Flying and ear unclogging
Key points
- How do you unclog blocked ears when descending from high altitudes?
- Chewing gum the entire time you are changing altitudes helps by causing you to swallow frequently and can prevent you from getting blocked ears in the first place.
- People who consistently experience this problem when flying may consider taking a decongestant about an hour before the flight leaves.
- If your ears are blocked, try inhaling, then gently exhaling while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut.
Alternative names
High altitudes and ear unclogging; Ear unclogging from high altitudes
Information
Question:
How do you unclog blocked ears when descending from high altitudes?
Answer:
Yawning and swallowing usually work fairly well. Chewing gum the entire time you are changing altitudes helps by causing you to swallow frequently and can prevent you from getting blocked ears in the first place.
People who consistently experience this problem when flying may consider taking a decongestant about an hour before the flight leaves.
If your ears are blocked, try inhaling, then gently exhaling while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut. If this is done too forcefully, it can cause ear infections by forcing bacteria into the ear canals. A perforation (hole) in your eardrum can result if you blow too hard. See barotrauma.
Written and revised by
Andrey Nailor, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.