Am catching a flight soon and need some advice?

Question

On how to prevent ear pain on landing

Answer 1

Ear pain when descending is caused by an imbalance of pressure between your inner and outer ear, applying excessive pressure to your ear drum.

As you descend the external pressure rises, but if your inner ear pressure does not rise with it, then the deafness and pain starts.

Usually your Eustachian tubes balance this pressure, but if you have had a cold or infection, then these can clog up.
When descending in the aircraft and you start to feel a little deaf or woolly about the ears, pinch your nose, close your lips and try to blow down your nose. This is called the Valsalva Manoeuvre and will pressurise your inner ear, so preventing your ear pain.

Answer 2

I make myself yawn a few times on the way up, and a few times on the way down. Sometimes just opening your mouth will make your ears pop. A lot of people have luck with gum, but that doesn't do it for me. Whatever you do, don't blow your nose, some people say that works, but it hurts like hell.

Have a good flight.

Answer 3

Chew Gum

Answer 4

I also have this problem and shall be on along hall flight soon.
I normally use ear plugs which work for me and suck or chew sweets and read a good book.

I have every sympathy for you as it very painful mine takes a few days to clear up.

You and I both shall have a problem now as you can 't have anything in your pocket.

Other than keep swallowing and holdign our nose?:)

Answer 5

They say to chew gum, but the last flight I took - it did not work. We stayed at that level a little longer than expected and it popped bad. Of course, if you have sinus/allergy problems - it does not help any.

Answer 6

The last time I flew I found sticking a pen in each ear and large wads of cotton wool in each nostril whilst shouting "hold me down baby" at the top of my voice helped.

It also helped me for the return flight too, I didnt get any pain at all. (they wouldn't let me on the plane).

Answer 7

I always have a pack of gum in my bag.
When we take off, I put a peice in my mouth.
And then when we are going to land, I put in another peice.
The chewing "pops" the air pressue from your ears, making you able to hear again.

Answer 8

this can be very painful. you can try all the candy and gum in the world and if it works great, but for some it doesn't.
I am a flight attendant and I recommend taking a decongestant right before your flight.

good luck

Answer 9

Chew gum or suck on a candy. Swallow. Pinch your nostrils with your thumb and forefinger and blow - ever so lightly - just enough to clear the pressure. Not too hard now.

Answer 10

I've heard to chew gum and take a motion sickness medication prior to take off.