How To Avoid Airplane Ear

Airplane ear (also called ear barotrauma or ear popping) happens when the air pressure in your middle ear and the cabin pressure don’t match, especially during takeoff and landing. It can cause pain, muffled hearing, pressure, or even dizziness.

Here’s how to prevent and relieve airplane ear before and during your flight:

✈️ 1. Swallow, Yawn, or Chew Gum

These help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure.

Chew gum or suck on hard candy
Swallow frequently (drink water)
Yawn intentionally during takeoff and landing

💡 These tricks help your ears adjust naturally.

👃 2. Try the Valsalva Maneuver

This method gently forces air into your middle ear to equalize pressure.

How to do it:

Pinch your nose shut
Close your mouth
Gently blow as if trying to blow your nose

⚠️ Do not blow too hard — it could damage your ears.

💊 3. Use a Decongestant (If You’re Congested)

If you have allergies, a cold, or sinus issues, your Eustachian tubes might be blocked.

Use a nasal spray (like oxymetazoline) 30–60 mins before takeoff/landing
Or take an oral decongestant like pseudoephedrine 1 hour before the flight

🚫 Avoid long-term use of nasal sprays (more than 3 days) to prevent rebound congestion.

🤧 4. Avoid Flying With a Cold or Sinus Infection

If you’re really congested, flying can make symptoms worse and more painful.

Try to reschedule if possible
If you must fly, use all pressure-relief techniques and meds available

👶 5. Help Babies and Kids Equalize Pressure

For babies: Let them nurse, drink, or suck on a pacifier during takeoff/landing
For kids: Give them chewy candy or gum

👂 Little ears are more sensitive — so extra help matters.

🎧 6. Use EarPlanes (Special Earplugs)

These pressure-regulating earplugs slow the change in air pressure.
Wear them during takeoff and descent for the best results.

🛍 Available at most airports, pharmacies, or online.

🪑 7. Sit Upright During Takeoff and Landing

Staying upright helps air pressure equalize more easily.
Avoid sleeping during descent if you’re prone to ear trouble — you may miss the chance to equalize.

🧘 8. Relax & Breathe Normally

Anxiety can tighten your muscles, which affects Eustachian tube function.
Try slow, relaxed breathing to help your body adjust naturally.

🚨 When to See a Doctor:

If ear pain or muffled hearing lasts more than a few days
If there’s fluid drainage, dizziness, or intense pressure
You might need a check-up for ear infection or Eustachian tube dysfunction

✅ TL;DR: How To Prevent Airplane Ear

✔️ Swallow, yawn, or chew gum
✔️ Use the Valsalva maneuver
✔️ Take a decongestant before flying (if congested)
✔️ Use EarPlanes or similar earplugs
✔️ Avoid flying with a cold if possible