For many, flying brings a sense of adventure, the thrill of takeoff, the anticipation of a new destination. But for others, those same moments can come with an unwelcome downside: sharp ear pain or uncomfortable sinus pressure, especially during ascent and descent.
So, what’s really behind this in-flight discomfort, and why does ear pressure affect travel so much? To shed light on it, we spoke with Wojciech Feleszko, a leading pediatrician and respiratory specialist, who shares expert advice on how to keep your ears and sinuses comfortable throughout your journey.
Summary for busy people
Ear pain during flights is mainly caused by rapid changes in air pressure, which place stress on the eardrum—particularly during takeoff and landing. While this can affect anyone, those with respiratory infections, recent ear or sinus surgery, and young children are especially vulnerable.
The good news is that there are simple ways to ease the discomfort. Actions like yawning, chewing gum, or sipping water can help regulate pressure in your ears. For infants and toddlers, sucking on a pacifier or bottle can make a noticeable difference. You can also consider using pressure-regulating earplugs or short-term nasal sprays to keep your airways clear.
However, if you’re dealing with a more serious condition such as an acute ear infection it’s best to postpone flying altogether to avoid worsening the problem.
Where does ear discomfort during a flight come from? Causes of ear pain and risk factors
Although airplane cabins are sealed and designed to partially regulate air pressure, altitude changes especially between ground level and around 3,000 meters still have a noticeable effect on your ears.
“These shifts create a pressure imbalance that directly impacts the eardrum,” explains Dr. Feleszko, a hearing specialist. “For most healthy travelers, it’s simply a brief discomfort. However, those with ear or sinus conditions, or anyone who has recently had surgery in these areas, may experience more intense pain or even complications.”
In some cases, this pressure can lead to issues such as barotrauma, fluid buildup in the middle ear, or a worsening of sinus infections. That said, if you’re under medical care and follow your doctor’s advice, there’s usually no cause for concern.
For otherwise healthy individuals, these pressure changes are generally harmless, just a temporary part of the flying experience.
Who is most at risk to experience blocked ears after flying?
Not all passengers feel the effects of air pressure in the same way. Some are far more prone to discomfort, particularly those who:
- are dealing with upper respiratory infections
- have recently undergone ear or sinus surgery
- are children especially infants
- suffer from chronic ear conditions
Children, in particular, are more vulnerable because their Eustachian tubes are much narrower than those of adults. This makes it easier for the tubes to become blocked or swollen especially during a cold or infection leading to increased pressure, discomfort, and even pain during a flight.
How can you help yourself (and your child) during takeoff and landing?
There are simple yet effective ways to make your flight more comfortable and prevent ear problems caused by pressure changes. While some of these methods may seem basic, they can make a real difference. For best results, start using them at the beginning of takeoff or landing and continue throughout the flight.
“It’s important to use any supportive treatments only for a short period when there’s a real risk and always after consulting a doctor,” advises Dr. Feleszko.
For adults and older children:
- Yawning, chewing gum, or sucking on candy – simple yet effective ways to help your ears naturally equalize pressure.
- Sipping water regularly – especially during landing, as swallowing helps regulate pressure changes.
- The Valsalva maneuver – a well-known technique used by scuba divers, where you gently pinch your nose, close your mouth, and try to blow air out to balance the pressure in your ears.
For the youngest:
- Sucking on a pacifier, drinking milk from a bottle, or breastfeeding these activities activate the throat muscles and help equalize pressure.
- Applying a nasal spray (e.g., with oxymetazoline or xylometazoline) before the flight—this shrinks the mucous membrane and prevents the Eustachian tube from becoming blocked.
Can earplugs help during a flight?
Yes, earplugs can be useful during flights for people who have problems with pressure with ear barotrauma, which is ear pain caused by pressure changes during takeoff or landing. They slow down the change in pressure in the external auditory canal and give the Eustachian tube more time to equalize between the middle ear and the environment.
A 2004 study published in The Laryngoscope showed that people who used earplugs experienced significantly less pain during flight than those in the control group.
When is it better to skip flying? Middle ear infection — it’s worth seeing a doctor about this
Flying may not be a good idea if you have a serious infection or have recently undergone surgery.
“If someone has a severe cold, acute otitis media, or has recently undergone sinus or ear surgery, flying may lead to complications,” warns the expert.
One of these complications may be barotrauma, which is a pressure injury to the ear. It rarely occurs, but it can result in, among other things, a rupture of the eardrum or fluid accumulation in the middle ear.
Scientifically proven knowledge — summary
Although some methods mentioned (such as chewing gum) may seem like “home remedies,” many of them have a solid scientific basis.
“It’s not just practice,” emphasizes Dr. Feleszko. “Evidence-based medicine also confirms the effectiveness of measures such as the use of nasal sprays or techniques for equalizing pressure in the ear.
”Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) is an approach to treatment and medical care that involves making clinical decisions based on the best available scientific evidence from well-designed clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews.
