How do you fix ear pressure after flying?

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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Most of the time, the pressure should clear up a few hours after you're back on land, she says. If it lingers longer—into the following day, for example—you might have a buildup of fluid behind your ear that isn't ventilating properly. For that, you'll probably want to see a doctor.

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If your ears are plugged, try swallowing, yawning or chewing sugar-free gum to open your eustachian tubes. If this doesn't work, take a deep breath and try to blow out of your nose gently while pinching your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut. If you hear a popping noise, you know you have succeeded.

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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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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 Best Decongestants for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
  1. Saline Nasal Spray. Irrigating your nose and sinuses with saline spray is a great first line of defense against eustachian tube dysfunction. ...
  2. Topical Steroid Sprays. ...
  3. Topical Decongestant Sprays. ...
  4. Oral Decongestants. ...
  5. Antihistamines.


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Chewing gum, sucking on candy, or swallowing liquid can help to encourage the tubes in your ears to open once more. Try steam: Just like when you're congested with a cold or flu, steam can help to unblock your ears. Boil some water and pour into a large bowl.

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Your ears will most likely go back to normal after a couple of days if the blockage is caused by air pressure. You might have to wait for your immune system to kick in if your blockage is due to an ear infection (and, if it's the latter, antibiotics can really help). This may take up to a couple of weeks.

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