How to Relieve Ear Pressure

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By eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (11 Ratings)

A change in air pressure, such as when flying in an airplane, can cause a pressure difference between the environment and the middle ear. This pressure difference can result in hearing problems and discomfort. Ear pressure can also be caused by swollen, clogged or damaged Eustachian tubes. Relieving the pressure in your ears is possible by following a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Gum
Hard candy
Small cups
Paper towels
Boiling water
Antihistamine or decongestant

Step 1

Try yawning. This will force open the Eustachian tubes, which run from your ear to the back of your nose, allowing the pressure in your middle ear to equalize with the air pressure in your environment.
Step 2

Chew some gum or suck on a piece of hard candy. Parents who fly with their babies know that giving them a bottle or pacifier helps prevent discomfort caused by changing air pressure inside the plane's cabin.
Step 3

Hold your nose and blow gently.
Step 4

Pour a bit of boiling water onto paper towels that have been folded and placed in the bottom of small cups. Place the cups over your ears to let the heat from the paper towels force your ears to open up.
Step 5

Take an antihistamine or decongestant before getting on an airplane. These will keep your sinuses clear, which should help your Eustachian tubes perform their jobs.

Tips & Warnings

The discomfort caused by air pressure in the ears is called barotrauma.
You can also experience problems with ear pressure when scuba diving or traveling in mountainous areas.
Try not to sleep on an airplane while it's descending. Stay awake and take steps to relieve ear pressure as soon as it begins.
If possible, don't fly if you have a cold or other illness which causes your sinuses to be clogged. Ask your doctor before flying if you have recently had ear surgery.
If not resolved, ear pressure can cause ruptured eardrums or nosebleeds. If you can't relieve the pressure yourself, see a doctor.

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