What happens to your ears when you fly?

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SirHyde

As the airplane climbs to a higher altitude, the pressure in the cabin builds and feels like your ears are plugged. If you yawn, the pressure is equalized and you feel fine. The same thing happens when the airplane descends to a lower altitude...except that it feels like your ears are going to "pop", and you simply yawn and they pressure is equalized. This can also happen when driving through the moutains.

Janina

don't worry you will survive. chew gum, it helps ;)

If you have ringing now (before flying) you need to have your ears checked since this is an early sign of deafness.

Ears that pop during flying and landing is due to differences in air pressure in the ear tubes and outside the head. Usually the blockage in the ear tubes are high density mucus (from colds, flu, etc) and needs to be cleared up by medicine or other means. Sinuses that spread to the ear tubes are also a possible cause.

After a while, the mucus will allow the changes in air pressure and the "deafness" will go away.

See a doctor immediately if the ringing does not go away.
You may be going deaf and not know it.

Eco-Savvy

The small space behind the ear drum should normally be filled with air. This air space is connected to the back of the nose by a tiny channel, the Eustachian tube. The air on either side of the ear drum should be at the same pressure. As a plane descends the air pressure becomes higher nearer the ground. This pushes in the ear drum. To relieve this, the pressure inside the middle ear has to rise quickly too. If there is any blockage of the Eustachian tube that stops air then the ear drum becomes more and more tense from the outside pressure. This is painful. Common reasons why this might happen are; ear infections, throat infections, hay fever etc. In fact, any condition causing extra mucus in the ear tubes can be a problem. In some people it just happens as their Eustachian tube does not drain very well or is rather narrow and becomes easily blocked with mucus

EMAILSKIP

With the new and improved regulations now, I think you're required to check your ears in checked luggage if there is a chance you might want to use them in-flight. If your ears are prone to leak then you can put them in a zip lock plastic bag. Ears have been known to be used by terrorists, thus not allowed in the cabin in carry-on. Sorry, it's for your own safety.

young108west

The air pressure outside your ears is not in balance with the air pressure inside your ears. In order to equalize (balance) the pressure, there are several techniques. Plug your nose with your hand and blow, chew bubble gum, yawn, etc. If it's just a ringing you shouldn't have a problem...however if there is pain or other symptoms you should consult a physician (ENT) before flying.

mulawin

no there's nothing to be scared... if u want cover your ears when the plane takes off. don't worry, once your on the ground it becomes normal again.

Unknown

You will implode from the inside, statistics show that 1.3% of people that fly will die with ear ringing.
kidding.
It just pressurises and you must equalize the pressure by swallowing or yawning. unless you are sick and are stuffed up, no worries.

deepadot

It depends on if you have sinus problems, my sinuses are always stuffed up, so that will contribute to ear popping. I believe it's because the airplane cabin is pressurized. When the plane descends, the pressure is gradually reduced, which reduces the pressure on the ear and that makes your ear pop. I used to fly all the time, and would always have ear pain during descent, so I would take a decongestant before my flight and that would help alot!

Claire

The pressure goes down whe you go to higher altitudes. that means that things expand. Your eardrums will expand a little and it sort of gives a feeling (just through sound) that they are faintly "popping". It will not damage your ears and will not hurt, it just feels funny. If it bothers you, try swallowing a lot and it'll go away. As you rise up your ears will pop over and over until you reach a constant altitude. Popping just makes sounds seem further away, sort of like when you're under water. No worries and have a safe trip!

Saved

Yep, chew gum, and swallow a lot. That's what I did. Or ask your doctor about it.

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