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Many people are planning to take a long trip this summer, and that means going on a flight. But not everyone likes flying, especially those people whose ears hurt during takeoff and landing. What causes that pain and how can you prevent it? Read on to learn how to give your ears a pain-free vacation.
When the plane takes off, the air pressure outside your ear decreases, and when it lands, the pressure increases. So, during takeoff the air in your ear pushes out against the eardrum, and when you land the eardrum is sucked inward.
While the Eustachian tubes in your ears normally help equalize the pressure, during takeoff and landing they can’t keep up with the rapid pressure changes. Thus, the pressure changes can cause pain and discomfort.
This pressure can be extra painful for young children because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and might not function as well as they should. While it’s uncomfortable enough to make many babies cry, it’s only a temporary pain.
“There are preventative steps you can take to equalize air pressure during takeoffs and landings,” CEENTA ENT doctor Ross Udoff, MD, said. “No one wants their vacation to get off to a painful start.”
You can:
Once the air pressure equalizes, the pain should go away. If it last for more than a few hours after landing, though, you should call you or your child’s doctor. Also, for some people these techniques may not work. If you fly frequently and have chronic issues with pressure or pain, your ENT doctor may recommend placing small pressure equalization tubes, Dr. Udoff said.
It is recommended you not fly if you or your child has an ear infection, as the pressure changes could increase the pain or even cause the eardrum to tear. Children with ear tubes, on the other hand, may have less pain because the pressure equalizes more easily.
Takeoffs and landings can be painful, but following these recommendations could help make your flight easier.
This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician. Dr. Udoff practices in our Monroe office. To schedule an appointment with him or any of our ENT doctors, call 704-295-3000. You can also schedule an appointment online or through myCEENTAchart.
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