Here's how to avoid that annoying earache on the plane

For some people, flying in an airplane is not a fun experience. The change in air pressure causes severe earaches. They've already tried every remedy: chewing gum, earplugs, nasal spray, and painkillers... There are people who have such a fear of these earaches that they don't even feel confident enough to board a plane anymore. Nose, throat, and ear specialist Stephan Vlaminck explains on radio2 what causes this earache and gives advice on how to prevent it.

Middle ear air is the air inside the Eustachian tube (Eustachian tube) and middle ear of the human ear.

It all hinges around the Eustachian tube and the middle ear," Vlaminck explains. "The middle ear is a sealed space located behind our eardrum. That middle ear is only able to adjust its pressure through the Eustachian tube.

At ground level, the pressure in the middle ear and the outer ear is identical. When the plane takes off, the air becomes less dense and the air pressure drops. As a result, there is excess pressure in the middle ear. This excess pressure facilitates the opening of the Eustachian tube, allowing air to leave easily. The pressure is subsequently restored.

When the plane is reducing its altitude, the atmospheric pressure increases, and the middle ear attempts to equalize by drawing in air through the Eustachian tube. Unfortunately, if this process occurs too rapidly, the tube closes off, preventing further air entry. This leads to an intense discomfort. It is simpler for air to be expelled than for air to enter, which is why descent from flight typically causes more pain.

What helps?

So, your ear needs to be cleared, but it's not that straightforward. As soon as the plane starts descending, you should begin compressing your nasal passages by keeping your nose shut. Unfortunately, it's generally too late when the Eustachian tube closes.

It's common for people returning from a hot country to experience temperature-related issues when getting on a plane, where the air conditioning can be quite cool. This creates a significant problem, as the Eustachian tube is typically already slightly inflamed and swollen by that point. A helpful trick is to use nasal spray during the initial descent, which can help to decongest and open up the nasal passages. However, it's necessary to wait for a short time and then spray again. In doing so, there's a good likelihood that the issue can be resolved.

Those other little tricks, such as chewing gum, only aid when your Eustachian tube isn't experiencing significant issues with the pressure difference. And earplugs are of no use, since the problem lies behind the eardrum, and they cannot reach that area, notes the specialist who focuses on ear, nose, and throat issues.

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