The most common medical problem encountered during air travel is ear problems. Mostly, simple discomfort occurs; rarely, temporary pain and hearing loss occur. This brochure has been prepared to help you
understand the mild ear problems you encounter during your flight and how to protect yourself.
The Structure of the Ear
The ear is generally divided into three parts.
External Ear: It consists of the pinna seen on the side of the head and the external
ear canal that continues inside to the eardrum.
Middle Ear: It is the small space between the eardrum and the inner ear. Meanwhile, there are three ossicles (hammer, anvil
, stirrup) and air cavities of the ear bone.
Inner Ear: It is the part located inside the ear bone and containing hearing and balance nerve endings.
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This is the part of the middle ear that causes problems during air travel. Since there is a small air gap,
it is affected by pressure changes.
Normally, every time you swallow (or every second or third swallow), you will feel a small popping sound or pressure fluctuation in your ears. Meanwhile, an air bubble has passed into your middle ear through the eustachian tube
between the nasal cavity and the middle ear. The air in the middle ear is constantly absorbed by the tissue lining it, but the air pressure on both sides of the 'Eustachian tube' is equalized. If a pressure difference
occurs, the ears will feel like they are blocked.
What Causes Eustachian Tube and Ear Congestion?
The Eustachian tube can become blocked or closed for many reasons. In this case, middle ear pressure
cannot be equalized. The air in the middle ear is constantly absorbed and since it cannot be renewed, a vacuum is formed and the eardrum collapses inwards
. The tense eardrum cannot vibrate normally and sounds become dull and low. Tension of the eardrum
may also cause pain. If this situation continues for a while, in order to equalize the pressure in the middle ear, a fluid similar to blood serum leaks from the tissue lining the middle ear and fills it. This condition is called 'fluid in the middle ear', 'serous otitis' or 'aerosol'. It is called 'otitis'.
The most common cause of blockage of the Eustachian tube is a simple cold. sinus inflammation Allergies and nasal allergies (such as hay fever) are also common causes.
The Eustachian tube and the tissue lining it are the continuation of the nose and nasal passages. Due to this continuity, a blocked nose often causes the ears to be blocked and feel like this.
Another reason for the blockage of the Eustachian tube is middle ear infections that cause swelling in the tissues. Since the Eustachian
tube is narrower than adults, children are more prone to blockage.
How Does Air Travel Cause Problems?
Sudden pressure changes occur during air travel. In order to equalize these pressure changes, the Eustachian tube must be able to open and close immediately at that time. This phenomenon is especially seen
when the aircraft begins to land.
In the first period, this was a real problem in aircraft where pressure equalization was not provided.
Today, this phenomenon has been reduced to a minimum. Despite this, there may still be some unavoidable pressure changes.
In reality, any situation that causes pressure changes creates problems. You encounter the same situation in fast-moving elevators in high-rise buildings
or when diving into water. Deep diving divers and
pilots are taught how to handle this situation. You too can learn your own method.
How to Prevent Your Ears from Clogging?
The swallowing process activates the muscles that open the Eustachian tube. When you chew gum or eat mints
you swallow more often. These are good exercises to do before landing. Stretching is even
better. This muscle is better stimulated when yawning. You need to be careful not to sleep during landing, because swallowing slows down a lot while sleeping (the flight crew wants to wake you up when landing.)
If swallowing and yawning are not effective, the following method gives the best results:
1) Close your nose wings tightly with your hand.
2) Take a strong breath through the mouth.
3) Even though your mouth and nose are closed, try to blow this breath out
using your cheek and swallowing muscles, thus pressurized air It can pass through the eustachian tube into the middle ear. You've succeeded when you feel pressure
or sound in your ear. During landing this You may need to do this many times.
Babies cannot do this process, but they feel relieved if they suck something. Breastfeed or feed your baby during descent and do not let them sleep.
What Precautions Should You Take?
Do not use your abdomen and chest when pressuring your ears with air, because in this case too much
pressure is created. . Appropriate pressure is provided only by using your cheek and swallowing muscles.
If you have a cold, sinus inflammation or allergies, it is best to postpone the flight.
If you have had an ear intervention recently, get information about the flight from your doctor.
Nasal Opening Medicines and Sprays ?
Experienced passengers use a nasal opening medicine or spray about an hour before landing. These
medications help ventilate the middle ear by contracting the tissues leading to the ear. For the same reason, people with allergies should also take allergy medications before the flight. Before using nasal decongestants by people with high blood pressure,
heart problems, heart rhythm disturbances, thyroid disease, and extreme nervousness,
a physician must be consulted. Likewise, pregnant women should also consult their physicians.
What Should Be Done If Your Ears Do Not Open?
After landing, you can make pressure equalizing movements and continue nasal opening medications (nose
Do not make it a habit to use opener sprays and do not use them for a long time, otherwise they may cause more blockage.) If your ears still do not open and hurt, you should consult an ear doctor. Your physician may need to relieve pressure or fluid in your middle ear by scratching your eardrum.
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