For some individuals, taking a flight can be a thoroughly unenjoyable experience. The change in air pressure causes them excruciating earaches. And yes, they have already tried everything: chewing gum, earplugs, nasal spray, and painkillers … There are people who are so afraid of this issue that they’re even too scared to board a plane. Nose, throat, and ear specialist Stephan Vlaminck explains on Radio2 what causes these earaches and what you can do to prevent them.
Air fills the middle ear space behind the eardrum and ventilation of the Eustachian tube allows air pressure in the ear to equalize with atmospheric pressure.
‘Everything mainly focuses on the Eustachian tube and the middle ear,’ Vlaminck explains. ‘The middle ear is a closed compartment located behind the eardrum. That middle ear only has the ability to adjust its pressure through the Eustachian tube.’
On the ground, the pressure inside both the middle ear and the outer ear is identical. As the plane begins to ascend, the air becomes progressively thinner and atmospheric pressure decreases. This decrease in pressure now causes a surplus pressure to build up within the middle ear. This accumulated pressure then plays a vital role in facilitating the opening of the Eustachian tube, allowing it to release with ease. As a result, pressure balance is subsequently restored.
When a plane starts descending, air pressure increases and the middle ear must equalize the pressure. It does this by drawing in air through the Eustachian tube, but sometimes this process happens too fast, and the tube seals shut. This can cause excruciating pain. It is easier to release air than to draw it in, which is why the discomfort associated with descending is often worse than that of ascending.
What helps?
Your ear needs to be cleared, but it’s not that easy. When the plane starts its descent, you should begin to squeeze immediately while holding your nose shut. By the time the Eustachian tube operates, it’s already too late.
Many people who come back from a hot climate find themselves chilled by the air conditioning on the plane. This creates an issue: By the time you’re back in the air, your Eustachian tube is already inflamed and swollen. A useful trick is to use nasal spray as soon as the plane starts descending, which helps to clear your nasal congestion and open up your airways. You should wait a bit and then apply it again, and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to resolve the problem.
Those other small tricks, such as chewing gum, only provide relief if your Eustachian tube isn’t facing difficulties with the pressure difference. And earplugs are of no assistance, since the issue occurs behind the eardrum, which they cannot reach, explains the otorhinolaryngologist.
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