Beat ear pain while flying

Passengers have said that ear pain is the most common health complaint they have when flying, according to a study by Deafness Research UK.

More than a third of people (34 per cent) said they had experienced ear pain during a flight. The second most common condition was swollen feet or ankles (18 per cent) with stress, anxiety or "air rage" during a flight coming in third place.

In light of the findings, Deafness Research UK has launched an advice guide to help fliers overcome ear pain or discomfort. The leaflet, called In-flight Ear Health, is free and gives practical tips on preventing ear discomfort including guidance for hearing aid users and parents of children with glue ear.

Vivienne Michael, chief executive of Deafness Research UK, said: "Ear pain can ruin many people’s holiday enjoyment and can lead to more serious hearing problems in people who have a bad cold when they fly.

“We want holiday-makers and regular flyers to be aware of how common this is and the simple things you can do, like yawning or swallowing regularly, to ease the pain."

Most discomfort stems from changes in cabin pressure as the aircraft descends resulting in the air in the middle ear being at a lower pressure than the air in the cabin.

The Eustachian tubes, which pass air from the nose into the middle ear when you swallow, may become blocked with mucus, and the small muscles in the throat, which normally open them, may not be able to do so. The eardrum is pressed inward and tensed, resulting in discomfort, and even pain.

"You can minimise ear pain or discomfort by swallowing regularly so keep a drink handy – boiled sweets or chewing gum also help,” Michael said.

“This helps air pass more easily through the Eustachian tubes. If this doesn't help, you could try blowing through your nose while pinching your nostrils which forces air along the Eustachian tube, equalizing the pressure.”

© Cheapflights Ltd Craig McGinty

Comments

[sian]

My grandaughter had terrible pain when flying. We used hopi candles before the next flight and she was fine.

[Betty C Allen]

I just back flying from Fl. I was in pain for about 10 minutes. On prior flights, I have been in worse pain. This time, I took Tylenol Sinus and Chest Congestant. Still, I am looking for something better. It does ruin my trips knowing I always have this terrible ear pain.

What in the world are hopi candles?