Most people experience ear popping during take-off and landing while flying. it can become a health concern for some While it is a common occurrence. In this edition of HT Lifestyle’s Everyday Explained, we spoke to Dr Pooja Pillai, consultant physician and diabetologist at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, to understand the reasons behind this problem.
The middle ear is connected to the back of the nose and upper throat through a narrow passage called the Eustachian tube, which helps equalise pressure on either side of the eardrum . Dr Pillai highlighted that under normal circumstances, the Eustachian tube opens briefly when we swallow , yawn or chew, allowing air to move in and out of the middle ear. During a flight, cabin pressure changes relatively quickly, especially as the aircraft descends. The Eustachian tube may not adjust the pressure immediately, creating a pressure difference across the eardrum. This can cause the familiar popping or clicking sensation, along with temporary muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness in the ears, or mild discomfort.
Because the pressure inside the middle ear temporarily becomes different from the pressure in the surrounding environment, the sensation occurs. Because inflammation and congestion can interfere with the normal functioning of the Eustachian tube, people with an upper respiratory infection , allergic rhinitis or sinusitis may be more susceptible to ear pain during flights. Because their Eustachian tubes are narrower and may not equalise pressure as efficiently, children are also more prone to flight-related ear discomfort.
“Ear popping during a flight is a common physiological response to changes in air pressure, particularly during take-off and landing,” said Dr Pillai.
