Ear Pain When Flying? How to Fix Clogged Ears on a Plane
Gother
26 May 2025
Air travel is undoubtedly one of the most convenient and time-saving ways to reach your destination. Its speed and efficiency make it a popular choice among travelers. However, for some people, flying can also come with an unwelcome side effect—**ear pain or a clogged sensation** that sets in during takeoff or landing. These symptoms can be uncomfortable, frustrating, and for many, all too familiar. It’s one of those things no one really wants to experience. Once it happens, it can take minutes, hours—or in some cases, even a full day—for your ears to return to normal. If you've ever asked yourself, “Why do my ears hurt so much on planes?” or “Why do they feel clogged after flying?”—you’re not alone. That’s why Gother is here to break it all down: what causes ear pain or pressure during a flight, and more importantly, what you can do to prevent and relieve it.
Why Do Your Ears Hurt or Feel Clogged When Flying?
If you’ve ever wondered why flying often comes with ear pain or a clogged, muffled feeling that makes it hard to hear your surroundings—you’re not alone. For some people, the discomfort goes beyond just ear pressure and turns into sharp pain, making the moments after landing feel frustrating and uncomfortable. Waiting for the symptoms to fade can feel endless. So, to clear up the confusion, let’s first explore why this happens. What causes that sudden rush of pain or blocked ears the moment you’re up in the sky and the cabin pressure starts to shift?
Main Causes of Ear Pain and Clogged Ears During Flights
One of the main causes of ear pain and clogged ears while flying is the rapid change in air pressure. This sudden shift can cause inflammation in the **Eustachian tube**, which is the canal that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose and helps regulate ear pressure. Normally, the air pressure inside your middle ear is equal to the external pressure, so there’s no discomfort. However, during takeoff or landing, the pressure around you can change quickly, and your body may not adjust fast enough. This imbalance puts stress on the eardrum, sometimes causing it to swell suddenly, resulting in pain or a clogged sensation—essentially, minor trauma to the inner ear. These symptoms typically go away on their own once the Eustachian tube returns to normal and pressure is balanced again. However, if the pain persists, or if there’s any bleeding from the ear, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Who’s More Likely to Experience Ear Pain or Clogged Ears When Flying?
Not everyone experiences ear pain or clogged ears while flying. Some people feel nothing at all, even during takeoff or landing. Others may have mild symptoms that quickly pass. But for certain individuals, the discomfort occurs regularly and more severely. So who is more at risk? Let’s take a look.
High-Risk Groups for Airplane Ear Discomfort
Some people are more likely to experience clogged ears or ear pain when flying. If you're prone to these symptoms, it may be due to one of the following reasons:
- Having naturally small or narrow Eustachian tubes in the middle ear—this is especially common in infants and young children. Most adults don’t experience this issue as the body has fully developed.
- Currently having a cold or nasal inflammation caused by allergies.
- Suffering from middle ear infections or sinusitis.
- Sleeping during takeoff or landing, as the body is unable to actively adjust to sudden changes in cabin pressure during those critical times.
Simple Ways to Relieve Ear Pain and Clogged Ears on a Plane
One of the most common questions travelers have is what to do once ear pain or clogged ears occur during a flight. How can we relieve the discomfort and return to hearing normally without the pressure and tightness? Gother has compiled several simple and effective methods you can try on your own—no special equipment or medication required. After all, waiting for the problem to go away on its own can feel slow and frustrating. When your body reacts to sudden changes, taking quick action yourself is often the best remedy. Let’s take a look at what you can do right away.
Yawning
This might sound surprisingly simple, but yawning is one of the most effective ways to relieve ear pressure. When you yawn, it naturally opens up your Eustachian tubes—tiny passages that connect the middle ear to the back of your nose—helping equalize the pressure and reduce the feeling of clogged ears.
Swallowing
Another easy method to try when experiencing ear barotrauma on a plane is swallowing. Each time you swallow, your Eustachian tubes open briefly, allowing air to move into the middle ear and balance the pressure. It works similarly to yawning, making it a go-to technique during takeoff and landing.
Chewing Gum or Sucking on Candy
Chewing gum or sucking on candy helps stimulate saliva production, giving you more chances to swallow and thereby regulate ear pressure. It’s an indirect but highly effective method to help equalize the pressure between your inner ear and the cabin environment, especially during altitude changes.
Use the Ear Pressure Equalization Technique
This simple technique for equalizing ear pressure is easy to follow and can be done in just three straightforward steps:
3. Gently blow air out through your nose
Doing this regularly helps stimulate the Eustachian tubes to open, allowing the air pressure inside your ears to equalize with the pressure outside. This can significantly relieve pain or the feeling of clogged ears. However, be careful not to blow too hard—doing so could injure your ear rather than help. Gentle pressure is key to avoiding any damage and ensuring the technique is effective and safe.
What to Do Before a Flight to Avoid Clogged Ears
Of course, prevention is just as important as treatment. Preparing your body in advance can help reduce the chances—or at least the severity—of ear pain during air travel. With a few simple steps, you can avoid the discomfort and enjoy a smooth, worry-free flight. Here’s how to get ready before boarding your plane:
Get Enough Rest Before You Fly
The first and most important step is ensuring your body is well-rested before your flight. A good night's sleep not only helps reduce the risk of ear pain, but also strengthens your immune system and overall health. Being well-rested means your body will be better equipped to handle changes in air pressure and any other stress that comes with travel.
Always Pack Gum or Candy
This is one of the must-haves in your travel bag. If you’re prone to ear pain or clogged ears during flights, chewing gum or sucking on hard candy can help balance the pressure in your ears. Ideally, bring both—better to have more than not enough! Having a small stash of these simple remedies can make a big difference during takeoff and landing.
Bring Flight Earplugs—Your Ears Will Thank You
If you already know ear pain is unavoidable when flying, then flight earplugs are a game changer. These specially designed earplugs help regulate pressure and reduce the impact of sudden altitude changes. Simply pop them in during takeoff and landing to protect your ears from uncomfortable pressure buildup. It’s a small tool that can make your travel experience far more pleasant.
So, how do you feel after learning about ear pain and pressure during air travel? It’s something many of us have experienced without really knowing why it happens. Now you’ve also got a few simple and practical ways to prevent and relieve it—whether it’s chewing gum, swallowing, or using pressure-reducing earplugs. With just a little preparation, these annoying symptoms won’t get in the way of your journey anymore. And if you’re planning an upcoming trip—whether for business or vacation—don’t forget to book your next flight with Gother Flights. You’ll find great fares, top airlines, and exclusive deals all in one place. It’s easy, convenient, and the perfect way to start your trip with confidence!
