Sometimein June, I was on the longest flight I had ever been on in my life. As usual, I experienced blocked ears.Unfortunately, where I travelled to, it is winter at the moment, and the cold is making me experience blocked ears again!This second experience with blocked ears is the push to talk about one of the most common health complaints for air travellers, known as airplane ear, ear barotrauma, barotitis and aero-otitis.Whichever name you choose to call it, airplane ear happens when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure inside the airplane do not match. The mismatch keeps the eardrum from moving as usual.In each ear, there is a tube that connects the middle ear to the throat and nose. It also helps regulate ear pressure. This tube is called the Eustachian tube.When an airplane takes off or descends for landing, the air pressure changes quickly. The Eustachian tube often cannot react fast enough. When the tube becomes blocked, you may experience airplane ear.Apart from flying, some other causes of airplane ear are:Scuba diving: Moving up or down quickly in the water changes pressure rapidly.Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Unfortunately, where I travelled to, it is winter at the moment, and the cold is making me experience blocked ears again!This second experience with blocked ears is the push to talk about one of the most common health complaints for air travellers, known as airplane ear, ear barotrauma, barotitis and aero-otitis.Whichever name you choose to call it, airplane ear happens when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure inside the airplane do not match. The mismatch keeps the eardrum from moving as usual.In each ear, there is a tube that connects the middle ear to the throat and nose. It also helps regulate ear pressure. This tube is called the Eustachian tube.When an airplane takes off or descends for landing, the air pressure changes quickly. The Eustachian tube often cannot react fast enough. When the tube becomes blocked, you may experience airplane ear.Apart from flying, some other causes of airplane ear are:Scuba diving: Moving up or down quickly in the water changes pressure rapidly.Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. This second experience with blocked ears is the push to talk about one of the most common health complaints for air travellers, known as airplane ear, ear barotrauma, barotitis and aero-otitis.Whichever name you choose to call it, airplane ear happens when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure inside the airplane do not match. The mismatch keeps the eardrum from moving as usual.In each ear, there is a tube that connects the middle ear to the throat and nose. It also helps regulate ear pressure. This tube is called the Eustachian tube.When an airplane takes off or descends for landing, the air pressure changes quickly. The Eustachian tube often cannot react fast enough. When the tube becomes blocked, you may experience airplane ear.Apart from flying, some other causes of airplane ear are:Scuba diving: Moving up or down quickly in the water changes pressure rapidly.Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Whichever name you choose to call it, airplane ear happens when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure inside the airplane do not match. The mismatch keeps the eardrum from moving as usual.In each ear, there is a tube that connects the middle ear to the throat and nose. It also helps regulate ear pressure. This tube is called the Eustachian tube.When an airplane takes off or descends for landing, the air pressure changes quickly. The Eustachian tube often cannot react fast enough. When the tube becomes blocked, you may experience airplane ear.Apart from flying, some other causes of airplane ear are:Scuba diving: Moving up or down quickly in the water changes pressure rapidly.Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. In each ear, there is a tube that connects the middle ear to the throat and nose. It also helps regulate ear pressure. This tube is called the Eustachian tube.When an airplane takes off or descends for landing, the air pressure changes quickly. The Eustachian tube often cannot react fast enough. When the tube becomes blocked, you may experience airplane ear.Apart from flying, some other causes of airplane ear are:Scuba diving: Moving up or down quickly in the water changes pressure rapidly.Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. When an airplane takes off or descends for landing, the air pressure changes quickly. The Eustachian tube often cannot react fast enough. When the tube becomes blocked, you may experience airplane ear.Apart from flying, some other causes of airplane ear are:Scuba diving: Moving up or down quickly in the water changes pressure rapidly.Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Apart from flying, some other causes of airplane ear are:Scuba diving: Moving up or down quickly in the water changes pressure rapidly.Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Scuba diving: Moving up or down quickly in the water changes pressure rapidly.Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Mountain driving: Going up or down steep hills or high mountain roads alters air pressure.Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Tall elevators: Riding a fast lift in a skyscraper changes pressure quickly.Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Blast injuries: Loud explosions create a sudden wave of high air pressure.Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Hyperbaric chambers: High-pressure medical treatment rooms can trigger it.Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Occasionally, airplane ear is common, especially in environments where the altitude changes. While the condition is not harmful in most people, frequent cases may cause further complications that may require medical treatment.Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Common risk factors include having allergies, colds (a cold caused the airplane ear I am currently experiencing), or active ear infections.Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Infants and young children are also at risk. A child’s Eustachian tube is smaller and positioned differently from an adult’s, so it may become blocked more easily. When babies and toddlers cry on an airplane during take-off or landing, it is often because they are feeling the effects of ear barotrauma.Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Sleeping on an airplane while it is ascending or descending is another risk factor. This prevents yawning, swallowing or doing anything that helps equalise the pressure in the ears.Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Airplane ear can happen in one or both ears. Common symptoms include:Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Discomfort in the ear.A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. A feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear.Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Muffled hearing or some hearing loss.Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Symptoms of severe airplane ear may include:Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Severe pain.Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Increased pressure in the ear.Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Worsening hearing loss.Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Dizziness.Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Ringing in the ear, called tinnitus.A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. A spinning sensation, called vertigo.Related NewsEx-US President Joe Biden’s cancer has spread, son saysSCD: Love, testing and the choices we make (Part 1)Evening recap: US halts routine visa processing in Abuja, FG unveils herbal medicines for cancers, hepatitis B, other top storiesBleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Bleeding from the ear.Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Eardrum injury.Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Some ways to prevent airplane ear:Yawn, chew and swallowDuring take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. During take-off and landing, chewing gum and swallowing activate the muscles that help keep the Eustachian tubes open.Do not sleep during ascent and descentIf you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. If you are awake during periods of sudden pressure change, you can practise preventive measures whenever you feel discomfort in your ears.Reschedule travel plansIf possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. If possible, avoid travelling by air if you have a common cold, sinusitis, an ear infection, nasal congestion, or if you have just had ear surgery.Try filtered earplugsThese earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. These earplugs help equalise pressure during take-off and landing. They are available at drugstores, airport gift shops and hearing clinics. However, you will still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.Take allergy medicinesPeople with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. People with allergies can take their medication about an hour before the flight.Use decongestant pills with careDecongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Decongestants taken by mouth may help if taken 30 minutes to an hour before a flight. Do not take decongestants if you have heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, high blood pressure, or if you are pregnant.The Valsalva manoeuvreIt is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. It is a breathing technique used to change pressure in the chest and ears.The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by forcefully attempting to exhale against a closed airway. This is usually done by closing the mouth, pinching the nose shut and gently blowing, as if trying to inflate a balloon.Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Repeat this several times, especially during descent, to equalise the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. How to help your child equalise pressure in their earsEncourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Encourage them to drink water or other non-caffeinated fluids.Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Swallowing liquids helps open the Eustachian tubes.Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Try bottle-feeding or breastfeeding infants. For best results, hold your child upright while feeding.Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Make sure they stay awake during take-off and landing, as they swallow less while sleeping.Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Encourage them to yawn frequently.Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Have them suck on hard candy or chew gum, but only if they are at least three years old.Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Teach them to equalise pressure by taking a slow breath, pinching their nose, closing their mouth and gently exhaling.According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. According to Ana Kim, MD, an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at Columbia University Medical Centre, “This discomfort can be more pronounced if you have a cold or sinus infection because the congestion interferes with airflow through your nose to the ear, making it hard to equalise your ear pressure.Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Other factors that can affect your ability to equalise pressure include allergies, nasal polyps or a history of ear infections.”According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. According to family medicine specialist Matthew Goldman, MD, “When you open up the Eustachian tubes, you give air a chance to get in, which can stabilise the pressure and allow your ears to pop.”He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. He added, “This is why you may have heard people recommend chewing gum on airplanes. It is not the gum itself that helps pop your ears. Gum creates saliva, and as you repeatedly swallow that saliva, it can help open your tubes and keep the air flowing. Things like mints or sour candies can do the trick, too.”A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. A study titled “Airplane Ear — A Neglected Yet Preventable Problem” by Sudip Bhattacharya et al. concludes that airplane ear is a common yet often ignored public health problem. It can be managed effectively if proper precautions and corrective measures are adopted. The study also recommends that flight attendants be trained to recognise and manage airplane ear alongside other passenger safety measures. This could reduce discomfort during flights and empower passengers during air travel.Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. Some people experience severe airplane ear, such as sharp ear pain that does not improve, blood or fluid draining from the ear canal, sudden hearing loss, muffled hearing lasting more than 24 hours, severe dizziness, spinning sensations or balance problems (vertigo). These symptoms require urgent medical attention.If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear. If you are prone to severe airplane ear and must fly frequently, your doctor may surgically place tubes in your eardrums to help drain fluid, ventilate the middle ear and equalise the pressure between the outer and middle ear.