Airplane ear is caused by pressure changes in the middle ear during flights, resulting in discomfort and possible hearing loss. Preventative measures include yawning, chewing gum, and the Valsalva maneuver. Severe cases may require medical attention, but most resolve on their own. The condition can also occur during rapid ascents or scuba diving.
Airplane ear is a common condition that occurs when people travel by plane and can also be called aerotis or barotitis media or barotrauma of the ear. Essentially, it is caused when the pressure in the middle ear exceeds that in the external environment. This can create a situation where the eardrum doesn’t vibrate properly and stretches, which can cause discomfort. In rare circumstances, lack of balanced pressure inside and outside the middle ear causes an eardrum to rupture or tear. Most people will only experience a slight air ear when flying.
Symptoms of this condition may include a feeling of pressure in the ears or stuffiness or ear congestion. People may also notice a slight decrease in hearing and mild ear pain. Sometimes the symptoms are more pronounced and can include very severe ear pain, dizziness or motion sickness, ringing in the ears, bleeding from the ears, and significant hearing loss.
Several things can help prevent or minimize airplane ear symptoms, and these should be practiced during takeoff and landing flights when pressure differences are most significant. Yawning, chewing gum, and swallowing can help stabilize air pressure because these methods help your ears release extra air. Some people benefit from taking decongestants or antihistamines about half an hour before a flight, but if an antihistamine makes you drowsy, you may need to avoid it because sleeping during takeoff or landing can exacerbate the problem.
Another option for many people is to perform a procedure called the Valsalva maneuver. With fingers pinching the nose, people blow gently as if about to blow their nose. This can also quickly release air inside the ear. Other things that can help include having a beverage while getting on and off planes and staying well hydrated. Those who have significant colds or ear infections while flying may have more problems with this condition.
In most cases, airplane ear resolves quickly once the flight is over, but in some cases, the condition persists. If mild symptoms are present a few hours after a flight, you usually need to see a doctor. Those who have severe symptoms such as extreme pain or bleeding from the ear probably shouldn’t wait a few hours, but they may benefit from medical attention right away.
In most cases, doctors prescribe various decongestants and pain relievers to treat the problem. Very severe ear barotrauma may require more extensive treatment, including myringotomy, in which a small cut is created in the eardrum to help quickly equalize air pressure. Most people do not require myringotomy.
While this condition is associated with flying, it can occur in other circumstances. The air pressure balance can be disturbed when people make a rapid ascent while riding and the outside air pressure changes rapidly. Scuba diving is another activity that can lead to ear barotrauma, and some people develop the condition from sudden physical trauma to the ear.
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