Why do my ears hurt on a plane?
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Why do my ears hurt on a plane?
In normal people, the middle ear cavity (also called the tympanic cavity) and the external auditory canal are closed by the tympanic membrane, and the middle ear and the pharynx are connected through an Eustachian tube (also called the Eustachian tube). The pharyngeal opening of the Eustachian tube has a valve that opens to the pharynx and opens once with each swallowing movement. The air pressure in the middle ear cavity is kept in balance with the atmospheric pressure of the outside body through the continuous opening of this Eustachian tube.
There is a gap between the atmospheric pressure on the ground and the atmospheric pressure at high altitude. As the flight altitude of the aircraft continues to increase, the atmospheric pressure gradually decreases. Because the pressure in the human middle ear cavity is still the pressure at ground level, it gradually becomes higher than the atmospheric pressure at high altitude. At this time, the air in the middle ear cavity will diffuse to the outside of the body through the Eustachian tube. At this time, if the human Eustachian tube functions normally Then, through the swallowing action (because the valve of the tube opening opens outward, the resistance to the outward diffusion of air is very small), the middle ear pressure and the external pressure are quickly balanced. Therefore, when the plane rises, the reaction of human ears is relatively slight.
When an airplane takes off and descends, the air pressure in the ear canal is consistent with the outside atmospheric pressure, but before the pressure in the tympanic cavity has time to adjust, a pressure difference occurs on both sides of the eardrum, causing the eardrum to become congested. At this time, passengers will feel ear pain, and the human ear is more sensitive and painful to the air pressure difference when the plane lands.
Medically, ear pain caused by flying is called aviation otitis media.
Who is prone to earache when flying?
It is a common phenomenon to have an uncomfortable feeling in the ears when an airplane takes off or lands. Although it is generally uncomfortable, some people's Eustachian tubes can adjust themselves better and do not feel much pain. The Eustachian tube allows air to flow into or out of the middle ear depending on whether the air pressure in the middle ear is higher or lower than the ambient pressure, but the prerequisite is that the Eustachian tube cannot be blocked! And some people's Eustachian tubes don't regulate themselves well for various reasons.
There are roughly four types of people who are prone to ear pain when flying:
① People with poor Eustachian tube function. Because of different physiological development, the function of each person's Eustachian tube varies greatly.
②Infants and teenagers. Because the child's Eustachian tube has not developed well. The adjustment ability is also relatively weak.
③ Patients with rhinitis and sinusitis. Because the nasopharynx is not ventilated, the Eustachian tube is easily blocked at this time.
④ Cold patients. The lining of the Eustachian tube becomes swollen and blocks air circulation.
What to do if you have ear pain when flying
After we understand the basic conditions of the Eustachian tube, we can deal with the ear discomfort that occurs when flying. The phenomenon can be well explained. When an airplane takes off or descends, the air pressure in the cabin will drop or rise in a short period of time, but the air pressure in our eardrum, the middle ear cavity mentioned above, does not change. Therefore, if the air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane is unequal, the tympanic membrane will bulge toward the side with lower air pressure. The originally relaxed tympanic membrane will become tense and congested, so the sound will be dull and even earache will occur.
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear cavity and the nasopharynx. When the Eustachian tube opens, air will enter through the Eustachian tube, thereby balancing the air pressure inside and outside the tympanic membrane. Therefore, we can relieve the symptoms of earache by swallowing, yawning, or chewing to open the Eustachian tube. Most people can relieve ear discomfort through self-adjustment when flying.
But if it is an infant who cannot self-regulate, parents can help him adjust the state of the Eustachian tube by feeding, drinking water or sucking a pacifier. Adults or children who have a cold or have inflammation of the nasopharynx will have their Eustachian tube function affected, so special attention should be paid. If the nasal congestion is severe or if you are an infant or young child, you should try to avoid flying.
In fact, the aircraft has a cabin pressure system. Although the flight altitude is about 10,000 meters, the cabin will be pressurized. When flying at high altitude, the air pressure in the cabin is approximately equivalent to about 2,000 meters above sea level. Therefore, most people will not experience long-term discomfort, and you don’t need to worry too much.