Flying is fun, but less so if you happen to have ear issues. In fact, “airplane ear” is literally a thing. When the air pressure outside the body and inside the body is not aligned, it can lead to stress being placed on the middle ear, leaving you with a blocked feeling that is not the most comfortable.
For most people, yawning, swallowing, or chewing gum tends to sort out the unpleasant sensation, but if you’re one of the lucky few for whom it doesn’t work, here are some other tricks you can try.
The Valsalva Maneuver
This technique was invented by a physician in the 17th century, so it has longevity backing it up. The idea is to unblock your Eustachian tubes (the passage between your middle ear and throat) by closing your mouth, pinching your nostrils together, and blowing softly.
The Toynbee Maneuver
Not dissimilar to the Valsalva Maneuver, the Toynbee is slightly more complex. Pinch your nostrils, but instead of blowing out, swallow a few sips of water.
Steaming
Steaming can be an effective way to clear nasal and ear passages, so ask the flight attendant for a tea bag, one cup filled with hot water, and one that is empty. Steep the tea bag in the cup of hot water, and then transfer the tea to the empty cup, keeping the tea bag and a little bit of water in the first cup. Hold that first cup up to your ear—the tea bag will lock in the heat from the water, and the steam from the tea bag will help relieve the discomfort.