It doesn't matter why you're taking your next trip! It may be vacations, a business trip or another issue, surely there is a phenomenon that you have faced every time you have made such trips: blocked ears or what audiologists call "airplane ear".
In medical terms, this phenomenon is otherwise called "ear barotrauma", jet ear is the painful ringing in the ear that sometimes occurs when the plane is ascending or descending. If for some people this is an irritating sensation, for others it is a concern that lasts even after leaving the plane.
To avoid jet lag, audiologist Sarah Lundstrom explains more about this phenomenon.
What is "airplane ear"?
This happens when "the ear closes due to changes in air pressure during flight," explains Dr. Lundstrom. The good news is that while this condition creates some discomfort, it does not harm your eardrums.
Why do ears ring on airplanes?
The reason why you may experience ear pain during air travel is because of the change in air pressure. "When there is a change in the external air pressure, it causes the eardrum to push and the eustachian tube to close," adds the doctor.
How to prevent it as a phenomenon?
You have several options ready! According to Dr. Lundstrom, you can chew gum or carry a piece of candy during the flight to help keep your "middle ear and eustachian tube moving and open." However, if you don't have gum or candy with you, don't panic. "During the flight, you can also try swallowing something or plugging your nose and blowing air to encourage the eustachian tube to open and relieve the pressure," concludes Lundstrom.
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Source: Pop Sugar
