How To Prevent Ear Pain During Flight
5 Simple Ways To Avoid Ear Pain During Flight
Diving, taking an airplane and going up a tall building in an elevator are some of the common ways that will get your ear feeling slight pain. It is caused by the difference between the air pressure on the outside and the inside of the ear. It will be a torture if it’s a 7 hour flight in a stuffed airplane. The question is: how to avoid ear pain during flight? Therefore, we have compiled a list of remedies that will help you on the spot. The idea works by opening the Eustachian tubes and allow the air to flow into the middle ears and equalize the pressure. Note that the methods here works for air flight induced pressure. Methods may be different for other causes.
1. Chewing Gum
The action of chewing and swallowing stimulates the muscle around the Eustachian tube. This allows the air to move in and out of the tube, allowing the pressure to get equalized. Alternately, you can suck on a candy for the same effect. Just be sure to swallow often.
2. Yawning
Yawning opens up the Eustachian tube. This allows air to flow into or out of the middle ear. This technique may come in handy in case you don’t have candy or sweets in hand. But, sometimes we have just enough sleep and can’t seem to even fake a yawn. Read on for more ideas!
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3. Valsalva Maneuver
This technique is founded by Antonio Maria Valsalva, a physician that studies the human ear. Variations of this technique can be used for medical examinations and even strength training. Anyways, we’re focusing on clearing our ear this time.
- Close mouth tightly.
- Pinch the nose.
- Try to breathe forcefully through the nose.
4. Hot Towels In Cups
While the methods before this requires oneself to do it, this method allows you to help other people to unblock their ears. Be careful with this method as it involves dealing with hot towels.
- Get two plastic cups. One for each ear.
- Dampen two towels with hot water. Make sure the towel is small enough to fit in the cup.
- Place the towels into each cups.
- Hold the cups over the ears for a few minutes.
It is less likely we will be using this method unless it’s for emergency. It’s good to know anyway.
5. Toynbee Maneuver
This is yet another easy way to relieve pressure. If you don’t have water, swallowing saliva will do as well.
- Take a sip of water.
- Pinch your nose.
- Swallow.
You should hear a pop sound and feel better after that.
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Homely Smart contains information about medical conditions, treatments and provides information and ideas for home remedies. However, the information provided is strictly for informational purposes only. Our site does not claim to be written or researched by professional medical bodies. Any information in this website does NOT substitute medical advice from health care professionals. If you are experiencing any health problems, please consult a doctor before trying any treatments provided in this website. Homely Smart will not be held responsible for any harm, injury, illness or death that may result from the use of the content in this website.
