Anyone who has flown an airplane, during a climb or landing, has experienced these unpleasant sensations, and sometimes even pain. What is the reason for this effect, which can spoil the whole impression of the flight? And can undesirable consequences be avoided? Let's try to figure it out.
What is the reason?
As the plane gains altitude, the atmospheric pressure in the cockpit drops, and rather quickly. The human body is trying to adapt to this change. We are all different and in different ways adapt to a sharp change in conditions, but rarely for any lucky person this happens quickly and imperceptibly.
So, in order to understand the cause of uncomfortable sensations, it is necessary to remember the structure of the human ear. The external auditory canal ends with a thin membrane - the tympanic membrane. Behind it is a space filled with air - the middle ear. When the pressure in the external ear canal is approximately equal to the pressure in the middle ear, the person does not experience any unpleasant sensations.
But a change in aircraft altitude invariably leads to a change in the pressure inside the cabin. People feel these jumps, even though the cabin is completely pressurized. In order for the pressure in the aircraft to be maintained at the usual level during the entire flight, the skin of the aircraft must be ten times thicker than usual, and this is no longer technically possible.
So, a change in pressure in the cabin leads to a significant difference between the pressure in the external ear canal of a person and the pressure in his middle ear. The eardrum literally turns inside out - and this is how a feeling of congestion arises. In addition, a large number of nerve endings on the eardrum often cause pain.
Fortunately, there are many ways to help you cope with these changes more easily. And they are all very simple and accessible to absolutely everyone.
Comfortable flight
During the flight, you can have time to have a good rest or even prepare an important report. In any case, do not miss out on an excellent opportunity to spend a few hours with maximum benefit. Ear pain and congestion are not conducive to relaxation or productive work. But a modern person cannot afford to waste precious minutes fighting unpleasant sensations, so it is better to do everything possible so that they do not even arise.
Prophylaxis
Try to avoid flying during an exacerbation of a cold. Otherwise, you not only greatly increase the discomfort, but also put your health at serious risk. After all, swelling of the mucous membrane makes it difficult to ventilate the middle ear, which can ultimately lead to sharp pain and even rupture of the eardrum. If it is not possible to reschedule the flight, be sure to use vasoconstrictor drops and antihistamines (in case the runny nose is of an allergic nature).
You should not drink carbonated water just before your flight. But during the flight, it is recommended to drink as much as possible - still water, juice, etc.
Finally, try to stay awake while the plane is gaining altitude or landing. In this case, you will not be able to take measures in time to effectively relieve ear congestion.
Eliminate ear congestion
during takeoff and landing, it is useful to suck lollipops or chew gum - all this, as a rule, the crew members offer to passengers with care;
yawning, swallowing and chewing movements help the Eustachian tube, which is the link between the ear and the nasopharynx, do its job of regulating the pressure in the ear canal and middle ear;
the child should be offered a bottle with a nipple at the time of the change in the height of the plane;
takeoff and landing of the airliner will be as comfortable as possible if the passenger at this time will sit quietly in his place, without overloading the vestibular apparatus with unnecessary movements;
special earplugs, which today can be purchased through the online store or directly at the airport, will help to avoid unpleasant sensations;
the unpleasant effect weakens if at the time of the change in height you drink juice or water through a tube;
Taking off and landing an airplane is not the easiest moment for most passengers. These simple tips will make the flight as comfortable and safe for your health as possible.