Dealing with Ear Popping and Pressure: Travel Health

A change in ear pressure when you gain altitude can cause an unpleasant sensation, but it’s really a result of the changes in the plane’s cabin. You might feel the urge to make the feeling go away or make your ears pop, as the saying goes.

Travelers can never be underprepared when it comes to their health, and it’s good to know what’s normal when flying. 

Normally, the pressure in the middle ear is equal to the pressure outside of the ear. The Eustachian Tube, a hollow structure of bone and cartilage that connects the middle ear with the rear of the throat, helps to regulate the pressure in the middle ear. It equalizes air pressure on either side of the eardrum by pulling air in from the nasal passages or allowing air to vent.

Yawning or swallowing activates the muscles around the Eustachian tube, allowing it to open. During take-offs and landings, however, the atmospheric pressure change in the airplane is too rapid for normal functioning and this can cause discomfort.

How to Get Rid Of Ear Popping and Pressure

What can you do? Yawn frequently or chew gum. Chewing gum increases saliva production, which in turn increases swallowing.

For younger children, chewing gum, sucking on hard candy or drinking can help. Infants can breastfeed, bottle-feed or take a pacifier.

If you or your child has a head cold, sinus problems or allergies, you may have difficulty equalizing the air pressure due to an inflamed or mucous-laden Eustachian tube.

If you’re planning to fly and know that you’re “stuffed up,” taking a decongestant beforehand may help. Also, the Merck Manual of Medical Information suggests “blowing hard against a closed mouth and pinched nostrils to equalize air pressure.”

Products for Ear Popping and Pressure

One company, Cirrus Healthcare Products LLC, has come out with a product called “EarPlanes.” They were made specifically for the person with sensitive ears or the person who must fly despite a cold or allergies.

EarPlanes are made up of two elements: a hypoallergenic silicone earplug and a ceramic pressure regulator. The company claims that the pressure regulator in the EarPlanes helps to slow down the rapid pressure changes, therefore reducing the discomfort. 

Should You Postpone Your Trip?

Sometimes, the pain from ear popping and pressure can be a cause for concern. If your congestion is considerable, you might want to postpone your flight, as the discomfort can be severe and the inability to equalize pressure could cause permanent damage to your eardrums. Also, be sure to visit your doctor if you continue to have ear pain after flying.

For more information, check out the Mayo Clinic’s article on airplane ear.

Travel insurance is essential for any trip, offering peace of mind and protection. Explore options with SafetyWing or SquareMouth to find the coverage you need.

Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:

• 9 Things to Pack in Your Travel First-Aid Kit 
• 10 Travel Tech Products to Make Travel Easier

Want to discover more hidden gems and helpful travel tips? Join our free newsletter for the latest travel secrets and travel articles.

We are reader-supported and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.