Airplane Ear - Causes and Symptoms

Introduction

The ears are the primary organs that help with hearing and maintaining pressure within the body and the atmospheric air. Any damage to the ear can affect the pressure balance in the body, leading to constant discomfort. For example, airplane ear is a medical condition in which there is an imbalance between the middle ear and the atmosphere, especially while traveling in flight or going to places in higher altitudes. Although the condition is self-resolvable, a few techniques can help to maintain ear health.

What Is Airplane Ear?

The stress occurring within the ear due to pressure imbalance within the middle ear and the atmospheric pressure is called airplane ear. It is also known as ear barotrauma or barotitis media. It is commonly seen while traveling to places at higher altitudes and during flights. It is a common condition and is not life-threatening. With self-care, individuals can cope with the changing pressures and maintain balance within the ear.

What Are the Symptoms of Airplane Ear?

The airplane ear could affect one or both ears. The common signs and symptoms occurring in an airplane ear are mentioned below.

• Moderate ear discomfort.

• Stuffiness or fullness of ear.

• Moderate hearing loss.

• Muffled ear.

In some individuals, airplanes could be very severe, resulting in the following symptoms.

• Severe pain.

• Increased ear pressure.

• Tinnitus (ringing inside the ear).

• Vertigo ( spinning sensation).

• Bleeding from the ear.

What Causes Airplane Ear?

The ear is divided into external, internal, and middle ears. In the case of airplane ears, it is chiefly due to the air pressure build-up in the middle ear, which does not match the air pressure in the environment. This prevents the normal vibration of the eardrum. Generally, the air pressure is equalized by the eustachian tube that connects to the middle ear. The Eustachian tube is slim, opening and closing as individuals swallow. It interferes with the vibrating sounds in the eardrum and the hearing bones.

While traveling in flight, most people have experienced sudden changes in air pressure during landing or take-off. The Eustachian tube doesn't quickly respond to the sudden change in air pressure, which causes the symptoms. A simple technique like swallowing or yawning opens up the eustachian tube, which helps equalize the pressure in the middle ear.

How Common Is Airplane Ear?

It is pretty common but affects every individual in different ways. Some may experience pain, while others may complain of only slight discomfort. Individuals with colds or ear infections may find it very uncomfortable. Usually, people recover quickly once the pressure is equalized.

What Are the Risk Factors of Airplane Ear?

Any medical conditions like tumors or foreign particles that obstruct the eustachian tube can be a risk factor for airplane ears. The most common risk factors are listed below.

• The small eustachian tube in children.

• Common cold.

• Allergic rhinitis.

• Otitis media (middle ear infection).

• Sinus infection.

• Sleeping on the airplane while landing or taking off.

Complications of Airplane Ear

Airplane ear is not a serious condition. Self-care can help any individual overcome the condition. It is very rare to see long-term side effects in an airplane ear if the condition is severe or there is damage to the middle ear.

Some of the rare complications include:

• Permanent hearing loss.

• Chronic tinnitus.

How to Diagnose Airplane Ear?

It usually fades away as the flight lands. A medical diagnosis is usually not necessary. In case of the following symptoms, it is important to consult the doctor.

• Persistently blocked hearing.

• Bleeding ears.

• Ear drainage.

• Severe pain.

How to Help Children Prevent Airplane Ear?

It is safe to encourage swallowing in children to prevent airplane ears. Giving a bottle to suck can be the easiest way to encourage swallowing in children. Make sure the child is sitting in an upright position while drinking. Children above four years of age may swallow chewing gum or drink through a star to prevent airplane ear.

How to Prevent Airplane Ear?

The following tips are very useful to prevent airplane fear if followed thoroughly.

• Avoid sleeping during take-off and landing. It is important to concentrate on breathing and follow self-care techniques to prevent airplane ears.

• It is always better to reconsider travel plans when an individual suffers from a cold, sinus infection, ear infection, or nasal congestion. Also, in case of any recent ear surgery, it is better to take the doctor’s approval before traveling.

• An over-the-counter nasal spray is also effective in nasal decongestants. Taking the spray half an hour before take-off and landing is helpful in the airplane ear.

• Patients with allergies should take their medicine before traveling.

• Using filtered earplugs also helps to equalize the pressure against the eardrum. They are available in airports or hearing clinics.

• Yawning and swallowing are the easy and best way to clear an airplane ear. They help to activate the muscles attached to the eustachian tube. Additionally, sucking on candy is also helpful.

• The Valsalva maneuver technique can be followed. Just blow through the nose by pinching the nostrils, and keep the mouth closed. Repeat it as many times as possible until the pressure is balanced. This technique is followed when an individual experiences clogged ears. The end point of doing this maneuver is when they hear a 'click' in both ears and should be done atleast five to six times a day. It is highly effective, when performed with use of decongestants.

Individuals highly prone to severe airplane ears can inform their doctors before traveling. The doctors may suggest placing tubes in the ear to aid with fluid drainage and ventilate the ears in frequent travelers.

Conclusion

Airplane ear is a common condition that can affect any individual especially while traveling via flights or to higher altitudes. The body finds it extremely difficult to accommodate the sudden changes that occur in the pressure. As a result, an individual may experience airplane ear with symptomatic manifestations like discomfort and difficulty in hearing. It is a temporary condition that lasts for just a few minutes until the pressure is equalized. The eustachian tube plays an important role by balancing the pressure between the middle ear and the atmosphere. Any damage to the eustachian tube may result in the long-term prevalence of the condition. Simple techniques like yawning and swallowing can help to relieve airplane ears. Taking precautions and following self-care methods can help to resolve airplane fear quickly.