Airplane Ear

Airplane ear is a common condition that occurs in different situations, and it’s a temporary issue that can be managed easily.

Airplane ear

Airplane ear, or ear barotrauma, is a common condition that occurs due to the sudden change in the air or water pressure, like during flying or scuba diving.

Causes and risk factors of airplane ear

The sudden change in pressure between the middle ear and air or water leads to ear barotrauma. The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear with the back of the throat, and they keep the pressure even on both sides of the eardrums, but when the pressure changes suddenly, the Eustachian tubes can’t react as quickly as they should, and this causes airplane ear.

The risk of airplane ear increases due to the following factors:

• Common cold.
• Sinus infection.
• Small Eustachian tubes.
• Otitis media.
• Allergic rhinitis.
• Sleeping in the airplane while it’s taking off or landing.

Symptoms of airplane ear

Symptoms of ear barotrauma are usually mild, but they might worsen, and they can affect one or both ears. They include:

• Clogged ears.
• Hearing problems.
• Feeling of discomfort in the ear.
• Severe ear pain.
• Increased pressure in the ear.
• Worsened hearing loss.
• Dizziness.
• In rare cases, airplane ear can lead to bleeding from the ear, a ruptured eardrum, vertigo, tinnitus, and persistent hearing loss.

Diagnosis of airplane ear

• Medical history.
• Asking about the symptoms.

Treatment of airplane ear

• Medications, including decongestants and corticosteroids.
• The Valsalva maneuver, in which you blow the nose gently while pinching the nostrils and closing the mouth.

To prevent airplane ear:

• Take a decongestant or use a nasal spray before the flight.
• Yawn and swallow when taking off and landing.
• Don’t sleep during takeoff and landing.
• Wear earplugs.
• Try not to travel if you’re sick.