How to Avoid Ear Pain During a Flight

When your plane is taking off or landing, the air pressure inside of it changes quickly. In most cases, your Eustachian tubes can’t react fast enough and get blocked because of the difference in pressure. 5-Minute Crafts would like to show you some pieces of advice on how to keep your Eustachian tubes open and prevent discomfort in your ears during a flight.

❗ If discomfort in your ears lasts for more than a few days, you should see your doctor.

❗ If you have a severe cold, allergy, or an ear infection, it’s better to reschedule your flight.

1. Stay awake.

What to do:

• Avoid napping during the ascent and descent of your flight. Otherwise, you won’t be able to do the self-care techniques listed below that will keep the air pressure in your ears equalized.

2. Activate the muscles of your mouth.

What to do:

• Yawn and swallow frequently during the ascent and descent to open your Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure in them.
• Chew gum or suck on candy to make the swallowing process easier.

3. Drink a lot of fluids.

What to do:

• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids (preferably water) throughout your flight to encourage swallowing and get rid of the mucus in your nose.

4. Use earplugs.

What to do:

• Wear earplugs to equalize the pressure against your eardrums during the take-off and landing of the plane.

5. Try the Valsalva maneuver.

What to do:

• Close your mouth and pinch your nose shut with your thumb and index finger.
• Applying gentle pressure on your nostrils, slowly blow as if you’re blowing your nose.
• Repeat several times.

6. Do a breathing exercise.

What to do:

• Breathe in slowly.
• Gently pinch the tip of your nose.
• Breathe out through your nose with your mouth closed.
• Repeat if necessary.