Do 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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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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Even severe injuries, such as a ruptured eardrum or ruptured membranes of the inner ear, usually heal on their own. However, in rare cases, an office procedure or surgery might be needed. This might include a procedure in which an incision is made in your eardrum (myringotomy) to equalize air pressure and drain fluids.

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Fluid or mucus sometimes accumulates in the middle ear for a few days after the flight, which may make hearing rather dull for a while. This happens if the Eustachian tube is still blocked, and is more likely if you had a cold before flying.

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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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