Why Do My Ears Feel Blocked After Summer?

Why Does My Ear Feel Blocked After Flying?

Easter is one of the busiest travel periods in Australia, with many people heading interstate to spend time with family and friends. After landing, it’s not uncommon to notice your ears feel blocked, full or slightly muffled, almost like you’re still mid-flight. For most people, this feeling settles quickly. However, sometimes it can linger longer than expected, leaving you wondering what’s going on. In this blog, we’ll explain why ears can feel blocked after flying and what you can do if the sensation doesn’t settle straight away.

What Is Airplane Ear?

Airplane ear is the term used to describe the pressure change you feel in your ears during a flight, particularly as the plane descends.¹ 

Inside the ear is a small passage called the Eustachian tube, which helps balance pressure between the middle ear and the outside environment.² As the plane changes altitude, air pressure shifts quickly, and your ears need time to adjust. 

If this pressure doesn’t equalise straight away, it can create that familiar blocked or muffled feeling, similar to being underwater.

Why The Blocked Feeling Can Linger

After landing, most people’s ears return to normal fairly quickly. However, sometimes the blocked sensation can last longer.

This may happen if:

• The Eustachian tube hasn’t fully reopened after the flight.
• There’s mild congestion from a cold or allergies.³
• Fluid or pressure remains in the middle ear.

When this happens, sound may feel dulled and your ears can feel full or slightly uncomfortable.

What You Can Do If Your Ears Still Feel Blocked

If the sensation lingers after your flight, there are a few simple things you can try:

• Swallowing, yawning or chewing: These natural movements can help open the Eustachian tube and support pressure balance.⁴

• Gentle jaw movements: Moving your jaw from side to side may support pressure balance. 

• Staying hydrated: Keeping fluids up can support overall ear comfort, particularly after travel.⁵ 

• Allowing time: In many cases, the sensation settles on its own as the ears readjust. 

It’s best to avoid inserting anything into the ear, as this can sometimes make the sensation feel worse.

When It’s Worth Paying Attention

If the blocked feeling doesn’t improve after a few days, or you continue to notice muffled hearing or discomfort, it may be helpful to speak to a hearing care professional. Persistent symptoms can sometimes be linked to factors like earwax build-up, ongoing pressure imbalance or temporary changes in the middle ear. If the blocked feeling doesn’t settle after your flight, a hearing check can help identify what’s contributing to the sensation and support your comfort as it resolves. Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic today. Our team of experts can help you feel more comfortable and confident as you settle back into everyday life.

1. Cleveland Clinic (13 March 2023), Ear Barotrauma (Airplane Ear), Cleveland Clinic, accessed 20 March 2026.
2. StatPearls (17 March 2023), Physiology, Eustachian Tube Function, National Library of Medicine, accessed 20 March 2026.
3. Cleveland Clinic (10 October 2024), Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, Cleveland Clinic, accessed 20 March 2026.
4. Health Technology Assessment (July 2014), Interventions for adult Eustachian tube dysfunction: a systematic review, National Library of Medicine, accessed 20 March 2026.
5. Nutrients (25 August 2020), Up in the Air: Evidence of Dehydration Risk and Long-Haul Flight on Athletic Performance, National Library of Medicine, accessed 20 March 2026.