Only a few moments after the plane takes off, you hear a “pop” in your ears and have the feeling of hearing worse: Everyone is probably familiar with these problems when flying. But where does the pressure on the ears come from and what helps against the discomfort after takeoff and landing? We provide the answers.
How does the pressure in the ears arise?
The reason for the feeling of pressure in the ears is the change in air pressure in the aircraft cabin during climb and descent. This causes a pressure difference between the ear canal and the middle ear, which leads to a protrusion of the eardrum. This then feels as if the ears are “closed.”
Pressure change as the cause
As altitude increases, the air pressure in the atmosphere decreases. In the airplane cabin, the pressure is artificially increased and is about three-quarters of the pressure on the ground at cruising altitude. This is comparable to the air pressure on a 2,500-meter mountain. So as the aircraft climbs, the ambient pressure drops. However, the pressure in the middle ear remains the same, because it is sealed airtight from the outer ear canal by the eardrum. The resulting overpressure in the middle ear causes the eardrum to bulge outward and can no longer vibrate freely. This is usually noticeable by a cracking or popping sound, followed by uncomfortable pressure on the ears and hearing loss. Occasionally, ear pain or headaches may also occur.
Pressure equalization through “eustachian tubes”
Pressure equalization takes place through the so-called Eustachian tube (Tuba auditiva, Eustachian tube). This partly bony, partly cartilaginous tube connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx and is normally closed to protect the ear from possible infections from the upper respiratory tract. When swallowing or yawning, it opens and air can escape from the middle ear. This equalizes the pressure difference with the environment and the feeling of pressure on the ears disappears.
Pressure on the ears: What to do?
So if you feel pressure on your ears in the airplane, you should yawn heartily or swallow a few times to equalize the pressure. During takeoff and landing, it’s often helpful to suck on a piece of candy or chew gum. If that doesn’t help, you can try the so-called Valsalva maneuver: This involves holding the nose shut with two fingers and then exhaling forcefully with the mouth closed. The resulting overpressure in the nasopharynx opens the Eustachian tube and allows air to escape from the middle ear. Most people experience more severe discomfort during the landing approach than during takeoff. The reason for this is the negative pressure created in the middle ear, which is naturally more difficult to compensate for than positive pressure in the middle ear. Therefore, you should perform pressure equalization techniques in a timely manner, especially during descent.
Helping children equalize pressure
Babies and young children often have difficulty equalizing pressure. By feeding or breastfeeding, you can stimulate sucking and chewing movements in your child to prevent ear pain. In addition, children should not sleep during takeoff or landing, if possible. This is because when children are awake, the Eustachian tube opens spontaneously a few times per minute and the pressure on the ears can disappear on its own.
Colds make it difficult to equalize pressure
Normally, it is fairly easy to equalize pressure by yawning or by swallowing. However, with children or an existing cold, equalization can be difficult to bring about and the pressure on the ears may persist for several hours to days. Although this is unpleasant, it is harmless in most cases. Only rarely does damage to the eardrum occur due to the pressure difference when flying.
Nasal spray helps with colds
A cold can be particularly unpleasant when flying, as the mucous membranes are swollen, making it difficult to equalize the pressure. Especially if you have a cold, it is therefore advisable to use a decongestant nasal spray about half an hour before departure and landing. If you have a severe cold or suffer from a middle ear infection, you should ask your ear, nose and throat specialist for advice on whether air travel can be undertaken without hesitation in this condition.
Danger when flying: Injury to the eardrum
In rare cases, the change in pressure on an airplane can cause damage to the eardrum (barotrauma).Especially if pressure compensation is not possible or only possible with difficulty due to a cold or a congenital narrowing of the Eustachian tube, the eardrum can become overstretched. In the worst case, it may hemorrhage or rupture. An eardrum injury is usually manifested by the following symptoms:
- Stabbing ear pain
- Hearing loss
- Dizziness
- Nausea
If you experience these symptoms during or after a flight, you should see an ear, nose and throat doctor as soon as possible.
