Ear discomfort on a flight can be pretty frustrating, and in some cases it can even lead to severe pain.
Normally, the air pressure inside the inner ear and the air pressure outside are the same. However, when a plane acends or decends the air pressure in the cabin may change, resulting in a popped ear.
Basically, your ears pop on a plane, because as you travel higher or lower at a high speed the air either becomes more or less dense, leaving not much time for the pressure inside the inner ear to equalise.
So, what can you do about it?
As a kid, your mum probably suggested chewing gum or swallowing frequently, which can both work great, but we might have another way!
About 20 minutes before take off, or landing, ask the flight attendant for a cup of hot water.
This might sound strange, (and there’s a good chance you might get a few odd stares), but this nifty trick surprisingly works!
Carefully lean over and press each ear, one at a time, to the top of the cup for roughly 30 seconds. The steam from the hot water will quickly clear your ears, it’s that simple!
Here are a few other tried-and-tested methods that are definitely worth a try.
Swallowing during the flight is another fantastic way to avoid sore ears! Why? It helps relax the Eustachian tube (a small passageway that connects your throat to your middle ear), and equalises the air pressure inside and outside the ear.
It’s no secret chewing gum can cure ear popping. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy, activates the muscles that open the Eustachian tube, which will also equalise the air pressure.
Another great trick, (if your ears are already blocked), is to close your mouth and pinch your nose shut. Gently force air out until your ears pop, just make sure you’re gentle!
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