Eustachian Tube Dysfunction, or ETD as it’s commonly known, can be difficult for sufferers to endure in everyday circumstances, but the pressure build-up can heighten (literally) when jetting off on holidays. We’ve all experienced the uncomfortable pressure build-up which occurs in our ears when flying.
The eustachian tubes are tiny passageways which can easily become blocked when they're unable to regulate the pressure in the middle and outer ear. This can cause pain, hearing difficulties, and a feeling of fullness in the ears which is referred to as ETD. This condition is most common in children aged 5 or under as their eustachian tubes are shorter and have not developed properly which means it can be increasingly difficult for them to regulate pressure build-up in their ears.
Cabin pressure can be especially difficult for the ears to regulate as it builds when the plane ascends and descends. If you can’t equalise the pressure difference in your middle ear because of ETD, it can become quite painful. This is why babies cry so much on planes. However, there are preventative measures that can be taken on a flight to ensure optimum ear-health for the duration of your journey.
We recommend giving children a bottle or dummy to suck on when the plane is landing or taking off. This sucking sensation helps to open the eustachian tubes to prevent any painful blockages and can offer great relief to small children.
Older passengers can suck on a sweet, yawn or chew gum to help to regulate your middle ear at times when cabin pressure is on the rise.
The following will also help with most instances of ETD:
Nasal decongestant sprays
Antihistamines and oral decongestants
Ear plugs