Popping Ear Problem During Air Travel

Popping ear problem is a common syndrome associated with the air travel. This is also known as the airplane ear.

This is a nagging ear pain, and is a minor problem, but at times, it can lead to greater complications if left untreated. Actually, this becomes more of a nuisance during air travel. This sort problem might ruin your business trip and rob the fun you intend to have. Let us find more about this sort problem during air travel. 

What is popping ear or airplane ear problem

Popping is a constant nagging pain in the ears, which sometimes happens during air travel causing irritation and annoyance. This generally subsides afterwards but in some cases, it might lead to pain and temporary hearing loss. 

What causes the popping ear syndrome

The popping ear syndrome is caused during the air travel due to the effect of the difference in air pressure in the middle ear and that inside the airplane. The difference in the altitude and thus the air pressure is the main reason for this change.

People who are suffering from cold are at greater risks to develop the popping ear problem during air travel. If there is nasal congestion, throat infection, sinus and nasal allergy, the symptoms of popping ear problem is generally manifested. 

Symptoms of popping ear during air travel 

The popping ear problem can affect one ear or both the ears. The known symptoms of this problem are the feeling of fullness as though something is stuffed inside it. It is also generally associated with minor pain in the ears.

Head reeling, slight dizziness, hearing of ringing sound, are some of the other symptoms that are associated with this problem during air travels. A temporary hearing loss also occurs in certain cases. 

At time, the popping ear problem might lead to severe pain in both the ears, which might also result in bleeding. Excessive pressure is felt in the ears. In such cases, the problem is acute in nature necessitating medical attention. 

What should you do to avoid the popping ear problem during air travel – 

The following things may be tried to avoid the popping ear problem during air travel. 

The air travel should be avoided if there is occurrence of cold or sinus infection problem. The prior presence of respiratory problem accentuates the onset of the popping ear problem. 

The pills taken to combat the nasal decongestion might be helpful if taken some time before the air travel. But in this regard care should be taken if you have any cardiac problem, and are above fifty years of age, as these pills have some side effects. The doctor’s consultation should be taken before taking those pills. 

Taking chocolates and chewing gums might help in fighting the popping ear problem, as the chewing opens up the passage of air between the air and the nose. 

Taking plenty of water activates swallowing and thus the air passages is cleared which helps in alleviating the popping ear problem. 

Using filtered ear plugs available at the airport shops might help in equalising the air pressure. 

These are some of the ways in which you can avoid the popping air problems, occurring during air travels.