how do you prevent your ears from clogging up when flying?

Answer 1

Chew gum!!!

Answer 2

The experience of "popping" ears when flying on an airplane is the most common medical complaint of airplane passengers. Due to an air pocket in the middle ear that is sensitive to air pressure changes, the changing altitude as the plane takes off or lands can cause discomfort in the ears. The middle ear consists of the ear drum and the ossicles (three bones that are joined together).

Swallowing or yawning usually can help "pop" the ears (activating the muscle that opens the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear with the nasopharynx) and ease the discomfort. However, ears that are already blocked (by a cold, for example) cannot equalize the air pressure in the middle ear adequately, therefore, creating a vacuum that sucks the eardrum in and stretches it. When the eardrum cannot vibrate, sound is muffled and the stretched eardrum can be very painful.

If swallowing or yawning do not relieve the ears, the American Academy of Otolaryngologists recommends trying the following ear-clearing technique:

Pinch the nostrils shut.
Breathe in through the mouth.
Force the air into the back of the nose as if trying to blow your nose.

Small children are especially vulnerable to blocked ear canals because their Eustachian tubes are narrower. Use of a bottle or pacifier during take-off and landing may help pop their ears. Do not allow a baby to sleep as the plane is descending.

Answer 3

I have had this problem as well. My doctor said to take a decongestant tablet such as dimitapp for 2 nights before flying. It works for me! Or go to your Dr. before flying to have your ears (the wax) syringed out. This does not hurt at all. You just have to put a few drops of mineral oil in your ears, to soften the wax, for a few nights before going to the Dr. good luck

Answer 4

Good luck!

I don't think it can be done!

I have heard, chew gum, drink water, yawn.. none of it works for me. When the plane is landing, my left side of my head feels like it has a hot knife in it and someone just keeps jabbing it in deeper and deeper.

Answer 5

chew gum. or hold your nose closed tight with your fingers then blow hard with mouth closed and build pressure . your ears will pop and you should do this just before take off you'll be good for a few hours then again just before landing

Answer 6

i always chew gum, but when one is in a gum shortage, i just yawn or eat a granola bar ;D

Answer 7

dont listen to anyone that tells you to chew gum....bullshit.....what you need is to get drunk right before you enter the plane...all is great after that !!!!

Answer 8

yes i agree chew gum.