Why do my ears get sore when i fly?

Answer 1

It is due to the change of air pressure on your eardrums. Go to walmart and buy some little ear plugs called EarPlanes. I had the same problem. It was excruciating pain! But, these little things are miraculous! I never fly without them now. You wear them at takeoff until you get to the maximum altitude and them put them back in when you start descending.

Oh .... you can also take Benedryl as well. The fluid behind your eardrums also affects you. This will clear up any excess fluid. It will also knock you out if you have a red-eye flight!

Answer 2

All the answers related to air pressure are right on the money. There's a simple way to relieve this pressure when you feel it starting to build, and it works better than chewing gum or talking.

People almost never have problems during climb, as air can usually escape from the inner ear without too much trouble. It's during descent that problems arise.

Anyway, the technique is called the "valsalva maneuver". Simply pinch your nose with your fingers, keep your mouth closed, and blow *gently* and *slowly*, keeping your mouth closed. The idea is to build up air pressure in your throat. This will force air into the eustachian tubes (tubes that run from your throat to your inner ear). Try it now -- you should be able to hear the air entering your inner ear. Swallowing will equalize the pressure again.

If your ears won't clear this way on the ground, you should see an ear/nose/throat specialist, as there's something wrong with your eustachian tubes, and you shouldn't fly. In extreme cases, you can suffer an burst eardrum and deafness.

Answer 3

You are experiencing the misery of barotrauma. The pain is always most severe during descent as the air pressure increases. Unless air can pass through the Eustachian tube from the nose to enter the middle ear during descent, the eardrum is sucked inwards, causing the pain. If the pressure change is great, or rapid, the eardrum may burst.

You may have a partial blockage in your nose, or a damaged septum in the middle of the nose. This could prevent air from equalising the pressure across the eardrum. I suggest that you ask your doctor to check your ears, nose and throat. If the nose is damaged, surgery may be necessary. But, if there is no apparent abnormality, you could try using decongestant nose-drops before take-off and again before the aircraft begins to descend. You may need to keep having sips of water, and frequently blowing your nose gently throughout the descent, and for an hour or so after landing.

Answer 4

Probably because of the air pressure try chewing gum..........i feel the air pressure too its uncomfortable but i never get sore ears mebay you are sensitive and some ear drops or something would help you feel more comfortable.

Answer 5

Your ears get sore because of the pressure. Try chewing gum while you are on the plane that will help with them popping.

Answer 6

Change of air pressure. Accept the sweeties they offer you. Yawning is great. I can yawn on comand, so I used to make my children look at me on take off and landing, then I'd yawn. So did everyone else on the plane. Makes for more comfort! If you really have a problem get your doc to check out your sinuses before you fly.

Answer 7

Your ears are responding to changes in the air pressure. Try drinking water or another liquid as the plane is ascending and descending. This will cause your ears to naturally equalize or 'pop'.

Answer 8

the differnce in air pressure.....not only flying can cause the irration, but going up a mountain does the same. I've found it useful to chew bubble gum, or talk a WHOLE bunch, but that gets on peoples nerves sooo i suggest getting yourself a pack of gum before yuo head off.

Answer 9

i know what your talking about, a week ago i was flying back from London and during the landing (all the 30 minutes) i felt like my eardrums where about to explode and when i swallowed spit it was so much worse, i did chew gum though it didn't help much but its better hen nothing. i know it has something to do with the changing air pressure in the plane, but i can't tell you exactly why.

Answer 10

Low Air pressure