Why Flying Is Exhausting For Your Ears: The Science Behind Pressure Changes In Airplanes

If you’ve ever been on an airplane and suddenly felt an unpleasant pressure in your ears during takeoff or landing, you’re not alone. Many people experience ear discomfort during a flight, which can range from a slight feeling of blockage to sharp pain. But why does this happen, and more importantly, what can you do about it? In this article, we dive into the science behind air pressure changes in airplanes and how you can protect yourself from that annoying ear pain.

Air pressure changes in airplanes

To understand why your ears hurt during a flight, we first need to look at what happens with air pressure. When a plane takes off, it quickly rises to an altitude where the air pressure is much lower than on the ground. This difference in pressure affects your body, especially your ears.

Your ears have a small canal called the eustachian tube. This tube connects your middle ear to your throat and helps balance the pressure on both sides of your eardrum. Normally, this tube opens automatically when you swallow or yawn, keeping the pressure in your ear equal to the pressure outside your body. But during rapid changes in air pressure, such as during takeoff or landing, the eustachian tube may struggle to adjust the pressure quickly enough. This results in a feeling of blockage or even pain in your ears.

Why earplugs help

There are ways to reduce ear discomfort during air travel, and one option is to use earplugs on airplane. Earplugs can help manage the pressure changes by slowing down the rate at which the air pressure in the ears shifts. This may give the body more time to adjust, potentially reducing ear discomfort.

Some earplugs like the ones from Alpine ear protection are specifically designed for airplane use. These earplugs often have small filters that allow for gradual pressure changes, which may lessen the strain on the eardrums.

Other ways to prevent ear discomfort

In addition to using earplugs, there are other ways to relieve the pressure on your ears during a flight. Here are some tips you can try:

1. Swallowing and yawning

As mentioned earlier, the eustachian tube opens when you swallow or yawn. This helps regulate the pressure in your ears. Make sure to swallow or yawn regularly during takeoff and landing. Chewing gum or sucking on a candy can also help stimulate this process.

2. The valsalva maneuver

This is a technique often used by divers to relieve pressure in their ears. To perform the valsalva maneuver, pinch your nose closed, close your mouth, and try to exhale gently. This helps relieve pressure in your ears by pushing air through the eustachian tube.

3. Hydration

It’s important to stay hydrated during a flight, as the dry air in the cabin can dry out your mucous membranes, making the eustachian tube less effective. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine, as these can dehydrate you.

4. Avoid flying with a cold

If you have a cold or suffer from allergies, this can block the eustachian tube, making it harder to regulate the pressure in your ears. If possible, try to avoid flying when you have a cold.

What if you already have ear pain?

If you’re already experiencing ear pain during a flight, there are a couple of things you can do to help reduce the discomfort. Using earplugs can help relieve the pressure, even if you are already in pain. Additionally, taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce the pain.

If you frequently suffer from severe ear pain while flying, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor.