Is it possible to reduce ear popping, and the associated pain, caused by flying?

In my opinion, yes. I have tried numerous techniques – some have worked, some have not – to minimize the pain from ear popping on flights.

I begin my journey in Santa Clarita, California. For the non-Los Angeles natives reading this, Santa Clarita is 1342ft above sea level. I drive down to LAX, which is 292ft above sea level. I get on a plane. It flies at 30000-40000ft altitude.

So what am I getting at? My ears take a beating when I fly. They snap, crackle, pop and my jaw feels like it’s being ripped off of my face. And for whatever the reason may be, it’s always worse on landing.

Flying can be an exhilarating experience, but for many travelers, ear pain and popping during takeoff and landing can be a major discomfort. This common issue, known as airplane ear or ear barotrauma, occurs due to the rapid changes in air pressure during a flight. However, with a few simple strategies, you can minimize the discomfort and enjoy your journey.

I have my ears checked by my doctor before I fy and follow any advice given on softening earwax if there is a build-up. I sometimes use a saline nose spray at night to keep my nasal passages clear, as I have noticed that even the slightest “stuffiness” can cause so much ear and jaw pain when my ears start popping. My favorite combination of in-flight techniques is: chewing strong methol gum during takeoff, midflight, and descent, taking an antihistamine (usually when I get to the airport), and gently performing the Valsalva Maneuver.

Understanding Airplane Ear

Before diving into further ways to reduce ear popping and pain on a flight, it’s helpful to understand why ear pain and popping occur. The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and throat, which helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the external environment. Rapid changes in altitude can cause the Eustachian tube to become blocked, leading to a pressure imbalance and the resulting discomfort.

Here is a list of some of the most effective tips for avoiding ear pain and popping on a flight:

1. Swallowing and Chewing

One of the simplest and most effective ways to equalize ear pressure is by swallowing or chewing. These actions help open the Eustachian tube, allowing air to flow and equalize the pressure.

Tips:
Chewing Gum: Chewing gum during takeoff and landing stimulates saliva production, encouraging frequent swallowing.
Sucking on Candy: Hard candies or lozenges can also promote saliva production and frequent swallowing. Opt for sugar-free to keep your gnashers cleaner.
Drinking Water: Sipping water regularly throughout the flight can keep you swallowing and help relieve ear pressure.

2. Yawning

Yawning is another natural way to open the Eustachian tube and equalize ear pressure. It can be an effective method for relieving ear discomfort and reducing the pain caused by ear popping on a flight.

Tips:
Fake Yawning: Even if you don’t feel like yawning, try mimicking the motion. This can still help open the Eustachian tube.
Frequent Yawning: Try to yawn periodically, especially during takeoff and landing when pressure changes are most significant.

3. The Valsalva Maneuver

The Valsalva maneuver is a technique used to force air into the Eustachian tube and equalize pressure. It’s particularly useful during rapid changes in altitude.

How to Perform the Valsalva Maneuver:
1. Pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers.
2. Take a deep breath.
3. Close your mouth and gently blow as if you are trying to blow your nose.
4. You should feel a slight pressure build-up in your ears, followed by a pop, indicating that the pressure has equalized.

Caution: Be gentle when performing the Valsalva maneuver. Blowing too hard can damage your eardrums.

4. The Toynbee Maneuver

Another effective technique for equalizing ear pressure is the Toynbee maneuver, which combines swallowing and holding the nose shut.

How to Perform the Toynbee Maneuver:
1. Pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers.
2. Take a sip of water.
3. Swallow the water while keeping your nostrils pinched.
4. This should help equalize the pressure in your ears.

5. Using Earplugs

Specially designed earplugs, such as filtered earplugs or pressure-regulating earplugs, can help prevent ear discomfort during flights. These earplugs slow the rate of pressure change on the eardrum, giving your Eustachian tube more time to adjust.

Tips:
EarPlanes: Look for earplugs marketed as “EarPlanes” or similar, which are designed specifically for air travel.
Inserting Before Takeoff: Insert the earplugs before takeoff and remove them after the plane has reached cruising altitude. Reinsert them before landing.

6. Antihistamines

Taking an antihistamine before your flight can help reduce the symptoms of ear pain and popping, especially if you’re prone to allergies or sinus congestion. Antihistamines help reduce inflammation and fluid buildup in the Eustachian tube, making it easier for your ears to equalize pressure.

Tips:
Consult Your Doctor: Always consult your doctor before taking any new medication, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking other medications.
Non-Drowsy Options: Choose a non-drowsy antihistamine to avoid feeling overly sleepy during your flight, particularly if you have a daytime flight.

7. Clean Ears

Having clean ears before your flight can make a significant difference in preventing ear pain and popping. Earwax buildup can block the Eustachian tube, making it harder to equalize pressure.

Tips:
Use Ear Drops: Over-the-counter ear drops can help soften and remove earwax safely.
Avoid Cotton Swabs: Don’t use cotton swabs to clean your ears if you can help it, as they can push wax deeper into the ear canal.

Menthol Gum and Candy

Menthol gum and candy can help keep your nasal passages clear, which can, in turn, aid in keeping the Eustachian tube open. The menthol acts as a decongestant, promoting easier breathing and reducing the risk of ear discomfort.

Tips:
Menthol Products: Look for gum or candy containing menthol or eucalyptus.
Use During Takeoff and Landing: Chew menthol gum or suck on menthol candy during takeoff and landing to help keep your nasal passages clear.

A few extras:

• Give earplugs a miss a few days before your flight – this avoids wax being pushed further down your ear canal.
• Help yourself to frequent jaw massages during the flight – this really only helps with a jaw ache but some people find it helps with ear pain and popping.
• Nasal passage sprays or salt sprays can keep your passages clear, which in turn makes it easier for the pressure to equalize with less pain.

Conclusion

Ear pain and popping during flights can be an uncomfortable experience, but with these practical tips, you can effectively manage and prevent the discomfort. By staying proactive and using techniques like chewing gum, performing the Valsalva or Toynbee maneuvers, using specialized earplugs, taking antihistamines, keeping your ears clean, and using menthol gum or candy, you can enjoy a more comfortable flight.