Do headphones make airplane ear worse?

Pressure changes can block the Eustachian tube in your ears, causing temporary hearing loss or a stuffed feeling in one or both ears. Wearing headphones or customized earplugs can help reduce the problem. Over-ear headphones are particularly suitable for dealing with airplane pressure since they fully cover your ears.



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And a complimentary bag of pretzels doesn't help any of these issues, but a quality pair of headphones can improve the experience of flying. Earbud earplugs can relieve some discomfort associated with flying while delivering a world-class auditory experience.

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Bluetooth headphones themselves are fine for most air travel, so long as you obey the directions of the crew. However, the rules governing the use of headphones on a flight are different from the ones governing when it's okay to use a cell phone.

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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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Due to the cabin of the aircraft being relatively small, the engine noise may leak into the cabin. To maintain efficient communication, headphones along with mics are used.

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VALSALVA MANEUVER: To perform this maneuver, you pinch your nose and exhale against a closed glottis, transmitting air into the eustachian tube and middle ear. Correctly performing this maneuver can be viewed by the clinician by otoscopy (using a medical device to look at the ear drum through the external canal).

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If you have a flying phobia, consider noise cancelling headphones. They do a great job of creating personal pockets of quiet space. They also make your music sound lifelike. This important combination can make noise cancelling headphones a great option for people dealing with stress.

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Prevention
  1. Yawn and swallow during ascent and descent. ...
  2. Use the Valsalva maneuver during ascent and descent. ...
  3. Don't sleep during takeoffs and landings. ...
  4. Reconsider travel plans. ...
  5. Use an over-the-counter nasal spray. ...
  6. Use decongestant pills cautiously. ...
  7. Take allergy medication. ...
  8. Try filtered earplugs.


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  • Best overall. Bose QuietComfort 45. Jump to Details. ...
  • Budget pick. Anker Soundcore Life Q20. Jump to Details. ...
  • Best sound quality. Sony WH-1000XM5. Jump to Details. ...
  • Best for Apple loyalists. Apple AirPods Max. Jump to Details. ...
  • Best overall ANC. Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700. ...
  • Best earbuds for travel. Apple AirPods Pro.


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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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As the nose of the plane forces air aside, it causes loud turbulence. That, combined with the noise of the engines, can cause severe noise that injures the pilot's ears. Wearing a headset, especially noise-reduction headsets, can help to reduce the intensity of the sound and prevent hearing loss.

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When an airplane climbs or descends, the air pressure changes rapidly. The eustachian tube often can't react fast enough, which causes the symptoms of airplane ear. Swallowing or yawning opens the eustachian tube and allows the middle ear to get more air, equalizing the air pressure.

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According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bluetooth headphones and other wireless devices are allowed during all phases of the flight, as long as they are in aeroplane mode.

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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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