Ears Clogging Up on a Flight? How to Relieve the Pain
Pressure in the ears, temporary hearing loss, and sometimes sharp pain are familiar phenomena during a flight, especially during landing. But there are several simple actions that can help.
Many are familiar with the feeling: a moment before the plane lands, the ears clog up, hearing changes, and sometimes an unpleasant pain appears. For some passengers, the sensation passes within minutes, while for others it may last longer, especially if they have a cold or suffer from nasal congestion.
The phenomenon is caused by changes in atmospheric pressure during takeoff and, primarily, during landing. For hearing to be normal, the pressure on both sides of the eardrum must be balanced. This role is filled by the Eustachian tube — a small channel connecting the middle ear to the pharynx, allowing air passage and pressure equalization. When the tube does not open easily, for example due to a cold or allergy, air has difficulty passing, and the pressure exerted on the eardrum creates the sensation of clogging and sometimes pain.
How can it be relieved?
The body's natural way to open the Eustachian tube is through swallowing or yawning, so during takeoff and especially during landing, it is recommended to encourage these actions:
-
Suck on a candy or chew gum to increase the frequency of swallowing.
-
Yawn, even if it is a forced yawn.
-
Drink water in small sips.
-
Gently perform the Valsalva maneuver: close the nose and mouth and try to exhale gently, as if trying to blow your nose. This helps air pass into the middle ear and balance the pressures.
If a clicking sound is heard during swallowing or yawning, it is usually a sign that the pressure in the ear has balanced.
Who is at higher risk?
People suffering from a cold, seasonal allergy, or sinusitis tend to experience this phenomenon more frequently. In such cases, a nasal spray or drops can be used to reduce congestion before takeoff and especially before landing, according to the instructions for use.
What about babies?
Babies also have difficulty balancing pressures during a flight. To relieve them, it is recommended to let them suck on a pacifier, drink from a bottle, or breastfeed during takeoff and landing. The sucking and swallowing action helps open the Eustachian tube. If the nose is blocked, saline drops can be used according to the instructions.
When should you see a doctor?
In most cases, the feeling of clogging passes shortly after landing. However, if the pain is particularly intense, if the clogging does not pass after a few hours or days, or if a significant decrease in hearing, discharge from the ear, or dizziness appears, it is recommended to seek an examination by an ENT specialist.
Dr. Moshe Eilam is an ENT specialist at Clalit, Central District.
