One of the worst aspects of air travel is often the uncomfortable and sometimes painful sensation you experience in your ears because changes in air pressure knock the pressure inside your ear and in the plane out of balance. Serious cases of airplane ear--also known as barotrauma, barotitis media or aerotitis media--may require a doctor's care. But most often the discomfort dissipates on its own or can be relieved using a few simple tricks.
One of the simplest tricks is the Valsalva maneuver. Simply close your mouth, pinch your nose and direct air into your nose as if you were going to blow it. This should help reduce the pressure on the ears' eustachian tubes. Repeat the maneuver periodically during ascent and descent. Chewing gum, swallowing or yawning can have the same effect.
Using a nasal decongestant spray a few hours before your flight can help prevent airplane ear. Oral decongestants and antihistamines also can help, especially if you have a cold or allergy problem. Another product to consider is a type of earplug that regulates air pressure. It's sometimes sold under the brand name Earplanes. These earplugs work by restricting the flow of air to the eardrum. Simply insert them before takeoff and do not remove them until the plane has reached cruising altitude. Put them back in for descent.
In rare cases airplane ear can become quite serious, especially when you have a cold, which can block the eustachian tube. The eardrum can stretch because of the pressure imbalance, leading to ear infections, burst eardrums, hearing loss, vertigo or tinnitus (ringing in your ears). In severe cases, your doctor may choose to perform a myringotomy, a minor surgical procedure in which the eardrum is punctured to release pressure or drain it of excess fluid.
