flying and diving
Air travel and diving is associated with rapid changes in air pressure. Your ears ability to match the pressure changes depend on a small tube that connects the nose with the middle ear space (called the Eustachian tube).
To prevent ear ache and temporary hearing loss, this small tube must open often and wide enough to equalize the pressure. The air in the middle ear is constantly being absorbed and re-supplied through the Eustachian tube. In this manner, air pressure on both sides of the eardrum stays equal. If, and when, the air pressure is not equal the ear feels blocked and it can cause severe pain.
Risk factors:
Any condition that blocks the Eustachian tube or limits its function increase the risks of complications. Common risk factors include:
A small Eustachian tube, especially in infants and toddlers
The common cold
Sinus or throat infection
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
Reflux
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
Sleeping on an airplane during take off and landing
Blockage in the ear canals for example earwax or earplugs
When you fly:
Always get your ears checked for ear wax as even when your middle ear is able to cope with the air pressure change, earwax in the canal can also cause blocked and painful ears.
Yawn and swallow during the flight to help activate the muscles that open your Eustachian tubes. You can suck on lollies or chew gum to help you swallow.
Pop your ears – look up to extend your neck, while pinching your nostrils, gently blow as if blowing your nose, and keep your mouth closed. Repeat several times, especially during landing to equalize your middle ear.
Don’t sleep during take-off and landing.
If possible, don’t fly or dive when you have a cold, sinus infection, nasal congestion or ear infection. If you had recent ear surgery, talk to your doctor about plans to travel.
Use filtered earplugs - these slowly equalize the pressure against your eardrum during take off and landing (available at pharmacies).
Use an over-the-counter decongestant nasal spray about 30 minutes to an hour before take-off and landing. Avoid overuse. Not recommended for young children.
If you have allergies, take your medication about one hour before your flight.
Feed your baby or toddler during taking off and landing to encourage frequent swallowing, a pacifier also helps.
Have children sit up while drinking.
Children older than age 4 can try chewing gum, drinking or blowing bubbles through a straw.
When you dive:
Get your ears checked and cleaned to ensure there is no ear wax in the canal that can result in blocked or infected ears when getting in the water.
Make sure that when you swallow you feel a “click” in both ears. This tells you both Eustachian tubes are opening.
Gently equalize your ears every few minutes a few hours before diving.
Chewing gum seems to help because it makes you swallow often.
Descend feet first. Studies have shown equalizing your ears requires 50 percent more force when you’re in a head-down position than head-up.
Look up—extending your neck tends to open your Eustachian tubes.
Control your descent rate - stop your descent if you feel pressure.
Equalize often, don’t wait until you feel pressure or pain.
Stop if it hurts. Ascend a few feet and try equalizing again.
Avoid milk. Some foods, including milk can increase your mucus production.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol. Both tobacco smoke and alcohol irritate your mucus membranes, promoting more mucus that can block your Eustachian tubes.
Keep your mask clear. Water up your nose can irritate your mucus membranes and result in more mucus.
What to do with when your ears are painful or blocked?
Having problems with your ears during flying or diving may cause severe pain, but it normally goes away quickly. You can take painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
Sometimes fluid or mucus can accumulates in the middle ear for a few days after a flight or diving. You may experience dull hearing and a blocked feeling . This happens because the Eustachian tube was blocked. Not everyone experiences pain when this happens.
To clear the fluid:
Continue gentle nose blowing ear popping exercises
Use a nasal decongestant spray as directed by your doctor or pharmacist
Do not fly or dive until you are able to equalize your ears comfortably
Get your ears checked for wax to ensure this is not the cause