Can ibuprofen help airplane ear?

To ease discomfort, you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), or an analgesic pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).



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Self-care steps — such as yawning, swallowing or chewing gum — usually can counter the differences in air pressure and improve airplane ear symptoms. However, for a severe case of airplane ear, you might need to see a doctor.

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Medications
  • Decongestant nasal sprays.
  • Oral decongestants.


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If you're taking antihistamines, decongestants, or over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, it's important to take your medication at least an hour before your flight so it has time to work before your plane takes off.

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Two common recommendations: 12-hour or 24-hour Sudafed or Afrin nasal spray. If you opt for the nasal spray, give yourself a spray 30 minutes before takeoff and again about 30 minutes prior to descent.

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Mild symptoms of ear barotrauma usually last a few minutes. If they last longer, you may need treatment for an infection or another problem. Serious damage, such as a burst eardrum, may take a few months to heal. Sometimes you may need surgery to repair the eardrum or the opening into your middle ear.

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While there is no scientific proof that earplugs actually help with in-flight ear pain, anyone who feels like they are a benefit should continue to use them to relieve their pain. Some other effective methods of reducing pressure include swallowing, yawning, blowing your nose, and chewing gum.

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Noise-canceling headphones are at their most useful on airplanes. While flying, it's difficult to find a moment's peace when so much is going on around you. Frequent flyers may prefer to rest or work, and the best way to do this is by using the best noise cancellation methods to block out the chaos.

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Many symptoms ease as soon as your eustachian tubes can manage air or water pressure changes. In some cases, you may need medication to manage congestion or inflammation. In that case, it may be a few days before your ears feel normal.

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Generally, airplane ear does not pose problems unless there is any structural damage in the middle ear. Rare complications may include permanent hearing loss and chronic tinnitus [6],[7].

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It's all due to pressure changes. As the plane starts to lose height, the pressure in the air around you changes. Until the pressure inside the tubes behind your eardrum adapts, the pressure inside and outside your ear is different.

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Best noise canceling headphones for flying on an airplane
  • The Best. Sony WH-1000XM5. MSRP: $399.00. 8.6. ...
  • Best battery. Sennheiser Momentum 4. MSRP: $349.95. 8.5. ...
  • Best comfort. Bose QuietComfort 45. MSRP: $329.00. 7.9. ...
  • Best style. Apple AirPods Max. MSRP: $549.00. ...
  • Bang for your buck. Monoprice BT-600ANC. MSRP: $99.00.


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Definitely recommend noise-canceling headphones for longer flights. They may not be as flexible as earbuds, but blocking out that engine drone and surrounding activity more than makes up for it, in my experience.

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Where can I find EarPlanes? EarPlanes and Children's EarPlanes are available at all major drug, mass, supermarket and airport retailers such as Amazon.com, CVS, Walgreens, Eckerd, Osco, Sav-On, Rite Aid, Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, Kroger, Paradies, Hudson News, Host Marriott, as well as EarPlanes.com.

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On some long-haul flights, airlines may provide amenity kits to economy passengers. In our economy cabin, we have a lot of options available to customers, including pieces to help you freshen up such as toothbrush kits, earplugs, and eye shades for sleep, said Ben Whatman, Air New Zealand's in-flight service manager.

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