Tricks to help relieve pressure in your ears on the plane

Why does pressure occur in the first place?

Ear pressure occurs when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the environment do not match. This prevents your eardrum from vibrating normally. This is due to the fact that eustachian tube, the narrow passageway connected to the middle ear, which regulates air pressure by slow release, cannot keep up with pressure changes quickly enough.

How to relieve pressure in the ears on the plane?

Yawn or talk to activate the Eustachian tube

When wondering how to relieve ear pressure on a plane, the first solution is actually very simple. Open and close your mouth, yawning in particular is very effective. There are muscles around the Eustachian tube that change when you open your mouth to create movement in the tube and consequently open it when the mouth is open compared to when the jaw is closed. So if you yawn or chew during takeoff or landing, this will reduce the pressure in your ears.

Chew gum, drink liquids or help yourself to sweets

Treat yourself to chewing gum before takeoff and landing. Chewing preparations with mint in particular are a good idea, as they cause additional secretion of saliva and consequently speed up swallowing, which has a beneficial effect on the ears. It is especially good for children to offer them a lollipop (preferably without sugar) during take-off, as this way they will avoid unpleasant pressure in their ears. Babies are welcome to breastfeed during take-off and landing.

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Try a diving maneuver

This ear unclogging technique is also popular among snorkelers. Close your nose and swallow at the same time. It might feel a little weird, so do it as gently as possible.

Try to stay awake during takeoff and landing

Those who sleep during take-off or landing are more susceptible to the appearance of pressure in the ears. That's because when you're sleeping, you won't be yawning, swallowing, chewing, or doing any other trick to help you escape the pressure.

For mitigation, use specially designed earplugs

Earplugs are not only good for a restful sleep in an unfamiliar place, they can also relieve the discomfort of ear pressure. Some travelers also swear by hypoallergenic earplugs, which are specially designed to help regulate ear pressure. These have a unique filter that regulates air pressure, which is said to help relieve discomfort.

Place a heating pad or warm cloth on the ear

For persistent ear discomfort, try heating a warm cloth or heating pad to help open the Eustachian tube. The heat should help unclog the tube and allow the built-up ear pressure to release.

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