Why Do Our Ears Get Blockd When We Are In A Airplane?

Answer 1

air pressure and the design of the human ear.

Answer 2

The difference in pressure. It's no different than going over a mountain, for example. As altitude increases, pressure decreases. All modern airplanes have pressurized cabins which simulate a lower elevation than actual flight. As the plane climbs, pressure goes down before being applied in the cabin. The pressure at 30,000 feet (cruising altitude for most airliners) is too low for enough oxygen to flow in the cabin, so that's why there are oxygen masks above your seat that will be provided in the event of depressurization. As you land again, pressure returns to normal, and your ears pop yet again.

You can test this theory by leaving a plastic bottle closed between takeoff and cruising altitude, and once again for landing. After takeoff the bottle will appear inflated because the pressure inside the bottle is higher. Open the bottle, and the air will espace. Closing the bottle during the flight and waiting for landing will yield a compressed bottle, because the pressure inside will be lower. Open the bottle, and it (usually) returns to normal. The same thing is happening to your body, and your ears feel the change the most.

While most airplanes simulate elevation at 8,000 feet (hence why alcoholic drinks have a greater effect and you may feel light-headed), the upcoming Boeing 787 Dreamliner will simulate elevation at 6,000 feet. Because it is made of composite materials, it can handle a greater strain on the fuselage. It will also have larger windows for the same reason.

Answer 3

Several of these answers above are very good. I will add one thing. You shouldn't have troubles during the climb up to altitude, however, you may have troubles during the descent. To counteract your ears getting blocked you can do something called the "Valsalva Maneuver":

1. Plug your nose with your hand(s).

2. Close your mouth.

3. Forcefully exhale as hard as you can, as though you were blowing your nose onto a kleenex.

4. You will be blowing against your closed nose (with your hand) and your closed mouth.

5. You will feel your ears equalizing with the ambient pressure. Personally, I think it feels good.

6. Repeat as necessary as the aircraft continues to descend.

7. This is the exact same thing that you do when you scuba dive during the dive to a deeper depth. During the ascent from depth, the ears will equalize themselves automatically, the same way they do in an aircraft.

I am a pilot and personally, I have scuba dived to depths exceeding 120 feet. It is all very easy if you know how to do the "Valsalva Maneuver".

Answer 4

Pressure

Answer 5

Ear Block.

1. As the aircraft cabin pressure decreases during ascent, the expanding air in the middle ear pushes the eustachian tube open, and by escaping down it to the nasal passages, equalizes in pressure with the cabin pressure. But during descent, the pilot must periodically open the eustachian tube to equalize pressure. This can be accomplished by swallowing, yawning, tensing muscles in the throat, or if these do not work, by a combination of closing the mouth, pinching the nose closed, and attempting to blow through the nostrils (Valsalva maneuver).

2. Either an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or sore throat, or a nasal allergic condition can produce enough congestion around the eustachian tube to make equalization difficult. Consequently, the difference in pressure between the middle ear and aircraft cabin can build up to a level that will hold the eustachian tube closed, making equalization difficult if not impossible. The problem is commonly referred to as an "ear block."

3. An ear block produces severe ear pain and loss of hearing that can last from several hours to several days. Rupture of the ear drum can occur in flight or after landing. Fluid can accumulate in the middle ear and become infected.

4. An ear block is prevented by not flying with an upper respiratory infection or nasal allergic condition. Adequate protection is usually not provided by decongestant sprays or drops to reduce congestion around the eustachian tubes. Oral decongestants have side effects that can significantly impair pilot performance.

5. If an ear block does not clear shortly after landing, a physician should be consulted.

c. Sinus Block.

1. During ascent and descent, air pressure in the sinuses equalizes with the aircraft cabin pressure through small openings that connect the sinuses to the nasal passages. Either an upper respiratory infection, such as a cold or sinusitis, or a nasal allergic condition can produce enough congestion around an opening to slow equalization, and as the difference in pressure between the sinus and cabin mounts, eventually plug the opening. This "sinus block" occurs most frequently during descent.

2. A sinus block can occur in the frontal sinuses, located above each eyebrow, or in the maxillary sinuses, located in each upper cheek. It will usually produce excruciating pain over the sinus area. A maxillary sinus block can also make the upper teeth ache. Bloody mucus may discharge from the nasal passages.

3. A sinus block is prevented by not flying with an upper respiratory infection or nasal allergic condition. Adequate protection is usually not provided by decongestant sprays or drops to reduce congestion around the sinus openings. Oral decongestants have side effects that can impair pilot performance.

4. If a sinus block does not clear shortly after landing, a physician should be consulted.

Answer 6

Change of Air Pressure. There is a pressure difference between ground level and the level an airliner cruises.

Answer 7

P R E S S U R E....ear drums are reacting they will when pressure changes....happens even when you travel in a car up or down a large mountain

Answer 8

Air pressure. When you raise the air pressure up there becomes lower. You ears are attempting to equalize the pressure on your eardrums.

Answer 9

Diferences of pressure.

Answer 10

I think it has something to do with air pressure - try chewing gum