Blocked Ears After Flying: Airplane Ear Explained
Ear still blocked or painful after a flight? Here is why airplane ear happens, what helps and when to see a doctor.
Blocked ears are among the most common problems after air travel. During descent, the air pressure outside the ear rises faster than the pressure inside the middle ear, and the small Eustachian tube that normally equalises them can stay closed. The result is a full, muffled or painful ear, known as airplane ear or ear barotrauma.
Typical Symptoms
A feeling of fullness, muffled hearing, ear pain, a popping or crackling sound, mild dizziness and sometimes a ringing in the ear. Symptoms often improve within hours, but can last a few days.
What Helps
Swallow, yawn or chew gum during descent. Try the Valsalva manoeuvre gently: pinch your nose, close your mouth and blow softly, as if blowing up a balloon, until the ears pop. Do not blow hard. A saline or decongestant nose spray before descent can help if you have a cold, but ask a pharmacist first and do not use decongestant sprays for more than a few days. Warm compresses and simple pain relief used as directed on the pack can ease discomfort.
Who Is More at Risk
People with a cold, hay fever, sinus infection or a blocked nose, young children and babies, and anyone who falls asleep during descent are more prone to it.
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if the blocked feeling or pain lasts more than two to three days, if there is severe pain, discharge or blood from the ear, noticeable hearing loss, ringing that does not settle or dizziness with vomiting. A video visit is a good first step, and if an examination is needed the doctor can arrange an ENT appointment.
References
- NHS. Ear infections
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