How do you keep your ears from popping (and therefor hurting for days) when on an airline trip?

Answer 1

You should not have any problems during the climb to altitude. Your ears should pop and adjust themselves automatically, unless you have a sinus block, cold, flu, etc. Never, ever fly if you aren't feeling well. On the descent, however, you will need to equalize the pressure yourself, your ears will not do this automatically, even if you are feeling perfectly well.

The best way to do this is by doing what is called the "Valsalva Maneuver". With your hand, plug both of your nostrils so that no air can go in or out of your nose. Close your mouth as well. Forcefully exhale through your nose as though you were blowing your nose. However, keep your nose plugged with your hand, don't actually let that forcefully exhaled air from your lungs depart your nostrils. You can do this right now while you are on the ground. Do you feel your ears pop? This is the Valsalva Maneuver Do this several times during your descent. If you feel discomfort during the climb, then you can do it then as well, however, again, your ears should adjust automatically.

It is using the Valsalva Maneuver that allows scuba divers to dive to depths without it hurting their ears. When you scuba dive, on your descent, you have to do the Valsalva Maneuver every few feet. On the ascent, your ears pop themselves automatically. In my opinion it actually feels good!!! Have a nice flight.

Answer 2

If your ears hurt for days, you probably have an upper respiratory infection or blocked sinuses.

Chewing gum and Valsalva Maneuver might work, but if your blockage or pain doesn't go away within a few days, you should see a doctor.

Most pilots are used to this, so their auditory tubes are more "elastic" and can therefore adapt to pressure changes quicker.

Answer 3

When an aircraft climbs, even when you are in a pressurized cabin, you will experience a lower pressure than when on the ground. To equalize it is helpfull if you can chew gum, or swallow. A drink of water could help. For babies it is important to have them drink from a bottle while the aircraft is climbing or descending because they can't be shown how to equalize on their own.
Another technique is to pinch your nose with your fingers, & blow through your nostrils, until you feel your ears pop.

When the aircraft decends the pressure will increase & it will be necessary to use one of the tecniques I described to equalise the pressure in your ears again.

Answer 4

Yes chewing gum is a good 1 , but you can pinch your nose tight enough and close your mouth , and blow like your are trying to blow through your noes , wait till your ears do pop , and let go , and it will clear up in just a few seconds!
you can do this as many times as necessary .

: ) LB

Answer 5

Besides chewing gum at take off and landing there are things you can buy - Earplanes - which are like ear plugs however they act as valves. You can find them in most drug stores near the earplugs.

They make them for children too which is wonderful.

Answer 6

Chewing gum.

Answer 7

Chewing gum, Pinching your nose and blowing with your mouth closed and yawning all work pretty well.

Answer 8

when on a plane chew gum or suck on hard candy from the time you sit down till you get off the plane

Answer 9

Chewing gum is helpful.

Answer 10

chewing gum or benedryl usually helps (the stuff you take for over the counter allergy problems).