Chewing gum, a warm bath and a big yawn – here’s our ultimate guide to making your ears pop on a flight
Ears still hurt days after being up in the air? Try these simple tactics for curing altitude pressure
Trouble hearing on a flight can have its advantages if there are crying babies or rowdy stag dos on board - but what if you're struggling to pop your ears and get your senses back to normal?
Never fear, we've put together the ultimate guide to equalising the pressure in your head and unblocking your ears when flying.
First off, why do your ears need popping?
The change in air pressure on takeoff and landing is what makes your ears feel stuffed up and congested.
This happens when the Eustachian tubes that link you middle ear to the back of your throat get blocked.
As a result, some people are unable to hear anything while others feel a dull pain.
There are plenty of tricks for getting rid of the problem though, from yawning to drinking water.
So if you have trouble popping your ears on a flight, by following our ten step guide you should find a solution that suits you.
Read on to find out what your options are...
1. Swallowing
When you swallow, you open up the Eustachian tube, the pathway connecting your ear to the back of your nose.
This can relieve the pressure in your middle ear.
2. Chewing gum
One of the best things you can do is to start chewing.
If you don't have any gum then just do the movements.
The movement can open your Eustachian tube, plus the gum will produce saliva making you swallow more, which should also help.
3. Sucking a boiled sweet
Cabin crew often give out boiled sweets when the plane comes into land.
Similar to chewing a piece of gum, sucking on a hard mint or lozenge can equalise the pressure in your head.
Sucking and swallowing can help create the pressurising effect.
Just don't crunch it all in one go.
4. Avoid sleeping
When sleeping, people don't swallow or chew, which can make the pressure in your ears build up faster.
While it's tempting to take a nap, try to wait until you're at cruising altitude to get some shut eye.
5. Nasal spray
This smart life hack re-purposes a common nasal spray to help equalise the pressure in your middle ear.
Simply form a seal around the nasal spray and squirt it up your nose.
The change in pressure might just make your ears pop.
6. Yawning
If you can't force a yawn then fake the action.
Whether it's real or not, it can still help to reduce the pressure and open the Eustachian tubes.
7. Valsalva maneuver
The Valsalva maneuver involves pinching you nostrils shut with your fingers.
You then blow air into your nostrils, which generates pressure and opens up the Eustachian tubes.
8. Tonybee maneuver
Again, pinch your nostrils shut with your fingers.
But this time, swallow instead of blowing.
The results differ from person to person so you might want to try both to figure out what works best.
9. Drink a large glass of water
The drinking motion combines a few of the above techniques in one.
Pour yourself a large glass, tilt your head back to position your Eustachian tubes in a way that opens them up and take large gulps to help equalise the pressure.
10. Take a warm bath
If you get home and your ears are still not popped, run yourself a bath and stick your head under the water.
Tilt your chin back and swallow hard a few times to see if that helps.
The change in pressure under water can help equalise you ears and the steam can help relieve congestion.
11. Buy an ear popper
A clinically proven treatment for middle ear pressure.
Ear poppers attempt to balance the pressure in the middle ear by delivering a safe, constant stream of air into the nasal cavity.
They don't come cheap, selling for , but you might be able to get one on prescription from your GP.
12. Visit your GP
If your ears remain popped for days, your condition could be a more serious problem.
Your doctor might suggest pain medication, nasal pray or antibiotics.