What causes ear pain when flying?

Many friends feel ear pain when they are on an airplane. This is because a pressure difference is easily formed when the plane takes off or lands, which will squeeze the eardrum in the ear canal, causing pain. There are actually many ways to avoid this situation, such as spitting, chewing, massaging, etc.

Causes of ear pain when flying

Why do many people experience ear pain when flying? This is mainly because the air pressure changes too quickly when the plane is ascending and descending, resulting in uneven air pressure inside and outside the eardrum and squeezing the eardrum.

And everyone's physical condition is different, and their reactions to air pressure are also different. Therefore, some people may not feel anything, while others may feel strongly and even need medical treatment.

What to do if your ears hurt when flying

1. Swallowing

Swallowing frequently helps maintain the balance of air pressure inside and outside the ear. When the plane is climbing and descending, you should swallow your saliva continuously to keep the changes in air pressure inside the ear from keeping up with the changes outside the eardrum.

2. Chewing

If you have ear pain while flying, you can choose to chew gum to increase saliva to ensure that the air pressure in your ear is the same as the outside air pressure.

3. Earplugs

After getting on the plane, use professional earplugs, useful earplugs, or more simply, roll up toilet paper into a small paper tube and plug it into your ears. This will slow down the changes in external air pressure, allowing the ears to gradually adapt to the changes in air pressure.

4. Massage

Put your fingers into the ear canal and gently shake your fingers, or press your ear with your palm and then release it. Repeating this process can help balance the air pressure inside and outside the ear.

5. Yawning, sneezing, and blowing your nose

These movements can help the Eustachian tube move, thereby promoting pressure balance.

Who is prone to ear pain?

Most people will feel uncomfortable when flying, especially during takeoff and landing, but because everyone's physique is different, the ear pain caused is also different. Usually, the following people are prone to ear pain symptoms.