When flying, what do you recommend for little children to do, to feel the popping of ones ears less?

Answer 1

If they are able to, chew gum. Otherwise, maybe a does of a child's decongestant before hand, to lessen the severity of any issues, and something like a lollipop to suck on. For an infant, that's rough. Feeding a bottle in mid-flight might increase the chance for some fo the fluid to get into sinuses or ear canal opening inside the mouth cavity. If it is for an infant, I would check one of the "What to Expect When You Are Expecting" books.

Answer 2

As hearkat said, the device called "earplanes" may be of benefit. These are not your typical earplugs - the have a hole through the center to help equalize the pressure. Never use standard earplugs, as these will exacerbate the problem! If your children have any indication of a slight cold or allergy going on, do not fly, as the pressure could potentially rupture their eardrums. Usually, descent for landing is the time when problems occur. When at altitude, the eustachian tubes generally open up. Good luck. If their ears remain blocked for more than 24 hours after the flight, get them to the doctor.

Answer 3

Behind your ear drum is an air pocket - the middle ear - that is connected to the back of the throat by the Eustachian tube. That tube will open and close again when swallowing or yawning to equalize the air pressure in the middle ear to that of the environment around you. That is why it is often recommended to chew gum or suck on hard candy during take-off and landing. Babies can nurse or drink a bottle, and young children might suck a lollipop or drink from a sippy cup.

For some people, the Eustachian tube does not function properly, and when the pressure builds up, sound can be muffled and you might hear noises (like ringing) in your ears. If the pressure does not resolve, it can lead to a build up of fluid behind the eardrum, which restricts its movement even more. If your eustachian tubes are not functioning properly, which can be due to upper respiratory ailments like allergies, or a cold, or sore throat; and the pressure can be quite painful. Some people take antihistamines and/or decongestants as a precautionary measure for a few days prior to their flight to minimize the chance of this happening.

There are special ear plugs available -- called EarPlanes -- that allow the pressure to change more gradually. They come in Adult and Child sizes, and are in most large drug store outlets in the US, like CVS or Eckerds, or from the manufacturer's web site: http://www.mellenmedical.com/earplane.htm . I used them with my son when he was younger and prone to middle ear infections. They seemed to work well.

Good luck and have a great trip!

Answer 4

How old is the child? If it is an infant it is recommended to hold them and either breastfeed or give him/her a bottle during take off and landing. A toddler could have a sippy cup. If the child is too young for gum then anything that they need to chew and swallow will work - crackers or raisins are good.

Answer 5

Chewing gum never helped me. Instead, give them a children's decongestant. The ear problems are caused by congestion in the canals which increase the pressure and cause discomfort. A childrens decongestant will soothe any pressure and help them sleep during long flights. Good luck!

Answer 6

Swallowing really hard and yawning are the best ways to relieve pressure. I wouldn't recommend candy because, at least for me, certain things while I'm flying make me airsick. I always stick to Sprite because it's easier on the stomach.

Answer 7

We just got back from a trip and my 4 year old was having a hard time.

We found that getting him to drink something helped if it was hurting him, but chewing gum kept him from even noticing!

Good luck!

Answer 8

bring cotton bal with you and stuff them in your child ear before take off

the reason because when you up in the air there is a change in air pressure and because the change is happening so rapidly you child starts feel pain. This way your child ear air pressure level stay the same so he or she feels little or no pain.

Answer 9

I agree with chewing gum. The second (and automatic) choice of screaming loudly and crying also seems to work pretty well.

If they have a cold, don't put them through that.

Answer 10

Halls Defense Vitamin C or a vitamin C sucker. 2 things, it helps them pop their ears by sucking and it gives their immune system a boost so they don't get sick.