Does anyone have advice on how to avoid "plane ears"?

Question

Hello everyone.. I am a freuqent plane traveler, and the last time I went on a plane, which was a few weeks ago, my ears were in A LOT of pain, more than they have ever been. I had a cold, so I know that contributed to it. I now know I am supposed to chew gum, but does anyone have any advice on how I can avoid plane ears? I am going on another plane Monday and don't want to have to be in pain.

Answer 1

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 2

When you feel the air pressure building up in your ears, flex your jaw. It helps to relieve the pressure.