In the space behind the eardrum is a structure called the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat. The Eustachian tube is responsible for maintaining a homogeneous atmospheric pressure between the middle ear and the environment. Keeping the air pressure balanced is something you don’t normally have to think about, but hearing problems appear during an airplane flight.
“The “airplane ear” It is a general term that encompasses various symptoms caused by rapid changes in altitude and air pressure, he explained. Davide Gudisotolaryngologist New York-Presbyterian Columbia Hospital to the New York Times and added: “For some people it is nothing more than a choking sensation that temporarily dulls their hearing. For others, the condition can cause severe pain and even damage the eardrum.”
“The good news is that it usually resolves itself. It can be very uncomfortable until this happens,” the expert said, adding: “But when atmospheric pressure changes rapidly during a flight, it can be difficult for the Eustachian tube to “keep up.” yawning or “unplugging your ears” to force the trunk to open to let air pass.
Gregory Levitin, An otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City explained: “If air cannot pass through the Eustachian tube, the air pressure inside your ears will not be the same as the air pressure around tea. You can think of it as “your ear can’t breathe very well.” Uneven pressure can stretch the eardrum and cause pain, experts agree. It can also muffle hearing by preventing the eardrum from responding adequately to sound waves.
There are several explanations for why some people are more prone to air ear, specialists say. The most common culprit is pre-flight upper airway congestion. “The middle ear and Eustachian tube have a mucous lining that traps and protects against harmful bacteria. But when you’re congested with something like a cold, allergy or sinus infection, the lining can swell, which can block the tube,” she said. Howard W. Francis, professor of otolaryngology Duke University School of Medicine.
The bottom line is that flying with an ear infection can also increase your chances of experiencing unusual but serious and painful ear symptoms on the plane, such as a ruptured eardrum. If you have an ear infection and are planning to fly, you should consider changing your travel plans if possible. The symptom of airplane ear usually goes away once air is able to pass through the Eustachian tube, which can occur within seconds, minutes, hours, or a few days of the onset of symptoms.
The quickest way to treat it is to force yourself to yawn, chew gum, or take a sip of water to help you swallow. “If that doesn’t work, try the Valsalva maneuver, a breathing technique that involves closing your mouth and pinching your nose as you gently exhale,” Gutis explained, suggesting, “Any symptoms that last for weeks, are extremely bothersome, or occur every time “Flights should require a visit to an ear, nose and throat doctor.” If you are congested but have to take a flight, it is recommended to use a nasal decongestant spray 30 to 60 minutes before takeoff most people can prevent plane ear with much simpler strategies.
You may also be interested
by RN
Image gallery
How can travelers prevent and treat airplane ear during flights?
Time.news Interview: Understanding “Airplane Ear” with Otolaryngologist Gregory Levitin
Editor (E): Welcome, everyone, to this edition of Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Gregory Levitin, an esteemed otolaryngologist at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. We’re diving into a topic that many travelers are familiar with: “airplane ear.” Dr. Levitin, thank you for joining us today!
Dr. Levitin (D): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
E: Let’s jump right in. Can you explain what exactly “airplane ear” is and why it happens during flights?
D: Absolutely. “Airplane ear” is a catch-all term for various symptoms that arise due to rapid changes in altitude and air pressure during a flight. Essentially, the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, struggles to equalize the pressure. This can lead to a feeling of fullness, discomfort, or even pain in the ears, and in some cases, it can temporarily dull hearing.
E: That sounds quite uncomfortable! What are some typical symptoms that people might experience?
D: Common symptoms include a sensation of fullness or pressure in the ear, discomfort or pain, and sometimes muffled hearing. For some individuals, it can escalate to severe ear pain, or in rare cases, damage to the eardrum if the pressure differential becomes too great.
E: So why do some individuals experience this more severely than others?
D: That’s a great question. One of the primary reasons has to do with pre-flight conditions, particularly upper airway congestion. When someone is experiencing a cold, allergies, or a sinus infection, the lining of the Eustachian tube can swell, making it more difficult for air to pass through. This can create a situation where the air pressure inside the middle ear can’t equalize properly with the external pressure.
E: Interesting! Are there any remedies or strategies that travelers can use to alleviate the discomfort of airplane ear?
D: There are several techniques that can help. Yawning, swallowing, or “unplugging” your ears—like you might do during takeoff or landing—can encourage the Eustachian tube to open and equalize the pressure. Chewing gum or sucking on candy can also stimulate swallowing, which is beneficial. Additionally, if you know you’re congested prior to flying, using a nasal spray or a decongestant can help keep the Eustachian tube clear.
E: That sounds manageable. Are there any situations or conditions that would suggest someone should avoid flying altogether?
D: Yes, if a person is experiencing a significant ear infection or has been advised by a healthcare professional that flying could worsen their condition, it’s best to postpone travel. The pressure changes can exacerbate the symptoms and potentially lead to complications.
E: Thank you, Dr. Levitin. Before we wrap up, is there a final piece of advice you’d like to share with our readers, especially those who travel frequently?
D: Certainly! Staying hydrated and being mindful of any existing nasal congestion before your flight can go a long way. If someone is prone to airplane ear, it’s worth discussing with their doctor prior to traveling to have a solid plan in place.
E: Excellent advice! Dr. Levitin, thank you so much for your insights today. It’s essential for travelers to understand how to protect their ear health while flying.
D: Thank you for having me! Safe travels, everyone!
E: That concludes our discussion on “airplane ear.” We appreciate Dr. Levitin’s expertise and hope our readers find this information helpful for their next flight. Until next time, take care!
