How to Equalize Your Ears on an Airplane

Sometimes when you fly on an airplane your ears get stopped up. This usually happens because of changes in cabin pressure in the plane, especially upon lift-off and landing. But there are some measures you can take to equalize your ears while you're on the plane. Some tried-and-true methods of opening up the Eustachian tubes to equalize the ears are yawning, swallowing, chewing gum, or taking antihistamines or decongestants. You may have to repeat some actions, but there is a method and relief for most anyone to help equalize the ears when flying on an airplane.

Instructions

• 1

  Yawn. Try yawning when you notice that your ears feel stopped up. Make several yawns if necessary. With each yawn you may notice a little more pressure is relieved. Repeat as needed throughout your flight.

• 2

  Swallow. Make some swallowing actions with your throat. You can try it with or without a drink, or suck on a hard candy. Swallow several times until you feel the pressure relieved. Repeat as needed throughout the flight.

• 3

  Chew gum. Try chewing some gum. Any gum will do. Some people like to chew gum and exaggerate the chewing motion in order to encourage the ears to equalize. People who chew gum on board to equalize their ears usually do it upon ascent and descent of the plane.

• 4

  Try antihistamines such as Claritin. You can get them over-the-counter or by prescription. Many people who have allergies find relief from ear pressure with antihistamines. Take them prior to boarding the plane, preferably even the day before boarding, and following package directions.

• 5

  Try an oral decongestant such as Sudafed. They can help open the Eustachian tubes and equalize the pressure on your middle ear. This option is especially useful for equalizing the ears upon the plane's descent when cabin pressures increase. Take your decongestant during the flight, two to three hours before your expected destination arrival time.

• 6

  Consider getting pressure equalization tubes if you are a frequent flyer with chronic equalization problems. If you always have difficulty clearing your ears when flying, maybe this outpatient procedure is for you. Tiny tubes are inserted into the eardrum to provide middle ear ventilation, and may require replacement every six to 12 months.