If you have a cold, take an oral decongestant about an hour before descent begins.
"Sorry for the delay! My ears have been plugged since the flight and I’m just now getting my bearings. What’s up?"
Several factors contribute to ear plugging after a flight:
Are you currently experiencing any along with the muffled hearing, or just the feeling of fullness?
By understanding the causes of ear plugging and taking steps to alleviate and prevent it, you can enjoy a more comfortable flight and reduce the risk of ear problems.
Stuck in the Clouds? How to Fix Ears Plugged After a Flight We’ve all been there. The plane touches down, the cabin door opens, and while everyone else is rushing to the overhead bins, you’re stuck in a silent, underwater bubble. Having your ears plugged after a flight—clinically known as —is more than just annoying; it can be painful and disorienting.
Here is a look at why this happens and, more importantly, how to get your hearing back to normal. Why It Happens: The Science of "Airplane Ear"
When a plane descends rapidly, the air pressure in the cabin increases faster than the air pressure inside your ear. This creates a vacuum that pulls the eardrum inward, stretching it tight and causing that "plugged" or muffled sensation. If your Eustachian tubes are narrow or blocked (due to a cold, allergies, or anatomy), they can’t open wide enough to let air in and balance things out. How to Unclog Your Ears Fast