Some people experience decreased ear pressure during flights when the plane lands. What causes this? And how can it be dealt with?
To answer this, Dr. Bernhard Junge-Hülsing explained that the feeling of pressure in the ear occurs when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the surrounding area are not the same, and the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the throat and controls the air pressure in the ear, does not equalize the pressure quickly.
The German otolaryngologist added that after the plane takes off, the air pressure in the surrounding area decreases during ascent, which creates excess pressure in the ear, but it can be eliminated quite easily, which is why problems rarely occur in this case.
When the plane descends, the opposite happens, as the air pressure from the outside increases, creating low pressure in the ear, as the mucous membranes and eardrum contract as if under a suction cup.
These are more vulnerable to stress.
Most people don’t have problems with pressure equalization, but anyone with a runny nose, allergy symptoms, a middle ear infection or a deviated septum can experience it, Dr. Jonge-Holsing added.
So anyone with any of these problems should start equalizing the pressure themselves as they begin to descend. Anyone with a runny nose or allergy symptoms should use a decongestant nasal spray.
Infections or allergies can cause inflammation of the mucous membranes, which can block the Eustachian tube, preventing it from opening and closing properly, Jonge-Holsing noted. In extreme cases, the eardrum can rupture if the pressure in the ear is equalized.
Measures to equalize pressure
Regarding how to deal with the decrease in pressure in the ear during descent, Younge-Holsing recommended yawning, chewing, swallowing, or talking, as jaw movements open the Eustachian tube, which equalizes the pressure.
The pressure in the ear can also be equalized by what is known as the “Valsalva” maneuver. To do this, you should inhale, then keep your mouth and nose closed while trying to exhale against resistance.
Special earplugs can also be used to keep the air pressure rising from outside away from the ear.