If you’ve ever boarded a plane and felt your ears “pop” or become clogged mid-flight, you’re definitely not alone. For many travelers, this sensation is just a minor annoyance that resolves quickly. But for others, clogged ears during or after flying can be uncomfortable, disorienting, and even painful. The good news is that this issue, while common, is usually temporary and treatable. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into why clogged ears occur during air travel, what symptoms to watch for, how to relieve the discomfort, and when to seek medical help.
What Happens to Your Ears When You Fly?
Before understanding why your ears clog on a plane, it’s important to know a bit about the anatomy of your ears. The ear is made up of three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. The middle ear is connected to the back of your nose and throat by a narrow canal called the Eustachian tube. This tube helps equalize the pressure on either side of your eardrum.
When a plane ascends or descends, the air pressure around you changes rapidly. However, your middle ear doesn’t always adjust as quickly. If the Eustachian tube is not functioning properly or gets blocked, the pressure inside your ear becomes unequal compared to the external environment. This pressure difference can cause your eardrum to stretch, leading to the familiar sensation of clogged or “popped” ears.
Causes of Clogged Ears During or After Flying
1) Rapid Altitude Changes:
The most obvious culprit is the rapid change in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing. The steeper the ascent or descent, the more pressure your ears need to adapt to.
2) Blocked Eustachian Tubes:
Allergies, sinus infections, or the common cold can inflame or block your Eustachian tubes, making it harder for your ears to equalize pressure.
3) Earwax Buildup:
Excess earwax can also contribute to the sensation of clogged ears, particularly when flying. The pressure change may make this buildup more noticeable.
4) Pre-existing Ear Infections or Fluid:
If you already have fluid in your middle ear or are recovering from an ear infection, your ears may not adjust as easily to pressure changes.
5) Anatomical Differences:
Some individuals naturally have narrower or less flexible Eustachian tubes, making them more prone to pressure-related ear problems.
Symptoms of Clogged Ears After Flying
Clogged ears can feel different depending on the person and the severity of the pressure imbalance. Some common symptoms include:
- Muffled or reduced hearing
- A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear
- Popping or clicking noises
- Dizziness or a sense of imbalance
- Mild to moderate ear pain
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
While these symptoms usually resolve within a few hours, they can sometimes linger for a day or more, especially if your Eustachian tubes remain blocked.
Is It Serious?
For the vast majority of people, clogged ears during or after flying is a harmless and temporary issue. However, in some cases, complications can arise:
- Barotrauma: When the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the ear is too great, it can lead to ear barotrauma. This may result in more intense pain, fluid leakage, or even a ruptured eardrum.
- Middle Ear Infection: If fluid builds up behind the eardrum and becomes trapped, it can lead to a secondary infection.
- Persistent Hearing Loss: Rarely, ongoing pressure or damage to the middle ear can cause longer-term hearing issues.
If your symptoms last more than a couple of days or are accompanied by significant pain, drainage, or fever, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider.
How to Unclog Clogged Ears During Flying?
Clogged ears during flying, especially during takeoff and landing, are caused by rapid changes in cabin pressure. This pressure difference can make your ears feel full, blocked, or even painful. The goal is to help your Eustachian tubes equalize that pressure as quickly and safely as possible. Here are some effective ways to unclog your ears while you’re still in the air:
1. Chew Gum or Suck on Hard Candy
This simple trick works wonders during takeoff and landing:
- Encourages frequent swallowing
- Activates muscles that open the Eustachian tubes
- Helps equalize pressure naturally
Choose sugar-free gum or candy if you’re worried about sugar intake during the flight.
2. Swallow Frequently
Even if you’re not eating or drinking, practice regular swallowing:
- Helps keep the Eustachian tubes open
- Keeps pressure balanced
- You can fake a swallow if needed (just the motion works too)
Drinking water can also aid this process.
3. Perform the Valsalva Maneuver (Gently)
This maneuver is a go-to for many travelers. Here’s how to do it safely:
- Pinch your nose shut
- Close your mouth
- Gently blow as if you’re trying to push air out of your nose
You may feel or hear a pop, which means the pressure is balancing. Do not blow too hard, as excessive pressure can damage your eardrum.
4. Try the Toynbee Maneuver
This is a gentler alternative to the Valsalva technique:
- Pinch your nose shut
- Swallow at the same time
This motion activates and opens your Eustachian tubes, allowing pressure to equalize.
5. Yawning Works Too
Yawning naturally opens the Eustachian tubes. If you can’t force a real yawn:
- Mimic the yawning motion
- Move your jaw wide open and stretch the muscles
- Repeat a few times
It can help reduce pressure and unclog your ears mid-flight.
6. Use Filtered Earplugs (Like EarPlanes)
These specially designed earplugs:
- Regulate the pressure entering your ears
- Slow down the rate of pressure change
- Are especially helpful during descent
They’re reusable and available at most pharmacies or airports.
7. Stay Awake During Takeoff and Landing
Sleeping during these critical moments can prevent you from actively equalizing the pressure. Being awake allows you to:
- Chew, yawn, or swallow as needed
- Perform pressure-relief maneuvers in real time
- Avoid sudden pain caused by pressure build-up while asleep
8. Blow Your Nose Gently (If Needed)
If your ears feel clogged, a gentle nose blow might help:
- Be careful not to blow too forcefully
- Combine with yawning or swallowing for better effect
- Avoid if you’re congested, as it may cause discomfort or worsen blockage
9. Use a Nasal Spray (Before the Flight)
If you’re already prone to congestion or allergies:
- Use a nasal decongestant spray 30 minutes before takeoff and landing
- It can help open up your nasal passages and Eustachian tubes
- Only use as directed to avoid rebound congestion
This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with a cold or sinus infection while flying.
10. Hydrate
Dry air in the cabin can lead to thicker mucus and blocked tubes. Keep yourself hydrated:
- Drink water regularly throughout the flight
- Avoid alcohol or caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration
Proper hydration supports overall ear and sinus function.
How to Unclog Clogged Ears After Flying?
Landing safely doesn’t always mean your ears will feel normal right away. For many people, ears remain clogged for minutes, hours, or even a couple of days after flying. This lingering pressure or muffled hearing can be uncomfortable—but the good news is, it’s usually temporary and treatable. Below are the most effective ways to unclog your ears after a flight, whether it’s mild discomfort or a stubborn blockage.
1. Keep Swallowing and Yawning
Even after landing, your Eustachian tubes may still need help equalizing. Simple actions like:
- Swallowing frequently
- Sipping water
- Chewing gum
- Yawning repeatedly
can activate the muscles that open the tubes and allow trapped air to escape, relieving the pressure.
2. Try the Valsalva Maneuver (With Caution)
If your ears still feel blocked, try this common pressure equalizing technique:
- Pinch your nose shut
- Close your mouth
- Gently blow as if trying to breathe out through your nose
A popping sound usually means your Eustachian tubes have opened. If you feel pain, stop and try again more gently later.
3. Use Warm Compresses
Applying a warm compress around your ear or over your jaw area can help relax the surrounding muscles and encourage the Eustachian tube to open up:
- Use a warm (not hot) washcloth
- Apply for 10–15 minutes at a time
- Repeat every few hours if needed
Warmth can also thin out any fluid or mucus that may be contributing to the blockage.
4. Take a Hot Shower or Inhale Steam
Steam can help clear the nasal passages and improve drainage from the Eustachian tubes:
- Breathe in steam from a hot shower
- Or fill a bowl with hot water, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the steam for 5–10 minutes
This method is especially effective if your ears are clogged due to congestion or allergies.
5. Try Nasal Irrigation or Saline Spray
Sometimes, ear blockage is linked to sinus congestion. Flushing out your sinuses can help relieve pressure:
- Use a saline nasal spray to moisturize and clear nasal passages
- Try nasal irrigation (like a neti pot) to flush out mucus and allergens
Always use sterile or distilled water for irrigation.
6. Over-the-Counter Decongestants
If your ears are still clogged and your sinuses feel blocked:
- Oral decongestants (like pseudoephedrine) can reduce swelling in the Eustachian tubes
- Nasal sprays (like oxymetazoline) work quickly but should not be used for more than 2–3 days
These can be especially helpful if you flew with a cold, allergies, or sinus pressure.
7. Avoid Sleeping Flat Right Away
After landing, try to stay upright for a few hours:
- Sitting or walking around can encourage fluid drainage
- Sleeping flat may cause congestion to worsen or linger
- Elevate your head slightly if you rest
Gravity helps your Eustachian tubes open and function better.
8. Use Over-the-Counter Ear Drops (If Appropriate)
If earwax buildup is contributing to the clogged feeling:
- Use drops that soften earwax (look for carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide-based drops)
- Follow instructions carefully
- Don’t use if you suspect a ruptured eardrum or have ear pain
Avoid cotton swabs—they can push wax deeper or irritate the ear canal.
9. Move Your Jaw or Perform Gentle Ear Massages
Simple jaw exercises can promote Eustachian tube function:
- Open and close your mouth slowly
- Move your jaw side to side
- Massage gently around the ear and jaw joint (temporo-mandibular area)
This movement encourages pressure equalization and fluid movement.
10. Give It Time
For most people, clogged ears after flying go away on their own within a few hours to a day. Your Eustachian tubes might just need more time to adjust. Meanwhile:
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid further altitude changes (like mountain drives)
- Keep performing pressure-relieving techniques
Patience, along with gentle remedies, usually pays off.
How to Avoid or Prevent Clogged Ears When Flying?
There are plenty of simple and effective ways to prevent clogged ears when flying. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, the following tips can help you enjoy a more comfortable journey.
1. Chew Gum or Suck on Candy During Takeoff and Landing
One of the simplest tricks is to chew gum or suck on hard candy, especially during ascent and descent:
- Stimulates frequent swallowing
- Helps open the Eustachian tubes
- Eases pressure buildup in the middle ear
This small habit can make a big difference in ear comfort while flying.
2. Practice Swallowing and Yawning Frequently
Swallowing and yawning help regulate the pressure inside your ears. To prevent clogging:
- Swallow often during pressure changes
- Mimic a yawn if you can’t force a real one
- Try jaw movements like opening your mouth wide or moving your jaw side to side
These actions help keep the Eustachian tubes functioning smoothly.
3. Use Filtered Earplugs (Like EarPlanes)
Special pressure-regulating earplugs, such as EarPlanes, are designed to:
- Slow down pressure changes
- Reduce the risk of ear barotrauma
- Make takeoffs and landings more tolerable
These are particularly helpful for people with sensitive ears, allergies, or chronic sinus issues.
4. Avoid Sleeping During Takeoff and Landing
While it may be tempting to nap as soon as you board, it’s best to stay awake during the times when air pressure changes most rapidly:
- Being awake allows you to swallow, yawn, or chew
- Sleeping can prevent your body from reacting to pressure changes, leading to blocked ears
Wait until the plane reaches cruising altitude to rest.
5. Use a Decongestant Before Flying (If Necessary)
If you’re prone to nasal congestion or flying with a cold or allergies:
- Take an oral decongestant about 30–60 minutes before the flight
- Use a nasal spray 15–30 minutes before takeoff or landing
These medications reduce swelling in the nasal passages and help keep the Eustachian tubes clear.
Note: Always consult a doctor before using decongestants, especially for children or if you have existing medical conditions.
6. Keep Hydrated Throughout Your Flight
Staying well-hydrated is essential to prevent thick mucus and nasal congestion:
- Drink plenty of water before and during the flight
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration
Hydrated nasal passages and Eustachian tubes function more effectively, helping equalize pressure.
7. Avoid Flying with a Cold, Flu, or Sinus Infection
If you can, postpone flying when you’re ill, especially if you have:
- Nasal congestion
- Sinus infection
- Ear infection
Flying under these conditions significantly increases your risk of clogged ears, barotrauma, or even eardrum rupture.
If you must travel, take appropriate medications and preventive measures.
8. Use Saline Nasal Spray Before and During the Flight
Saline sprays help moisturize your nasal passages and keep airways open:
- Use it before takeoff and descent to clear mild blockages
- Safe for regular use, including by children and pregnant individuals
- Helps prevent inflammation that may close off the Eustachian tubes
9. Blow Your Nose Gently Before Takeoff and Landing
Clearing your nasal passages before pressure changes can:
- Improve airflow to the Eustachian tubes
- Reduce internal pressure
- Prevent ears from becoming blocked in the first place
Just be careful not to blow too hard, as this can irritate your ears or sinuses.
10. Take Preventive Measures for Children
Children are especially prone to clogged ears on planes because their Eustachian tubes are narrower and more sensitive. Help prevent discomfort by:
- Giving them something to suck or chew (pacifier, bottle, sippy cup, or gum for older children)
- Keeping them awake during takeoff and landing
- Using nasal saline spray to ease congestion
- Talking to a pediatrician about medications if your child has a cold or allergies before flying
When to See a Doctor about Clogged Ears After Flying?
If clogged ears persist for more than a few days or are accompanied by the following symptoms, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional:
- Severe or increasing ear pain
- Hearing loss that doesn’t improve
- Fluid or blood drainage from the ear
- Fever or general malaise
- Dizziness or vertigo
You may need a prescription for medications such as corticosteroids, antibiotics (if there’s an infection), or even a referral to an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT).
Traveling with Kids and Ear Pressure
Children are especially susceptible to ear issues during flying due to their narrower and less mature Eustachian tubes. They may cry or become restless during descent, which can often be attributed to ear discomfort.
Here are some tips for helping kids avoid or manage clogged ears:
- Offer a bottle, pacifier, or sippy cup during takeoff and landing to encourage swallowing.
- For older children, provide gum or chewy snacks.
- Use children’s nasal saline drops or a pediatric decongestant (under the advice of a pediatrician).
- Keep them awake during ascent and descent if possible.
Long-Term Strategies for Frequent Flyers
If you’re a frequent traveler and often experience clogged ears, consider the following steps:
1) Consult an ENT Specialist:
You might benefit from an evaluation to check for structural issues or chronic inflammation affecting your ears.
2) Regular Use of Nasal Sprays:
A daily nasal steroid spray can reduce chronic inflammation and improve Eustachian tube function.
3) Ear Tubes (Tympanostomy Tubes):
In more severe or chronic cases, small tubes can be surgically inserted into the eardrum to help equalize pressure.
4) Allergy Management:
If allergies are a contributing factor, work with your doctor to create a treatment plan. This may include antihistamines, immunotherapy, or lifestyle changes.
Final Thoughts
Clogged ears during or after flying is a common experience, but that doesn’t make it any less uncomfortable or frustrating. For most people, it’s a minor inconvenience that resolves on its own within hours. But when the problem persists or recurs frequently, it can affect your quality of life and travel enjoyment.
By understanding the causes and using prevention strategies before, during, and after your flight, you can reduce your risk of discomfort. And if symptoms don’t go away or worsen over time, don’t hesitate to seek medical attention. With a bit of planning and awareness, you can keep your ears clear—and your journeys more pleasant.
FAQ’s
How long will ears be clogged after a flight?
Ears are typically clogged for a few minutes to a few hours after a flight, depending on how quickly the Eustachian tubes adjust to pressure changes. In some cases, especially with congestion or sinus issues, the blockage can last up to a couple of days.
Why do my ears get clogged when I fly?
Your ears get clogged due to pressure differences between the air inside your middle ear and the cabin pressure during takeoff and landing. If your Eustachian tubes can’t equalize the pressure quickly, you may feel blockage or discomfort.
Is it safe to fly with a cold or sinus infection?
It’s generally not recommended to fly with a cold or sinus infection, as congestion can block your Eustachian tubes, increasing the risk of ear pain or barotrauma. If travel is necessary, consider using a decongestant or nasal spray beforehand.
Can clogged ears from flying lead to permanent hearing loss?
In most cases, clogged ears from flying are temporary and harmless. However, repeated exposure without proper management or severe pressure changes can sometimes cause damage. If you notice hearing loss that doesn’t improve, see an ENT specialist.
Are children more affected by ear pressure during flights?
Yes, children—especially infants—are more sensitive to pressure changes because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and less developed. Offering a bottle, pacifier, or snacks during takeoff and landing can help equalize pressure.
What is the Valsalva maneuver, and how does it help?
The Valsalva maneuver involves closing your mouth, pinching your nose, and gently blowing to force air through the Eustachian tubes. It helps equalize ear pressure, but should be done gently to avoid damaging the eardrum.
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