The middle ear is a closed, air-filled cavity connected to the nasopharynx via the Eustachian tube. This tube plays a crucial role in balancing pressure between the middle ear and the external environment.
During aircraft takeoff and landing, the air pressure in the cabin first decreases and then increases, creating a pressure difference. If the Eustachian tube cannot open quickly enough to equalize the pressure in the middle ear, the eardrum becomes stretched. This leads to sensations of pain, fullness, ear ringing, and sometimes temporary hearing loss. This condition is medically known as barotrauma, varying from mild to severe.
Most cases of ear ringing after flying resolve naturally within a few hours or days, once pressure is re-equalized and swelling in the Eustachian tube subsides. However, individuals with underlying conditions such as sinusitis, adenoiditis, or those experiencing a cold with nasal congestion, whose Eustachian tubes are already inflamed and swollen, may experience prolonged ear ringing. For this group, a sustained pressure difference can lead to middle ear fluid buildup and eardrum damage.
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Dr. Nguyen performs an ear endoscopy on a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Clinic District 7 |
To alleviate ear pain and ringing during flights, you should continuously swallow, yawn, or chew gum during takeoff and landing. These actions stimulate the Eustachian tube to open. A gentle Valsalva maneuver can also be performed by pinching your nose, closing your mouth, and gently breathing out to push air into the middle ear. If you have nasal congestion or sinusitis, seek medical treatment as prescribed by a doctor and consult them for advice on protecting your ears before flying.
If ear ringing or pain persists for many days after flying, accompanied by dizziness, ear discharge, or significant hearing loss that does not improve, it may indicate eardrum or inner ear damage. In such cases, you should consult an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for an endoscopy, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment.
Dr. Tran Xuan Nguyen
Specialist in Ear, Nose, and Throat
Tam Anh General Clinic District 7
