Why Do My Ears Pop On Planes And How To Stop The Pain

Anyone who has flown in an airplane has likely experienced that sudden, sometimes painful popping sensation in their ears—especially during takeoff and landing. While it’s a common occurrence, it can range from mildly annoying to intensely uncomfortable, particularly for children or those with colds. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward preventing it. The phenomenon is rooted in basic human physiology and atmospheric physics, not just bad luck. When cabin pressure changes rapidly, your ears struggle to keep up, leading to pressure imbalances that affect your eardrums. Fortunately, there are proven techniques to manage and even prevent this discomfort.

The Science Behind Ear Popping at Altitude

Your ears are sensitive instruments designed to maintain equilibrium between the air pressure inside your middle ear and the environment outside. This balance is managed by a small passageway called the Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of your throat. Normally, these tubes open briefly when you swallow, yawn, or chew, allowing air to flow in or out and equalize pressure.

During a flight, especially as the plane ascends or descends, the atmospheric pressure in the cabin changes quickly. As altitude increases, cabin pressure drops; as the plane lands, pressure rises again. These shifts happen faster than your Eustachian tubes can naturally adjust, creating a pressure differential across the eardrum. That “pop” you feel is the eardrum flexing inward or outward—and when it finally equalizes, the relief can be instant.

For most people, occasional popping is harmless. But when the Eustachian tube is blocked or sluggish—due to allergies, sinus congestion, or a cold—the pressure imbalance can persist, causing pain, muffled hearing, or even temporary hearing loss. In extreme cases, prolonged pressure differences may lead to barotrauma, a condition where the eardrum becomes damaged from excessive strain.

“Eustachian tube dysfunction is the primary reason for ear pain during flights. Passengers with upper respiratory infections should consider delaying travel if possible.” — Dr. Alan Chen, Otolaryngologist, Johns Hopkins Medicine

Effective Techniques to Prevent and Relieve Ear Pressure

The key to avoiding ear pain on planes lies in proactively equalizing pressure before discomfort begins. Waiting until your ears hurt means the imbalance is already significant. The following methods help stimulate the Eustachian tubes to open and allow pressure to normalize gradually.

Swallowing and Yawning

One of the simplest and most effective ways to pop your ears is through swallowing. Each time you swallow, the muscles in your throat pull on the Eustachian tubes, helping them open. Chewing gum or sucking on hard candy encourages frequent swallowing, making it ideal during ascent and descent.

Tip: Start chewing gum or sucking on a lozenge as soon as the plane begins its descent—even if your ears feel fine. Prevention is far more effective than reaction.

The Valsalva Maneuver

This technique involves gently forcing air through your Eustachian tubes. Here's how to do it safely:

1. Pinch your nostrils closed with your fingers.
2. Close your mouth.
3. Gently blow air out through your nose, as if trying to inflate a balloon.
4. You should feel a slight pressure in your ears. If done correctly, you’ll hear or feel a pop.

Use caution: blowing too hard can damage your eardrums or push mucus into the middle ear, increasing infection risk. Perform this maneuver only once every 30 seconds and stop if you feel pain.

Toynbee Maneuver

A gentler alternative to the Valsalva, the Toynbee maneuver combines swallowing with nasal occlusion:

• Pinch your nose shut.
• Sip water and swallow while keeping your nose pinched.

This action helps open the Eustachian tubes under lower pressure, reducing the risk of overexertion.

Special Considerations for Children and Infants

Children, especially infants, are more vulnerable to ear pain during flights because their Eustachian tubes are shorter, narrower, and more horizontal than adults’. This anatomical difference makes it harder for them to equalize pressure efficiently.

Babies cannot intentionally swallow or perform maneuvers, so caregivers must intervene. Feeding during takeoff and landing—whether breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or offering a pacifier—encourages continuous swallowing, which helps equalize pressure. For older children, giving them gum or a drink with a straw works well.

“We always advise parents to schedule feedings around descent. A crying baby might actually be doing themselves a favor—the act of crying opens the Eustachian tubes.” — Dr. Lena Patel, Pediatric ENT Specialist

Real Example: A Family Flight Gone Smooth

Sarah, a mother of two, used to dread flying with her toddler and infant. On past trips, both children screamed during landing, clearly in ear pain. After consulting her pediatrician, she adjusted her strategy. This time, she packed bottles for both kids and coordinated feeding with the flight crew’s descent announcement. She gave her toddler chewing gum after takeoff. To her surprise, both children remained calm throughout the critical phases of the flight. “It wasn’t magic,” she said later. “Just timing and preparation.”

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes That Worsen Ear Pain

While many travelers try to self-manage ear pressure, some actions can make things worse. Awareness of these pitfalls can save you from unnecessary discomfort.

Mistake	Why It’s Harmful	Better Alternative
Sleeping during takeoff/landing	No swallowing occurs, so pressure builds unchecked	Stay awake; chew gum or sip water
Using cotton swabs before flying	Can push wax deeper, blocking ear canal	Avoid insertion; use drops only if recommended
Blowing nose too hard	Forces mucus into Eustachian tubes, increasing blockage	Blow gently, one nostril at a time
Flying with a severe cold or sinus infection	Inflammation blocks Eustachian tubes, raising injury risk	Postpone flight if possible; use decongestants with caution

Tip: Avoid alcohol and caffeine before and during flights—they can dehydrate you and thicken mucus, worsening congestion.

Pre-Flight Preparation Checklist

Being proactive significantly reduces the likelihood of ear pain. Use this checklist before your next flight:

• ✅ Stay hydrated in the 24 hours before your flight
• ✅ Avoid dairy-heavy meals (can increase mucus production)
• ✅ Pack hard candies, gum, or a sippy cup for children
• ✅ Use a saline nasal spray to keep nasal passages moist
• ✅ Consider a decongestant tablet or spray 30–60 minutes before takeoff and landing (if medically appropriate)
• ✅ Keep earplugs designed for flying (like EarPlanes) handy
• ✅ Set a reminder to stay awake during ascent and descent

When Medication Can Help

For individuals with allergies, colds, or chronic sinus issues, over-the-counter medications can make a meaningful difference. Oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine reduce swelling in nasal passages, helping Eustachian tubes function better. Nasal sprays such as oxymetazoline (e.g., Afrin) work quickly but should not be used for more than three days to avoid rebound congestion.

Antihistamines may help if allergies are the root cause, though some can dry out mucous membranes excessively. Always consult a doctor before using medication, especially if you have high blood pressure, heart conditions, or are pregnant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can ear popping cause permanent damage?

Occasional popping is normal and harmless. However, persistent pressure imbalance—especially when flying with a severe cold—can lead to barotrauma, which in rare cases may cause eardrum rupture or fluid buildup (serous otitis media). Most injuries heal on their own, but medical evaluation is recommended if pain persists beyond a few hours post-flight or if hearing loss occurs.

Are special earplugs effective?

Yes, filtered earplugs like EarPlanes are designed to slow down the rate of air pressure change reaching the eardrum, giving your Eustachian tubes more time to adjust. Studies suggest they can reduce discomfort, especially in children and sensitive individuals. They’re not a substitute for active pressure-equalizing techniques but serve as a helpful supplement.

Why do my ears still feel blocked after landing?

Residual fullness or muffled hearing after a flight is common and usually resolves within a few hours as lingering inflammation subsides. Yawning, swallowing, or repeating the Toynbee maneuver can speed recovery. If symptoms last more than 24–48 hours, consult a healthcare provider to rule out fluid accumulation or infection.

Conclusion: Fly Comfortably with the Right Knowledge

Ear popping on planes isn’t something you just have to endure. With a clear understanding of how pressure affects your ears and a toolkit of simple, effective strategies, you can transform a potentially painful experience into a manageable one. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an occasional traveler, taking proactive steps—like staying awake during critical phases, using pressure-equalizing techniques, and preparing in advance—can make all the difference.

Don’t let ear discomfort overshadow the excitement of travel. Equip yourself with knowledge, pack a few essentials, and apply these methods consistently. Your ears will thank you every time the wheels lift off or touch back down.

💬 Have a tip that works wonders for your ears on flights? Share your experience in the comments—your insight could help someone fly pain-free for the first time!