Ear Pressure Problems and Eustachian Tube Dysfunction

When a person has ear pressure problems, it is caused by what is known as the middle ear. The middle ear causes discomfort during air travel, because it is vulnerable to the changes in air pressure. Normally every other time a person swallows your ears will make a small clicking sound or popping. This sound occurs because of a small bubble of air that has entered your middle ear from the back of your nose. It passes through the eustachian tubes, which are membrane lined tubes that run from the back of nose to the middle ear. The air in the middle ear is constantly being absorbed by its lining, however it is likewise constantly resupplied by the eustachian tubes. If however the air pressure builds up such as during an airplane flight the ears feel blocked up.

The eustachian tubes can get blocked or obstructed, however for a variety of reasons. When the ear is blocked, sounds will often be muffled. If the eustachian tubes remains blocked, fluid will seep into the area. Thereby causing what is called "fluid in the ears" or serous otitis. The most common medical reason for eustachian tube dysfunction or blockage is a common cold, however it can also be caused by sinus infections or nasal allergies. Children are especially vulnerable to blockages in their eustachian tubes because they are much more narrower than those of adults.

Swallowing activates the muscle that can open the eustachian tubes. Chewing gum is also a great way to clear ear pressure, especially on descent during an airplane flight. Yawning is also a great way to release air pressure. If however swallowing, chewing gum or yawning do not release the air pressure in your ears you should do a maneuver called valsalva. Valsalva is done by pinching your nostrils shut, taking a mouthful of air and using your cheek and throat muscles to force air into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your fingers off your nose.

Babies however cannot intentionally pop their ears but their ears will pop if they suck on a bottle or pacifier. Feeding a baby during flight can relieve their air pressure problems.

If you are traveling in a plane it is ill advised to sleep during descent due to possible complete blockage of the eustachian tubes resulting in severe muffled hearing issues.

Many experienced air travelers use decongestant nasal sprays or pills about an hour before the flight. However decongestants or decongestant nasal sprays are ill advised if you have heart disease problems, thyroid problems or excessive nervousness. If the ear pressure is not released or you have any pain, you may need to seek the help from an ENT or ear, nose and throat specialist. An ENT may decide to release the pressure or fluid by making a small incision in the eardrum and in most cases this immediately resolves any discomfort.

References for this article include:

www.medicinenet.com/eustachian_tube_problems/article.htm
www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001064.htm
familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/tools/symptom/507.html