What causes unbearable ear pain during descent?

Flying on an airplane is something that many of our friends will experience, but some of them will feel obvious pain in their ears when the plane is descending, and the pain is extremely severe and seems unbearable. In fact, many friends will encounter this kind of situation. This is because when the plane descends, the surrounding air pressure changes suddenly, which creates a pressure difference on the eardrum.

Causes of ear pain

When an airplane takes off or lands, the surrounding air pressure changes suddenly. The air pressure in the ear canal changes along with the surrounding pressure, but the pressure in the eardrum has no time to adjust, resulting in a pressure difference on both sides of the eardrum. The internal and external air pressure loses balance, resulting in the "ear pressure" phenomenon and causing the eardrum to become congested. At this time, the passengers will feel ear pain, and the human ear is more sensitive and painful to the air pressure difference when the plane lands.

Ear pain during takeoff and landing

Who is prone to ear pain?

It is common to feel discomfort in the ears when the plane takes off or descends. Although it is generally uncomfortable, some people's Eustachian tubes are better able to self-regulate and do not feel much pain.

There are roughly four types of people who are prone to ear pain when flying :

① People with poor Eustachian tube function are prone to pain. Because of different physiological development, the function of the Eustachian tube varies greatly from person to person.

② Infants and adolescents are more likely to feel pain. Because the child's Eustachian tube is not yet fully developed.

③ People with rhinitis and sinusitis are prone to pain. The Eustachian tube is easily blocked at this time.

④ People with colds or nasal congestion are more likely to feel pain. The Eustachian tube is also prone to blockage at this time.

This can relieve pain

Tips to reduce pain

1. Take actions to open the Eustachian tube so that the pressure inside the eardrum can be adjusted early. For example, yawning, swallowing, eating, drinking, etc.

2. Before boarding a plane, you can use ephedrine drops in your nasal cavity to reduce swelling of the Eustachian tube opening mucosa.

3. Wearing airplane earplugs can automatically adjust the air pressure in the ear, so that the pressure difference in the middle ear cavity membrane can be reduced, allowing the Eustachian tube to function normally and eliminating ear pain or discomfort.

With the continuous improvement of living standards, more and more friends are traveling by plane. I believe that everyone may have experienced the annoying ear pain when the plane takes off or lands. Why do ears hurt? Is there any way to relieve the pain? Today I will introduce you to some related knowledge.