overview
Airplane ear (ear barotrauma) is the strain on your eardrum that occurs when the air pressure in your middle ear and the air pressure around it are out of balance. You could get an airplane ear while sitting on an airplane that lands up or down after takeoff.Albinism Treatment Hyderabad
- Airplane ear is also known as ear barotrauma, barotitis media, or aerotitis media.
- Self-care steps – like yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum – can usually counteract air pressure differentials and improve airplane ear symptoms. If you have a severe case of airplane ears, you may need to see a doctor.
symptom
Airplane ear can appear in one or both ears. Common signs and symptoms are:
- Discomfort or moderate pain in the ear
- Feeling of fullness or congestion in the ear
- Muffled hearing or mild to moderate hearing loss
- If the aircraft’s ear is heavy, you may have:
- Strong pain
- Increased atrial pressure
- Moderate to severe hearing loss
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Feeling of rotation (dizziness)
- Ear bleeding
The reasons
Airplane ear
Airplane Ear Open the In Your Ear pop-up dialog box
Middle Ear Open Pop-up Dialog
Airplane ear occurs when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure around it do not match, which prevents your eardrum (eardrum) from vibrating normally. A narrow passage called the Eustachian tube that connects to the middle ear regulates air pressure.Albinism Treatment Hyderabad
- When an aircraft rises or falls, atmospheric pressure changes rapidly. The Eustachian tube often cannot respond quickly enough, causing the airplane ear symptoms. Swallowing or yawning opens the Eustachian tube and allows the middle ear to have more air, thereby equalizing atmospheric pressure.
Ear barotrauma can also be caused by:
- Scuba diving
- Hyperbaric oxygen chambers
- Nearby explosions, like in a war zone
Risk factors
Any condition that blocks the Eustachian tube or limits its function can increase the risk of an airplane ear. Common risk factors are:
- A small Eustachian tube, especially for babies and toddlers
- A cold
- Sinus infection
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
- Otitis media (otitis media)
- Sleeping on an airplane during the ascent and descent, as you cannot yawn or swallow, which can equalize the pressure
prevention
Valsalva maneuver
Valsalva maneuvers Open the popup dialog
Follow these tips to avoid airplane ears:
- Yawn and swallow when going up and down. These activate the muscles that open your Eustachian tubes. You can suck on candy or chewing gum to help swallow.
- Use the Valsalva maneuver on ascent and descent. Beat gently as if to blow your nose while pinching your nose and keeping your mouth closed. Repeat this process several times, especially as you descend, to even out the pressure between your ears and the aircraft cabin.
- Do not sleep during takeoffs and landings. If you are awake during the ascent and descent, you can use the necessary self-care techniques whenever you feel pressure in your ears.
- Reconsider your travel plans. If possible, avoid flying if you have a cold, sinus infection, nasal congestion, or ear infection. If you recently had an ear surgery, talk to your doctor about when it is safe to travel.Albinism Treatment Hyderabad