Can your ears ring after a flight?

In the ear there is a part of the eustachian tube (connected to the middle ear) that is responsible for regulating and equalizing pressure. But when the plane takes off and lands, the air pressure changes so quickly, the eustachian tube often does not respond in time, causing the symptoms of tinnitus when flying.



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A narrow passage called the eustachian tube regulates air pressure in your ear. When a plane climbs or descends, the air pressure changes quickly, and your eustachian tube often doesn't react quickly enough. This can trigger airplane ear.

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Airplane ear is also called ear barotrauma, barotitis media or aerotitis media. 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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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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You'll probably find that the ear symptoms simply settle soon after landing. But sometimes, they can take 24 hours to settle. The important thing is to keep swallowing – this can eventually open up the Eustachian tube and equalise the pressure and therefore lessen your symptoms.

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If discomfort, fullness or muffled hearing lasts more than a few days, or if you have severe signs or symptoms, call your doctor.

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Airplane ear usually isn't serious and responds to self-care. Long-term complications can rarely occur when the condition is serious or prolonged or if there's damage to middle or inner ear structures. Rare complications may include: Permanent hearing loss.

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The noise inside a plane during flight stays right around 80-85 decibels and can get upwards of 105 decibels during takeoff and landing. If you frequently fly or are taking an especially long trip, it's possible this noise exposure could be damaging to your ears.

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