What Is Airplane Ear?

What is airplane ear?

Airplane ear, medically known as ear barotrauma, is the discomfort or pain in the ears caused by the changes in air pressure that occur during a flight, particularly during takeoff and, most commonly, descent. It happens because the pressure in the air-filled middle ear needs to stay balanced with the surrounding cabin pressure, and when the cabin pressure changes rapidly, the ear can struggle to keep up, creating a pressure imbalance felt as fullness, popping, or pain. Airplane ear is very common and usually harmless, resolving once the pressure equalizes, though it can be uncomfortable. It is the same phenomenon behind the ear-popping people feel when flying, and while most cases are minor, understanding how to help your ears adjust makes flying more comfortable and prevents the worst of the discomfort.

What causes airplane ear?

Airplane ear is caused by an imbalance between the air pressure in your middle ear and the pressure in the aircraft cabin. Your middle ear is connected to the back of your throat by a narrow passage called the Eustachian tube, which normally opens to let air flow and equalize the pressure on either side of the eardrum. During a flight, especially the descent when cabin pressure rises relatively quickly, the Eustachian tube may not open fast enough to keep up, so a pressure difference builds across the eardrum, causing the sensation and discomfort. Anything that narrows or blocks the Eustachian tube makes this worse, which is why airplane ear is often more pronounced when you have a cold, sinus congestion, allergies, or an ear infection, since the passage is already swollen or clogged.

What are the symptoms of airplane ear?

The symptoms of airplane ear range from mild to more uncomfortable and usually center on the affected ear or ears. Common signs include a feeling of fullness or stuffiness in the ear, muffled or reduced hearing, and the sensation of needing to pop your ears. As the pressure difference grows, you may feel discomfort or outright pain, which can be sharp during a rapid descent. Some people experience mild dizziness or ringing in the ears. In most cases these symptoms are temporary and clear up shortly after landing once the pressure equalizes. More rarely, if the pressure imbalance is severe or does not resolve, it can lead to more significant problems, but typically airplane ear is a passing discomfort rather than a lasting issue, especially when you take steps to help your ears adjust.

How do you prevent and relieve airplane ear?

You can prevent and ease airplane ear by actively helping your ears equalize, especially during descent. Simple techniques include swallowing frequently, yawning, and chewing gum or sucking on candy, all of which encourage the Eustachian tube to open. Gently blowing against pinched nostrils with your mouth closed, a maneuver done carefully, can also equalize the pressure. Staying awake during descent lets you keep equalizing, so it helps to not sleep through landing. For babies, feeding or offering a pacifier during descent encourages swallowing. If you are congested from a cold or allergies, a decongestant or nasal spray used before the flight, as directed, may help, and special filtered earplugs designed for flying can ease the pressure change. If ear pain is severe or does not resolve after landing, or you have hearing problems, see a doctor.