Website: Center For Hearing

Air Travel and the Link to Hearing Complications

Traveling by air causes a rapid

change in the amount of pressure

within the air. In order to maintain a

comfortable level, the tubes will need

to open wide enough on a consistent

basis to help equalize the amount of

changes taking place in the air

pressure. This is definitely true when the airplane is landing

because it is going through a lot of pressure changes to help

bring the plane down to Earth where the amount of pressure is

much higher than when the plane is in the air.

Any situation where there is a rapid change in the air pressure

can create a problem with an individual’s hearing. It could be that

you are riding in an elevator or diving to the bottom of the ocean.

Pilots and deep sea divers alike are all taught the proper way to

help equalize the pressure in their ears, but it is a simple trick

that anyone can learn if they try.

Simple Tips When Traveling by Air

• Make sure you discuss flying with your surgeon to determine

safety measures after having any surgery on your ear.

• If you have a cold, infection, or bad allergies, it is always best

to postpone flying until the symptoms have passed.

Website: Center For Hearing

• During the descent, it is advised that you remain awake.

• Patients who are in good overall health may want to take a

decongestant or nasal spray about an hour before the plane is

scheduled to land to help your ears pop without causing a lot of

pain.

• Before the plane takes off or lands, you might want to chew on

some gum or suck on a hard candy.

• When you are trying to inflate your ears, it is recommended to

avoid using an excessive amount of force. Properly inflating your

ears involves nothing more than using the muscles in your throat

and cheek.