tips to prevent ear popping on flights ahead of the summer holidays – Beragampengetahuan

The summer holidays are approaching fast, and Brits are starting to book travel plans for the next few months. Monthly searches for ‘Summer Holiday’ are up to almost 80k and #EarsOnPlane has attracted 96.1 million views on TikTok, suggesting that travellers are looking for ways to make their journeys more comfortable, by preventing their ears from popping during air travel. ‘Aeroplane ear’, also known as Ear Barotrauma, occurs when there is an imbalance between the air pressure inside the middle ear and the air pressure outside of it. This happens noticeably during takeoff and landing and sometimes during air turbulence. Audiologist, Ashish Shah at The Hearing Care Partnership, has shared five useful tips to help prevent ear popping on flights ahead of the summer holidays.

Master the Valsalva Maneuver

During takeoff and landing, you are most likely to experience ‘aeroplane ear’ due to the change in pressure as the plane climbs higher or lower in the sky. The Valsalva Manoeuvre is considered a relatively safe method of forcing the ears to pop. To perform it safely do the following:

– Sit or stand upright and take a deep breath.
– Close your mouth and pinch your nostrils closed using your fingers.
– Gently and slowly exhale while keeping your mouth and nose closed.
– You should feel pressure in your ears or a popping sensation as air enters the Eustachian tubes.
– Release the pressure and inhale slowly to complete the manoeuvre.

When performing this, the results should be quick. If the ears do not pop easily, do not force them. Instead, speak to a pharmacist or GP who may recommend other treatment options such as nasal sprays or otovents.

Yawn, chew and swallow

Yawning, swallowing and chewing can help change the pressure in your ears, by opening up the ear canal and altering the pressure. You can keep this up by drinking lots of fluids (the non-alcoholic kind) and eating or chewing mint gum, which will help generate more saliva to help you swallow more and keep your ears comfortable.

Take antihistamines

Taking antihistamines or hayfever tablets can help as these contain decongestants. Decongestants work by reducing the swelling of blood vessels and are typically used for blocked sinuses. However, they can be very helpful for popping ears as they help relieve inner ear pressure. Decongestants may not be suitable if you have pre-existing conditions such as heart disease, in which case you should consult your GP. If you’re already prescribed allergy medication, this can also help with ear pressure, so you won’t need to take any additional antihistamines.

Wear earplugs to regulate pressure

Wearing earplugs, particularly filtered ones, can prevent the pressure from building up against your eardrum during takeoff and landing, thus greatly reducing the uncomfortable feeling. However, it’s still a good idea to yawn, swallow, or chew whilst wearing them to increase their benefits. You can purchase filtered earplugs at local supermarkets, drugstores or pharmacies.

Use nasal spray

Using a nasal spray can help reduce swelling in the sinuses, which helps open the ear. This can help to balance the pressure inside the inner ear and minimise the chances of developing aeroplane ear. Whilst most over-the-counter nasal sprays are safe to use, it’s important to note that they might not be safe for individuals with pre-existing conditions such as high blood pressure. It’s always recommended to consult a doctor if you are at risk before using any unprescribed medication.

About The Hearing Care Partnership

The Hearing Care Partnership is a family-owned, independent hearing care provider with over 280 practices nationwide. Offering a personalised, complete hearing service, their mission is to transform individual’s lifestyles with better hearing.

• Information provided via Press Release

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