Pressure in the ears during a flight is a common problem, especially during takeoff and landing, and can result in a feeling of blockage, muffled hearing or even pain. The phenomenon has a clinical name, ear barotrauma, and appears when the body is unable to quickly adjust the pressure difference between the middle ear and the cabin environment.
According to , lifestyle magazine, there is a simple technique that can help alleviate this discomfort immediately. This is the so-called Valsalva maneuver, often used in a clinical context to balance pressure in the ear.
A simple gesture that can make a difference
The so-called Valsalva maneuver is based on a basic principle: gently forcing equal pressure between the inside of the ear and the outside. In practice, it consists of closing your mouth, covering your nose with your fingers and trying to expel the air lightly, without letting it out.
This small gesture helps open the Eustachian tube, the channel that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and is responsible for regulating internal pressure. When this channel does not react quickly enough to changes in altitude, the feeling of a “blocked” ear appears.
According to the same source, relief is often immediate or appears after a few repetitions. Even so, experts warn of an essential point: the force applied must always be moderate. Excessive exertion can cause injuries, including damage to the eardrum.
Why does this feeling happen during the flight?
Rapid pressure changes are more intense during the plane’s ascent and descent phases. At these moments, external pressure varies faster than the human ear’s ability to adapt.
In a normal situation, the Eustachian tube opens automatically to compensate for this difference. However, if it is partially blocked, for example due to allergies or congestion, this regulation becomes more difficult. The result is unequal pressure on both sides of the eardrum, which can cause discomfort or pain.
This imbalance also explains phenomena such as the “pop” of the ears, which is nothing more than the moment when the pressure suddenly equalizes.
Other strategies that help relieve
When the Valsalva maneuver is not enough, there are other simple approaches that can help reduce in-flight discomfort. Many involve stimulating movement of the jaw and throat, favoring the opening of the Eustachian tube.
Among the most common are gestures such as chewing gum, yawning or swallowing frequently. These movements activate the muscles responsible for allowing air to pass through, facilitating the balance of pressure in the middle ear.
There are also those who use nasal sprays, especially in cases of congestion, to clear the airways and improve ear ventilation. In more persistent situations, medical evaluation may be necessary, especially if the pain is intense or prolonged.
Pay attention to warning signs
In most cases, pressure in the ears during a flight is temporary and resolves quickly after landing. Still, there are symptoms that should not be ignored.
If the pain persists, if there is a sensation of hearing loss or signs such as dizziness and ear discharge, it is advisable to seek a specialist. These signs may point to a rare but possible complication, such as an eardrum injury.
According to Women’s Health, prevention remains the best approach. Applying simple techniques at the right time, especially during the descent, can be enough to prevent a common discomfort from turning into a painful experience.
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