What to do if your ear is blocked on the plane or after a flight: recommendations and tips

In another conversation during coffee breaks, The Fashion Vibes editors recalled a time when they handed out lollipops on airplanes to prevent ears from getting blocked during takeoff or landing. And although this rule has not been used by any airline for a long time, most passengers take candy with them out of habit. Anyway, the method works.

In general, despite the fact that people have been flying by plane for more than a century, the problem of ear congestion on the plane is still relevant. For example, the author of this text always wears headphones and takes them off only when the plane has already gained altitude. But our brand manager, Sasha, who worked as a senior flight attendant for several years, used a secret life hack for all aviation workers called “Cheburashka”.

To do this, take two paper cups and make a hot compress by placing napkins soaked in hot water underneath. This structure must be applied to the ears to prevent the ears from becoming blocked during takeoff and landing. So don’t be surprised if you see one of the passengers wearing glasses near their ears; They also know the aviation secret.

But these aren’t the only ways to combat stuffy ears on the plane. We tell you why this happens and how to avoid pain during takeoff and landing.

Why are ears blocked on the plane: reasons

The only reason passengers’ ears get blocked is a sudden change in pressure. Then we turn to the school curriculum. As the plane gains altitude, the pressure outside decreases. Then it seems that pressure and the hearing organ have something to do with it. But in fact, the pressure in the middle ear cavity (the place behind the eardrum) should be equal to the arterial pressure. For this reason, when the plane gains altitude, congestion occurs due to the sharp pressure difference in the ears.

But you should not be afraid in advance and prepare yourself for the worst. If you don’t feel sick before your flight or have inflammation in your ears, nose, or throat, you probably won’t feel any serious discomfort before takeoff.

Tips to prevent ear congestion

before flight

Wear earplugs or headphones. Trust me, this is the simplest thing you can do. In this position, you can easily fall asleep without worrying about waking up from terrible pain in your ears.

On board

Try drinking more water and eating sugar. The more you sip, the less your ears will clog. This means that there should be no painful sensations during the flight.

By the way, another strange but useful method is to start yawning as soon as you feel discomfort in your ears. Any jaw movement helps normalize the pressure.

Recommendations when flying for a child

Most often, it is children who suffer from ear congestion on the plane. So it’s best to give them a pacifier or a bottle of water to encourage swallowing during the flight. Also don’t forget your earplugs. This may help too.

The important thing is to prevent your child from falling asleep during takeoff and landing. In the dream, the person does not swallow that much. This means there is a risk of waking up with an earache.

How to reduce earache

Try using vasoconstrictor sprays for runny nose. They will help to cope with minor pains and long-term congestion in the ears. Also give yourself a little massage: bending the auricle or quickly moving your fingers in the earlobe area can relieve congestion.

If none of the above helps, consult a doctor immediately after landing.

How to deal with post-flight traffic congestion?

As a rule, the ears “release” within a few minutes immediately after the plane lands. However, congestion may persist for up to several hours. In this case, follow the same rules as on the plane: drink more water and eat candy to keep taking small sips.

If your ears are blocked and you feel pain after the plane flight, you can resort to painkillers. However, if even after that the discomfort does not go away, do not delay going to the doctor.