UK holidaymakers are preparing for a busy travel season. With the average Brit expected to take three separate trips in 20252, this year is shaping up to be one of the most travel-packed in recent memory.
With peak travel season colliding with hay fever season and lingering colds, a familiar in-flight nuisance might also be on the rise: blocked ears, otherwise known as ‘aeroplane ear’ or ear barotrauma.
Explaining why our ears become blocked during takeoff and landing, hearing loss expert and audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, Hannah Samuels, shares: “This uncomfortable yet common sensation occurs due to a mismatch between the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the aeroplane cabin.
“External air pressure changes most rapidly during take off and landing, so if the Eustachian tubes, which connect your middle ears to the back of your throat, cannot equalise the pressure effectively, then the eardrum becomes unable to move as it should. This is what leads to this blocked feeling that sometimes feels hard to shake.”
According to Hannah, there are certain factors that can increase the likelihood of experiencing blocked ears on a plane, such as congestion caused by the common cold or allergies, as well as existing ear infections. Infants and toddlers are also more susceptible to blocked ears on planes due to having smaller Eustachian tubes, which is why they can be more restless or upset when flying.
Hannah adds: “Not a lot of people realise this, but sleeping during takeoff or landing can make it more difficult for your ears to adjust because you are less likely to consciously swallow or yawn. So if you’re someone who likes to try to fall asleep before you take the air, perhaps this is something to reconsider!”
One of the most well-known ways to treat aeroplane ear is the Valsalva manoeuvre. This technique involves pinching your nostrils, closing your mouth, and gently blowing out air as if blowing your nose.
However, caution is advised, with Hannah warning: “It might seem intuitive to “pop” your ears, but if you are congested, this could potentially lead to complications such as a severe ear infection, eardrum rupture, or, in serious cases, permanent ear damage.”
Swallowing and yawning are more actively encouraged as doing so naturally activates the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes. This is why chewing gum or sucking on sweets is recommended as a helpful method as it promotes swallowing.
If that doesn’t seem to help, Hannah suggests the following: “Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of uncaffeinated drinks or water can really help as it encourages frequent swallowing. If you are struggling with congestion and worry about blocked ears, using a decongestant or nasal spray shortly before boarding and again before landing can help reduce congestion and aid in Eustachian tube function.
“Hearing protection like specialised filtered earplugs is also recommended as they can help to ease the feeling of pressure. Not only this, but they also have the added benefit of reducing the noisy sounds of flights, making your journey feel more comfortable.”
Learn more about the hearing protection provided by Boots Hearingcare at https://www.bootshearingcare.com/hearing-protection/
