There are few things more uncomfortable than that stuffy, pressurised feeling in your ears during a flight. Whether it hits at take-off, during descent, or somewhere over the Channel, ear pressure is one of those travel niggles that can really take the shine off your journey.
The good news? There are plenty of simple techniques to help – and at Scrivens Opticians & Hearing Care, we’ve got more than 85 years of experience – we’re here to talk you through them.
Why does it happen?
When a plane climbs or descends, the air pressure in the cabin changes rapidly. Your ears need to equalise that pressure through the Eustachian tube – a small passage connecting your middle ear to the back of your throat. When it doesn’t open quickly enough, you get that familiar blocked, muffled sensation. It’s usually harmless, but it can be painful, especially for those with a cold or sinus congestion.
The best techniques to try
Swallow or yawn
The simplest fix of all. Swallowing and yawning both activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tube, allowing pressure to equalise naturally. Keep sipping water during the flight –especially during descent – and don’t be shy about exaggerating that yawn.
The Valsalva manoeuvre
This is the classic pop your ears trick. Pinch your nostrils closed, close your mouth and gently blow as if you’re blowing your nose. Do it softly – too much force can cause discomfort. Repeat as needed during pressure changes.
The Toynbee manoeuvre
Pinch your nose closed and swallow at the same time. Many people find this gentler and just as effective as the Valsalva, so it’s worth trying if you find blowing uncomfortable.
Chew gum or suck a sweet
The chewing and swallowing action helps keep the Eustachian tube moving. It’s a great distraction too – especially on a long descent!
Filtered earplugs
Specially designed flight earplugs slow down the rate of pressure change reaching your eardrum, and many frequent flyers swear by them for a more comfortable journey. At Scrivens, we stock the Serenity Choice Plus Fly – designed specifically for air travel, the advanced mesh filters keep your ears well ventilated while easing pressure changes, the medical-grade tips are reusable and hypoallergenic and your natural hearing is preserved throughout the flight.
Tips for specific travellers
For children: Little ones often struggle to perform techniques like the Valsalva and they can find ear pain distressing and hard to explain. Encourage them to suck on a drink through a straw, chew a snack, or suck a boiled sweet (for older children) during take-off and landing. Babies should be encouraged to feed or use a dummy during descent.
If you have a cold or congestion: Flying with a blocked nose makes equalisation much harder and can be genuinely painful. A decongestant nasal spray used shortly before boarding can help open the airways. If your congestion is severe, it’s worth speaking to a pharmacist before you fly.
For frequent flyers: If you experience persistent ear discomfort every time you fly, it’s worth getting your hearing and ears checked. What feels like routine pressure pain could sometimes be linked to an underlying issue that’s easy to address.
Still noticing problems with your hearing?
If you’ve landed and your ears still feel blocked or muffled after a day or two, or if you’ve noticed any changes to your hearing recently, it’s always worth getting checked out. You will find help and advice on our website or alternatively visit your local Scrivens branch.
If you found this article useful, you may also be interested in reading about how to discuss hearing loss with your loved ones.
