How to Avoid Ear Aches While in Flight

When you experience earaches while in flight, it is called ear barotrauma. Ear barotrauma is the pain and possible damage to the ear related to pressure inequalities between the outside and inside of the eardrum. Flying causes a change in altitude which causes barotrauma. If you have congestion due to a cold or allergies, you are more likely to experiencing ear pain. Your earache may be dull or throbbing, and sounds may be muffled. There are steps you can take to avoid earaches while in flight.

Things You'll Need

• Pain relief medication
• Gum
• Oral decongestant
• Plenty of water

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Take a pain reliever. Before you board the airplane, take an over-the-counter pain reliever. This may help avoid earaches while in flight.

• 2

  Chew gum. Chewing gum will unblock your ears and relieve pressure. Chewing gum also relieves anxiety which may accompany your earache.

• 3

  Take a deep breath. According to nlm.nih.gov, a National Institute of Health and National Library of Medicine website, inhaling and then exhaling gently while holding your nostrils closed and your mouth shut may relieve pressure. By relieving ear pressure, you may avoid earaches in flight.

• 4

  Take a decongestant. According to the American Hearing Research Foundation, decongestants can be taken to decongest, or unblock, the opening of the eustachian tube. The eustachian tube is the tube that connects the pharynx to the middle ear. Over-the-counter decongestants may cause side effects such as heart palpitations or anxiety. Ask your doctor before taking an oral decongestant.

• 5

  Drink plenty of water. According to mayoclinic.com, drinking water will keep you hydrated. When you become dehydrated, your throat and nasal passages may become irritated. Drinking water may help avoid the irritation so your eustachian tubes function better, which may reduce the risk of earaches while in flight.