Çäðàâñòâóéòå, ãîñòü ( Âõîä | Ðåãèñòðàöèÿ )
The culprit is your , a tiny canal that connects your middle ear to the back of your throat. Its job is to equalize the pressure between the outside world and your inner ear.
When the ET is dysfunctional (e.g., due to inflammation from a cold or allergies), the negative pressure persists. This causes:
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for medical concerns. blocked ear after flight
| Grade | Symptoms | Otoscopic Finding | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | None | Normal TM | | 1 | Mild fullness, slight muffling | TM retraction with hyperemia of malleus handle | | 2 | Moderate blockage, hearing loss <30dB, autophony (hearing own voice) | TM retraction with visible fluid line or air bubbles (serous effusion) | | 3 | Significant hearing loss, pain, tinnitus | Gross TM retraction + hemotympanum (dark blue/red behind TM) | | 4 | Sudden pain relief ± popping sound, bloody otorrhea | TM perforation (usually anteroinferior quadrant) |
The middle ear is a gas-filled cavity normally maintained at ambient atmospheric pressure via the (ET), which connects to the nasopharynx. The culprit is your , a tiny canal
If the blockage is caused by underlying inflammation, a doctor might prescribe a steroid nasal spray or a stronger decongestant to help open things up. How to Prevent It Next Time
| Timeframe | Action | | :--- | :--- | | | Avoid flying with active URI or uncontrolled allergies. Use saline rinses. | | 1 hour before descent | Take oral pseudoephedrine (if safe) and use 1 spray of oxymetazoline per nostril. | | During descent (last 30 min) | Stay awake. Perform repeated Toynbee/Valsalva every 2–3 minutes. Give infants a bottle/pacifier (suckling promotes ET opening). | | Post-flight | If blocked: autoinsufflation device + nasal steroid spray for 3–5 days. | This causes: Disclaimer: This content is for informational
Consider buying filtered earplugs designed specifically for flying. They slow down the pressure change against your eardrum.