What is Aeroplane Ear?

Aeroplane ear, also called ‘barotrauma’ or ‘ear barotrauma’,1 occurs when there is a difference in air pressure between your middle ear and the outside world. Two internal structures are involved: the middle ear and the eustachian tube.

The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum.1 It contains the auditory ossicles - tiny bones vital for conducting sound waves to the inner ear. 

The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and helps balance the pressure between the middle ear and the outside world.

During takeoff and landing, rapid changes in altitude cause the air pressure around us to vary. The eardrum can be stressed if the eustachian tubes cannot balance this pressure quickly. This stress can manifest as a sensation of fullness, ear popping,2 or even pain.3


How to Prevent Aeroplane Ear

The good news is there are several strategies you can use to minimise the impact of aeroplane ear:4

  • Swallowing and yawning: swallowing or yawning opens the eustachian tube, allowing air to flow in and out of the middle ear. 
  • Chewing gum or sucking on a lolly: chewing or sucking can help stimulate swallowing, while yawning occurs naturally when you’re tired.
  • Valsalva manoeuvre: with your nostrils pinched and your mouth closed, gently blow as if blowing your nose. This movement can help balance pressure by forcing air into the eustachian tube.
  • Avoid sleep during descent: while you may sleep during a flight, try to stay awake during descent so that you can actively manage pressure changes through swallowing and yawning.


How Long Does Aeroplane Ear Last?

Aeroplane ear discomfort typically eases shortly after landing as the air pressure inside and outside the ear balances. It is usually temporary and should go away within a few minutes to a few hours after the flight. 


Can Aeroplane Ear Cause Ear Infections?

Aeroplane ear is not directly linked to ear infections. However, pressure and fluid balance changes can create an environment that might make you more susceptible to infections. 

If you experience symptoms like persistent pain, fever or drainage from the ear, consult a healthcare professional, as these could be signs of an infection.5
 

How to Get Rid of Aeroplane Ear

Aside from prevention methods, here are five more tips to help you manage aeroplane ear pressure problems:6

  1. Stay hydrated: drinking enough water helps keep your mucus thin and the inner lining of your mouth moist. This makes it easier for your body to clear mucus and adjust to changes in pressure.
  2. Use earplugs: some travellers find relief in using aeroplane earplugs designed to regulate pressure changes. They can be beneficial during takeoff and landing.
  3. Decongestants: decongestant nasal sprays or oral medications can help keep your eustachian tubes open by reducing congestion. Be sure to consult your healthcare provider before using.
  4. Saline nasal spray: spraying a saline solution in your nostrils can help keep the nasal passages moist and improve eustachian tube function.
  5. Breathing exercises: practising deep, slow breathing techniques can help relax your body and potentially aid in balancing pressure.

Some travellers may experience aeroplane ear discomfort due to pressure changes. While it can be annoying, several options are available to prevent or ease the symptoms. Stay hydrated, swallow or yawn often, and consider using earplugs or decongestants if necessary. 

Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic, where our friendly team can help you prioritise your hearing health and plan for your trip.


References:

  1. National Library of Medicine [USA] (26 June 2023), Barotrauma, Grand Strand Medical Ctr, University of Pennsylvania Philadelphia, University Medical Center, LSU Medical School, accessed 20 September 2024. 
  2. Cleveland Clinic. (18 October 2022), How To Pop and Unclog Your Ears, Cleveland Clinic, accessed 20 September 2024.     
  3. Mayo Clinic (21 August 2021), Airplane ear, Mayo Clinic, accessed 20 September 2024. 
  4. National Library of Medicine (26 August 2019), “Airplane ear”—A neglected yet preventable problem, National Library of Medicine [US], accessed 20 September 2024; Miracle Ear (13 January 2021), Airplane ear treatment: Ask the expert, Miracle Ear, accessed 26 June 2024. 
  5. American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (n.d.), Ear Infections (Otitis Media), American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, accessed 20 September 2024.  
  6. Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists (n.d.), Sinus Pain: Preventing Aerosinusitis on Your Next Flight, Florida Sinus & Snoring Specialists, accessed 20 September 2024; Mayo Clinic (18 July 2018), Home Remedies: Annoying airplane ear, Mayo Clinic, accessed 20 September 2024.