The summer holidays have begun, and many of us choose to travel abroad by plane. A common problem that we all have when travelling by plane is the ear discomfort, the pressure (the “ringing”) we feel, especially when landing. Most of the time this discomfort is just annoying, but what happens when the discomfort is more severe?
What really happens to our ears when we travel by plane?
It is all about air pressure. Under normal conditions, the air pressure in the inner ear and the external air pressure are at approximately the same level, so there is no problem or discomfort
If, however, a sudden change in altitude occurs, e.g. during take-off and especially during landing, then there is not enough time for the internal pressure of the ear to equalize with the external air pressure. During take-off of the plane, the internal pressure of the ear exceeds the external pressure in a matter of seconds, with the result that the tympanic membrane in the ear swells outwards, like a loaf of bread ‘rising’ during baking. In the opposite case, during landing, the air pressure in the inner ear becomes less than the external pressure, causing the tympanic membrane to shrink inwards. In these cases, the eustachian tube stretches and causes discomfort or even pain, resulting in the eardrum not vibrating and reducing our hearing ability for a few seconds.
Anyone who has travelled by plane has experienced the sudden changes in altitude that cause discomfort and pain in the ears. To reduce discomfort and pain in the ear, we need to equalize the pressure in the inner ear with the external pressure by adding as much air as possible to the Eustachian tube.
What we can do to prevent the pain?
- Swallowing: when we swallow, our ears click and a small amount of air moves from the back of the nose to the middle ear through the eustachian tube. Older children can use a lollipop or drink liquids using a straw while infants are advised to use a pacifier.
- “Valsalva” method: close the mouth and keep the nose closed try to blow gently until you hear your ears “open”, but it is not recommended when someone has a cold.
- Toynbee method: keep your mouth and nose closed and swallow several times until the air pressure is equalized.
Other little secrets that may help:
- Avoid sleeping during take-off and landing.
- Drink enough fluids so that you are sufficiently hydrated.
- Try to yawn (quite) often.
- Use specially designed earplugs, which have a filter to equalize the pressure.
- Use nasal spray one hour before take-off, but only as needed. Avoiod overuse.
If your hearing does not return to normal levels a few days later after air travel, you should see an Audiologist for an examination. For more information and advice, and for a FREE hearing test you can contact DR GEORGE Hearing Centres at 77 77 65 00.
Dr. George Panayiotou, Au.D., CCCA, FAAA
Clinical Audiologist
