Why do your ears really pop in a plane… and how can you stop it happening this summer?

IF you’re jetting off on holiday with the family soon – what’s bothering you most about the trip?

Trying to pack within the weight guidelines, getting your army of kids to the airport in time, or that pesky pop your ears do once up in the air?

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If flying related ear popping is giving you a headache, here’s some tips which might help.

Why does it happen?

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• There’s a pocket of air inside your ears – which is normally at the same pressure as the air outside.
• But if the air pressure around you changes, you feel the air pushing on your eardrum.
• Your ear has a small tube (called the Eustachian tube) for equalising the air pressure between the inside and outside of the ear.
• The tube is opened when you yawn or swallow, and the ‘pop’ you feel is the air equalising.
• During take-off, the pressure in the cabin will decrease rapidly – and your ears don’t like it.
• It makes your eardrum BULGE outwards and your hearing get worse – which all contributes to that plugged up feeling you get until you feel the pop.
• This effect will be massively increased if you’ve already got a cold. Being bunged up or having a swollen throat might mean the tube can’t open at all.

How can you stop it happening?

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• Yawn and swallow as much as you can during take-off and landing – by chewing gum or sucking on a hard sweet.
• If you’re really suffering, it might be time to invest in some filtered earplugs. Boots sell a pair for £4.69 – so it won’t set you back too much.
• Take a decongestant or using a nasal spray before you fly.

Help your kids stay comfy:

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• Keep them awake.
• Encourage your child to swallow using dummies or bottles for babies – and lollies, hard sweets, or cups with straws for older kids.
• Fake a yawn – nobody really knows why but it’s contagious, so hopefully the kids will follow suit.
• If they’re really sensitive, consider seeing your doctor about ear drops.

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If your ears are already blocked, how do you reduce the effects?

• Close your mouth, pinch your nose, and blow gently. The air from your lungs will push on the tiny tubes – hopefully relieving pressure.
• But try to avoid the temptation of blowing too hard – as this can be painful, and could damage your ear drums.
• Instead, blow gently and repeat.
• Once you’ve landed, the ears should heal themselves eventually. Go see your doctor if symptoms persist for more than day.