What precautions should I take before flying to avoid ear pain?
June 6, 2022 | 25,00 EUR | answered by Roberta Weinert
Dear doctor,
My name is Leon Gerdes and I am planning to take a flight soon. However, I am very worried as I have suffered from ear pain during flights in the past. These pains are very uncomfortable and significantly affect my travel experience. Therefore, I would like to know what precautions I can take to avoid ear pain during the flight.
Currently, I do not have any acute symptoms, but I know from experience that the pain often develops during the flight. I have already tried chewing gum or yawning to help with equalizing the pressure, but unfortunately, that has not always been enough. Therefore, I am looking for other solutions to prevent the pain.
I have heard that nasal sprays or decongestant medications can help ease the pressure equalization. However, I am unsure if I should take these remedies before the flight or if there are other measures I can take. I am also curious if special ear plugs or ear protectors are useful in reducing the strain on my ears.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could give me some specific tips on how to best prepare for the flight to avoid ear pain. Thank you in advance for your help.
Sincerely,
Leon Gerdes
Dear Mr. Gerdes,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an ear, nose, and throat specialist. I'm sorry to hear that you have experienced ear pain during flights in the past. These symptoms can indeed be very unpleasant and significantly affect the travel experience. It's good that you are already thinking about how to prepare for your upcoming flight to avoid these pains.
It's important to know that ear pain during flights is often caused by the pressure difference between the outside world and the middle ear. If this pressure is not properly equalized, it can lead to pain and discomfort. Therefore, it's important to take measures to support pressure equalization.
First of all, it's good that you have already tried chewing gum or yawning to facilitate pressure equalization. These measures can actually help to balance the pressure in the middle ear. However, there are other options you can consider.
Nasal sprays or decongestant medications can be helpful in improving the ventilation of the Eustachian tube and thus facilitating pressure equalization. You can take these before the flight to ensure that your nasal passages are clear and pressure equalization works better during the flight. However, it's important to follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions carefully and consult a doctor if needed.
Regarding special earplugs or ear protectors: These can be useful in reducing the strain on your ears, especially if you have sensitive ears or have had problems with ear pain during flights before. There are special earplugs that can support pressure equalization and also protect against noise. Therefore, it may be beneficial to wear such earplugs to relieve your ears during the flight.
In summary, you can prepare for your flight by taking nasal sprays or decongestant medications in advance to facilitate pressure equalization. Additionally, special earplugs or ear protectors can help reduce the strain on your ears. I recommend taking these measures and seeing if they help you avoid ear pain during the flight.
I hope these tips are helpful to you and wish you a pleasant and pain-free flight. If you have any further questions or need additional support, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Roberta Weinert
