How do you keep your ears from getting plugged up on an airplane?

Question

We have to fly to Tenessee to visit my brother at school and my ears are extreamly sensitive. I've tried chewing gum, but it dosn't work. If any of you have any tricks that i can use on the plane i would really apprecitae it. Thanks!

Answer 1

This will be my first serious response on this site, but taking sudafed will prevent your ears from getting plugged up. Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant. Don't take it if you are hypertensive (have high blood pressure)

Answer 2

Cork is right. Sudafed. If chewing gum or yawning or swallowing doesn't work, your sinuses are probably congested. While pinching your nose and holding your mouth closed and blowing out your nose might work, don't push too hard, you could do damage to your ears. Take the sudafed long before you get on the plane and take it again if you have to, but make sure you give it time to work. Popping 2 sudafed while boarding won't help on the take off!

Answer 3

Find a gummy candy you like, gummy rings or gummy bears works best for me, pop a few in your mouth at the same time just before take off, and chew, chew, chew, on them until you are in the air.

Or, pick up some Simulsan (I think I spelled that right) homeopathic ear drops, put 2 drops in each ear, followed by a small piece of cotton, you will already have a "pressurized" sensation for a few minutes from the drops, and the take off will be a piece of cake on your ears.

Answer 4

I am a regular air traveller and the things that work for me are: yawning, sucking lollies or chewing gum (but you said that didn't work)... If worst comes to worst the way to clear your ears (it is kinda unpleasant but if your ears are really bad it is good to do this) is to hold your nose closed, close your mouth and blow. That will almost always do the trick.

I hope this helps! :)

Answer 5

My kids used to use a product called "earplanes" they sell them at wallgreens or target. It was very hard for them to pop their ears, so they used these ear plugs. I'm not sure how they work, I just know that they do.

Answer 6

If the gum doesn't work then try swallowing your spit all the time, that should help to. If not just try to keep drinking water.

Answer 7

Chew lots of gum..and if they do plug up...it's weird..but it works....breathe in....hold you nose...close your mouth..and with force...try to blow out...it "unpops" your ear pressure from the airplane!!

Answer 8

Pinch your nose closed and blow, like your blowing it in a tissue until your ears pop..

Answer 9

Try swallowing your spit and drinking lots of water.