Any routine against ear pain/clogged ear during flight?

Question

Looks like I will have to become a frequent air traveller, but my ears happen to be a little too sensitive.

During landing my ears are not just simply clogged, but they also hurt quite bad. :( And sometimes they remain clogged like this for days after... (yeah, mostly when I have a flu, or when I'm allergic)

I would like to ask you: do you know anything, that may prevent this aerplane ear thing?

Answer 1

You should take an antihistamine with a decongestant prior to flying.

You may also consider regular sinus irrigation to flush out allergens and keep you clearer.

Good luck!

Answer 2

For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent - about an hour before landing) the best ways to alleviate pressure are to:

*Chew gum

*Drink something

*Suck on a hard candy or mints

*Yawn

*Pinch the nostrils shut, take a deep breath in through the mouth, then force the air into the back of the nose as if trying to blow your nose

*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears.

*Another trick that used mainly on babies and small children, but can be used on anyone, is to gently but with some pressure, rub your neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.

For more in-depth information, plus security rules and I wrote a small about flying that goes more in-depth, gives security rules and regulations for the US, EU, UK, and Australia, offers tips and tricks for the travel, etc.

http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/t...

If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.

Answer 3

Chewing gum, boiled sweets.

The unpleasant blocked sensation is caused by an imbalance between the low cabin pressure in the plane and the 'normal' air pressure inside your skull.

Pressure equalisation is achieved through thin tubes in the bone called eustachian tubes. The trouble is, we're not evolved for rapid changes in air pressure, so these tubes can become blocked, especially if you have a cold or are snuffly for any reason (such as an allergic reaction).

Chewing gum/ sweets involves you moving your jaw (the complex joint under your ears called the temporomandibular joint), which can help unblock your eustachian tubes.