Ears Blocked in Flight What To Do: If you travel by flight, you must have faced problems like pain, numbness and heaviness in the ears. This happens due to increase in air pressure in the cabin. Eardrum which is also called eardrum. This is a kind of membrane that divides the outer ear and the middle ear. In normal conditions, air pressure remains equal on both sides of the eardrum. The work of maintaining this balance is done by the Eustachian tube which connects the back part of the nose to the ear.

But when we are traveling in flight, this balance gets disturbed. Especially while taking off and landing. This causes the pressure on both sides of the eardrum to become unbalanced and may cause a feeling of fullness, discomfort or pain in the ear. Dr. Sonam Rathi, ENT specialist, Max Super Specialty Hospital, Lucknow, says that if someone has cold, allergy or infection, the Eustachian tube may get clogged or swollen, which further increases the problem. In such a situation, understand here what should be done for safety-

Easy ways to reduce ear pressure

Taking a deep breath in or out with the mouth open helps in balancing the pressure in the Eustachian tube.
– Keep the mouth closed by pressing the nose lightly and try to exhale the air slowly.
– Those who often have this problem can take decongestant medicine before the flight with the advice of the doctor.
– Keep drinking enough water and keep the body hydrated.
– Keep drinking small amounts of water frequently during the journey.
– Chewing gum also helps in balancing the pressure of the Eustachian tube.

If the problem becomes severe then take these measures
Doctors say that if there is persistent problem, pain or difficulty in hearing, then definitely consult an ENT (Ear-Nose-Throat) specialist. Doctors may prescribe nasal sprays or medications to reduce swelling and congestion, antihistamine medications in cases of allergy or infection, myringotomy (small incision in the eardrum) or tympanostomy to reduce pressure, or placing small tubes in the eardrum to drain fluid.