Airplane Ear
Airplane Ear Overview
Airplane ear, also known as ear barotrauma, occurs when there's a discrepancy in air pressure between your middle ear and the surrounding environment. This imbalance often happens during airplane ascent or descent. Self-care measures like yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum can often alleviate symptoms. Severe cases may require medical attention.
Symptoms
Airplane ear can manifest in one or both ears, with common signs including:
- Moderate discomfort or pain
- Feeling of fullness or stuffiness
- Muffled hearing or slight to moderate hearing loss
Severe cases may involve
- Intense pain
- Increased ear pressure
- Moderate to severe hearing loss
- Ringing in the ear (tinnitus)
- Spinning sensation (vertigo)
- Bleeding from the ear
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical attention if discomfort persists beyond a few days or if severe symptoms occur.
Causes
Airplane ear results from a mismatch in air pressure, hindering normal eardrum vibration.
The eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the nose and throat, regulates air pressure.
Risk Factors
Conditions like a small eustachian tube, colds, sinus infections, allergies, or middle ear infections increase the risk of airplane ear. Sleeping during ascent and descent without equalizing pressure can also heighten risk.
Complications
While usually not serious, airplane ear may lead to complications like permanent hearing loss or chronic tinnitus in rare cases.
Prevention
Preventive measures include
- yawning
- swallowing
- Using the Valsalva maneuver during ascent and descent
- Avoiding air travel during illness
- Using nasal sprays or decongestants cautiously
- Taking allergy medication can help.
Surgical placement of ear tubes may be necessary for frequent flyers or those undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Helping Children Prevent Airplane Ear:
Encourage swallowing for infants and toddlers through bottle feeding or pacifiers. Avoid decongestants for young children.
