How to Prevent Plugged Up Ears from an Airplane Trip

Preventing the plugged up, muffled sensation in the ears on an airplane trip requires a basic understanding of inner-ear anatomy. According to Dizziness and Balance, a site specializing in inner-ear disorders, we experience discomfort when there is increased external pressure on the timpanic membrane--i.e., the "ear drum." There is a "pressure valve" of sorts called the Eustachian tube that normally equalizes the pressure, so most ear problems are related to a Eustachian tube issue.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

gum antihistamine
gum
antihistamine

Step 1

Equalize early and often. This is a common saying for SCUBA divers, according to DAN, the Diver's Alert Network, but the concept applies to airplanes as well. When diving, it is the increased external pressure of the water that is pushing in on the ear drum, causing plugged-up ears and even pain. When ascending in a plane, it is the opposite, the decreased air density causes the higher density air trapped in the inner ear to push the eardrum out. The greater the contrast, the more difficult and painful it may become, which is why you should begin equalizing early and often.

Step 2

Apply the Frenzel Maneuver. You close the mouth and move the tongue backwards on the roof of the mouth. This will cause the Eustachian tube to open and will release the excess air from the inner-ear chamber, equalizing the pressure.

Step 3

Yawn and swallow. Some people also chew gum to mimic these actions. This action of the muscles also coaxes open the Eustachian tube and will help excess air escape.

Step 4

Apply the Valsalva Maneuver on the descent. On the descent, you might experience the same problem that divers do, with the ear drum now being pushed inwards by the increasing external pressure. Plug the nose, close the mouth and exhale. You should feel pressure in the ears, as the air is being forced through the Eustachian tube. This will "pop" the ear drums back out. Remember the "early and often" credo, begin doing this as soon as you start the descent if you regularly experience inner-ear problems.

Step 5

Take an antihistamine or decongestant before the flight. If none of the above techniques are working, it is possible that you have a clogged or inflamed Eustachian tube due to sinus problems. These types of medications will reduce the swelling and allow air to pass through the tube more easily.

Step 6

Insert custom earplugs. There are a number of ear plug manufacturers that produce plugs that create a seal between the external environment and the ear canal and then let air in slowly. This allows the inner-ear to acclimate gradually to the changing pressure.

Tips & Warnings

Relax. Sometimes, tense muscles can cause the problem, and all you need to do is relax them. Dehydration is also sometimes an issue, so caffeine may exacerbate the problem.

If none of the above steps alleviate the problem, you may have chronic inner-ear issues, and you should consult a physician.

Resources

Cirrus Health Care: Custom ear plugs

Article Written By Ray Dallas

Ray Dallas graduated with majors in journalism and English. While in Florida, he wrote freelance articles for "The Alligator" and was the copy editor and a writer for "Orange & Blue." Since moving to California, Dallas has worked as a script reader and for a talent manager, as well as taking numerous industry odd jobs.

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