"Thank you again," he said as the plane taxied to the gate.
The flight from New York to Los Angeles is a long haul, but for Julian, a neurotic first-time flyer, the takeoff and landing were the least of his worries. It was the middle of the journey—the "cruising altitude" part—that he hadn't prepared for.
Are you one of the many travelers who experience ear popping or discomfort during flights? You're not alone! The rapid change in air pressure during takeoff and landing can cause the Eustachian tube in the ear to become blocked, leading to a buildup of pressure and that annoying popping sensation. But fear not, we've got you covered with some effective ear popping airplane remedies to make your next flight a breeze.
If you have a severe cold, sinus infection, or ear infection, consider postponing your flight. Flying with a blocked eustachian tube can lead to excruciating pain, bleeding in the middle ear, or even a ruptured eardrum. ear popping airplane remedy
The woman marked her page with a receipt and closed her book. She swiveled in her seat to face him fully.
Julian grimaced. "It feels like my head is about to pop. Like I’m underwater."
Almost immediately, Julian felt it. It wasn’t pain, at first. It was pressure. A sensation as if someone had stuffed two cotton balls deep into his ears and then pressed a thumb against them. He shook his head, the way a dog shakes off water. Nothing. He tapped the side of his head. Nothing. "Thank you again," he said as the plane taxied to the gate
For infants and toddlers (who can’t pop on command), nursing, bottle-feeding, or using a pacifier during takeoff and landing works wonders. Adults can mimic this by sipping water through a straw—the repetitive sucking and swallowing motion is highly effective.
"The art of the... what?"
Air travel often brings the uncomfortable sensation of "airplane ear," a condition caused by rapid changes in air pressure. When the pressure in the cabin shifts during takeoff and landing, your eustachian tubes may struggle to equalize the pressure behind your eardrum. If you are looking for an effective ear popping airplane remedy, there are several proven techniques and tools you can use to find relief. Are you one of the many travelers who
Several physical techniques and habits can help manage this discomfort during a flight:
As the wheels touched the tarmac with a screech, Julian looked over at the woman. She was already packing her book away.