decongestant. You can also try applying a warm compress to your ear.

Question 5: Can airplane ear cause serious health problems?

In most cases, airplane ear is not a serious health problem. However, in some cases, airplane ear can lead to more serious health problems, such as a ruptured eardrum or an infection of the middle ear. If you experience severe pain or discomfort, or if your symptoms do not improve after a few days, you should see a doctor.

Question 6: How can I reduce my risk of developing airplane ear?

There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk of developing airplane ear, including:

• Chewing gum or sucking on candy during takeoff and landing.
• Yawning or swallowing during takeoff and landing.
• Using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones during takeoff and landing.
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before and during your flight.
• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of developing airplane ear and enjoy your flight.

If you have any other questions about how to avoid airplane ear, please consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional.

Tips to Avoid Airplane Ear

Airplane ear, or barotrauma, is a condition that occurs when there is a difference in air pressure between the inside and outside of the ear. This can happen during air travel, when the cabin pressure changes rapidly. Airplane ear can cause pain, discomfort, and even hearing loss.

There are a number of things you can do to avoid airplane ear, including:

Tip 1: Chew gum or suck on candy

Chewing gum or sucking on candy helps to open up the Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat. This allows air to flow more freely between the middle ear and the back of the throat, which helps to equalize the pressure and prevent pain.

Tip 2: Yawn or swallow

Yawning and swallowing also help to open up the Eustachian tubes. You can try yawning or swallowing frequently during takeoff and landing, when the cabin pressure is changing most rapidly.

Tip 3: Use earplugs or noise-canceling headphones

Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can help to reduce the noise level in the cabin, which can make airplane ear worse. Noise-canceling headphones are particularly effective at blocking out low-frequency noise, which is the type of noise that can cause airplane ear.

Tip 4: Avoid caffeine and alcohol

Caffeine and alcohol can both dehydrate you, which can make airplane ear worse. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol before and during your flight.

Tip 5: Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated can help to keep your Eustachian tubes open and functioning properly. Drink plenty of fluids before and during your flight.

Tip 6: Use a nasal decongestant

If you have a cold or allergies, using a nasal decongestant can help to open up your Eustachian tubes. Nasal decongestants are available over-the-counter at most pharmacies.

Tip 7: See a doctor if you have severe pain

If you experience severe pain or discomfort in your ears during or after a flight, see a doctor. You may have a more serious condition, such as a ruptured eardrum or an infection of the middle ear.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of developing airplane ear and enjoy your flight.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

• Chewing gum or sucking on candy, yawning or swallowing, and using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones can all help to open up the Eustachian tubes and prevent airplane ear.
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, staying hydrated, and using a nasal decongestant can also help to reduce your risk of developing airplane ear.
• If you experience severe pain or discomfort in your ears during or after a flight, see a doctor.

Transition to the article’s conclusion:

Airplane ear is a common condition, but it can be easily avoided by following these simple tips. By taking these precautions, you can help to ensure that your next flight is a comfortable one.

Final Thoughts on Preventing Airplane Ear

Airplane ear is a common condition that can cause pain, discomfort, and even hearing loss. However, it can be easily avoided by following a few simple tips. By chewing gum or sucking on candy, yawning or swallowing, and using earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, you can help to open up the Eustachian tubes and prevent airplane ear.

If you do experience airplane ear, there are a few things you can do to relieve the pain and discomfort, such as applying a warm compress to your ear, taking a pain reliever, or using a nasal decongestant. However, if you experience severe pain or discomfort, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any more serious conditions.

By following these tips, you can help to reduce your risk of developing airplane ear and enjoy your next flight.