Equalizing Ear Pressure

Get Rid Of Ear Pressure

Causes of ear pressure "Ear pressure" is a commonly used term for a condition you feel when there's a difference between the pressure inside your ear and the atmosphere outside. It's the feeling you often get on airplanes, or when you go quickly from one altitude to another.

There are several medical names for this condition: Eustachian tube dysfunction, ear barotrauma, barotitis media and simply barotrauma. It's also known by non-medical people as "ear popping."

Usually, barotrauma generally won't cause serious pain, and swallowing or yawning equalizes the air pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

But under certain circumstances, differences in pressure can get pretty uncomfortable. If you have allergies, colds, a swollen throat or a respiratory infection, the Eustachian tube can become blocked, and simple measures like yawning or swallowing won't work.   

Ear pressure symptoms Ear pressure symptoms are fairly obvious: discomfort or pain in one or both ears. But there are some other symptoms including a slight loss of hearing and dizziness. There can also be long term effects, including

• a ruptured eardrum,
• moderate to severe hearing loss,
• nosebleeds, and
• pain that can be similar to the pain you feel from an earache or ear infection.

In fact, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a severe case of barotrauma and an ear infection.

Equalizing ear pressure The first step in getting rid of ear pressure is always to try to find a way to open the Eustachian tube and relieve the pressure. In mild cases, you can do this by yawning, chewing gum or sucking candy. You can also try inhaling, and then exhaling while holding your nostrils closed and keeping your mouth shut.

Certain over-the-counter medications may relieve nasal congestion and allow the Eustachian tube to open. These include antihistamines and decongestants, taken by mouth or by a nose spray.

When these simple measures don't work, or discomfort goes on for several hours, you may need to see a medical professional. Antibiotics may prevent ear infection if barotrauma is severe. Call a doctor right away if ear pain becomes severe, if you start to get a fever, or there's drainage or discharge from the ear.

Common sense measures generally apply. If possible, try to avoid flying, driving in the mountains, or scuba diving when you have an upper respiratory infection or a flare-up of allergies. You can also try taking nasal decongestants or antihistamines if you know you're going to be in a situation where altitude changes are unavoidable.

Equalizing ear pressure after flying Many passengers feel ear pressure when flying. Here are some simple ways to restore air pressure balance.

• Yawn. This allows air to flow into your middle ear, which should equal with outside air. It also helps to pull your earlobe down as you yawn.
• Chew gum. 
• Take sips of water water.
• Pinch your nostrils and blow gently. But be careful because if you do it too hard, you may injure your eardrum.
• Swallow a few drops of a hot food like Tabasco or salsa. This expands your nasal passages which may also help unclog your ear canal.
• Take a decongestant, even if you don't have a cold. 
• Try a nasal spray with a decongestant.

If your ears still feel clogged an hour or so after your flight, try an over-the-counter ear cleaner.