How to Keep Ears From Popping
Ears popping on a plane or in high altitudes is a very annoying experience. It's caused by a pocket of air inside the ear behind the eardrum. Because air is constantly being supplied to that area during swallowing, it usually has no problems. If the air pressure is no longer equal for some reason, the ear feels blocked. You can reduce this annoyance by reading on to learn how to keep ears from popping.
Instructions
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When going on an airplane, bring gum and hard candy. Alternate between chewing gum and eating hard candy as much as possible during the flight, especially during take-off and descent. When you are constantly swallowing, the pressure usually remains stabilized despite the pressure changes. Supplying air to this part of your body is the important thing, and that is the best way to give air where it is needed.
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Avoid sleeping very often on a plane. If you must sleep, make sure that you are awake when the plane starts to gear for landing. If you sleep, you will not swallow often enough for air to go to the needed area.
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Yawning is a strong force to avoid ears from popping. Although it may annoy other passengers, it's your best bet when you feel your ears may be getting to the point where assistance is needed.
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If your best preventative care did not work, the struggle is to now unblock popped ears. You should grab your nostrils into a pinch, take in a gulp of air, hold your mouth shut tight, and force the air into the back of your nose. You should try to forcefully blow out your nose while still holding your nostrils in a pinch. Even though this may take a few tries before being successful, it ultimately will be.
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Tips & Warnings
Be aware and awake on a plane. Paying attention to what your body is telling you will give you cues when to pop gum and take preventative measures to avoid ear popping.
Keep a steady supply of gum and candy on hand for flying, as well as altitude changes in driving.
Be sure to supply gum and advice to your traveling companions.
This is information only, and should not be taken as medical advice. Ask your doctor or health care professional for any medical advice or concerns.
Don't stress too much about ear popping. It will take care of itself on its own eventually.
Warn children in advance when flying. If they do not know about the condition, they can get terrified when it happens to them.
