I hate it hate it hate it!! agggghh..
2006-09-27 07:10:18 · 15 answers · asked by guitarusa2001 1 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
My daughter had the same problem with scuba diving. She tried everything to clear her ears (it's the same problem as on an airplane) but nothing worked she just couldn't go very deep without pain. A scuba instructor in St. Thomas US Virgin Islands told her to blow into her nose while holding her nose but do it while tilting her head upwards. IT WORKED. So as the plane ascends or descends don't wait till you feel uncomfortable pressure. As soon as you feel any change in pressure clear your ears immediately and continue to do so until you reach a level altitude.
2006-09-27 07:15:26 · answer #1 · answered by yagman 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is the middle ear that causes discomfort during air travel, because it is an air pocket inside the head that is vulnerable to changes in air pressure.
Normally, each time (or each second or third time) you swallow, your ears make a little click or popping sound. This occurs because a small bubble of air has entered your middle ear, up from the back of your nose. It passes through the Eustachian tube, a membrane-lined tube about the size of a pencil lead that connects the back of the nose with the middle ear. The air in the middle ear is constantly being absorbed by its membranous lining and resupplied through the Eustachian tube. In this manner, air pressure on both sides of the eardrum stays about equal. If and when the air pressure is not equal, the ear feels blocked.
Swallowing activates the muscle that opens the Eustachian tube. You swallow more often when you chew gum or let mints melt in your mouth. These are good air travel practices, especially just before take-off and during descent. Yawning is even better. Avoid sleeping during descent, because you may not be swallowing often enough to keep up with the pressure changes. (The flight attendant will be happy to awaken you just before descent).
If yawning and swallowing are not effective, unblock your ears as follows:
Step 1: Pinch your nostrils shut.
Step 2: Take a mouthful of air.
Step 3: Using your cheek and throat muscles, force the air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your thumb and fingers off your nostrils.
When you hear a loud pop in your ears, you have succeeded. You may have to repeat this several times during descent.
If you don't mind looking silly there is a pair or earplugs that open up the passageways and allow your ears to equalize. I used to wear a pair myself.
If not try to suck sweets (hard boiled) as this allows you passageways to open and the trapped air to be released.
Good luck!
2006-09-27 14:15:14 · answer #2 · answered by pootle_monster 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Just get some gum out, put it in your mouth and start chewing it when you start to feel the plane move.
2006-09-27 14:15:42 · answer #3 · answered by Sam 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chew gum when you are on the plane thats a great way.
2006-09-27 14:31:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chew gum it will help so your ears wont get plugged up and have to pop!
2006-09-27 14:11:36 · answer #5 · answered by SexyAmby 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
take decongestant prior to boarding, then chew gum continuosly as the cabin pressure increases.....hope it works for u...it does for me...coz i get really bad headache and i feel my eardrum's going to pop whenever i m on a plane
2006-09-27 14:18:55 · answer #6 · answered by ♦cat 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chew gum.
2006-09-27 14:11:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
chew gum, it regulates the pressure between your nose, mouth and ear
2006-09-27 14:12:27 · answer #8 · answered by Liquid 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy .....drinking something helps too!!!
2006-09-27 14:12:18 · answer #9 · answered by Melissa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yawn yawn yawn.
This will help alleviate the pressure in your ears.
2006-09-27 14:12:22 · answer #10 · answered by Mommymonster 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋