Ear Health

Ear Health & Flying

How to protect your ears when travelling

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Got a flight coming up? If you’re used to putting up with blocked or sore ears, then we’re here to help.

Airplane ear (or ‘ear barotrauma,’ as it’s known in the clinical world), happens when the air pressure in the middle ear and outside of the ear are thrown off balance. Usually this happens on a flight during take-off and landing, when the air pressure around you is changing quickly. Your ears rely on a small passage called the Eustachian tube to equalise this pressure, but if the tube can’t respond quickly enough, then pressure builds behind the eardrum which leads to the feeling of blockage, popping, soreness or muffled hearing. In most cases, the discomfort is temporary and resolves itself, however for others it can be a more persistent problem.

Last reviewed: September 2026

Next review: September 2029

Reviewed by: Emma Kilbride

Common causes of ear discomfort when flying:

Earwax

Yes, excessive earwax can cause discomfort when flying. A build-up of wax can trap air, making it harder for the Eustachian tube to respond to pressure changes.

While this isn’t the sole cause of blocked ears during travel, it’s one of the most common and easily treatable factors that can help reduce your symptoms of airplane ear.

If you’re prone to blocked ears when flying, then it might be time for an ear check. If wax build-up is the issue, then we offer a professional and convenient wax removal service in selected stores.

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Colds and allergies

If you’re suffering from a cold, blocked nose, sinus infection or allergies, then you’ve got a greater chance of experiencing ear discomfort during when flying. If you’re experiencing congestion, then it becomes much harder for the Eustachian tube to carry out its job of equalising pressure from inside and outside of your ears.

It’s recommended to avoid air travel if you’re suffering from severe cold or flu symptoms, however for milder cases, simply taking some decongestants or a nasal spray beforehand can help reduce inflammation and the ‘blocked’ sensation.

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Tips and tricks to help prevent blocked ears when flying

Aside from the above, there are a few DIY tricks you can try to help reduce the feeling of pain, blockage or popping in your ears when flying. It’s recommended to try to stay awake during take-off and landing so that you can take these active steps to help reduce ear discomfort, if needed.

  • Yawn, yawn, yawn – think of it like a Pilates class for your throat and jaw muscles. The movement allows the Eustachian tube to open briefly, encouraging air flow.
  • Drink and swallow frequently – this engages specific throat muscles that help to open the Eustachian tube and allow the pressure inside your ear to match the pressure from outside.
  • Chew gum or suck hard-boiled sweets – particularly during take-off and landing, this is another way to stimulate the Eustachian tube and allow the air pressure to equalise (for babies, giving them a dummy at this time might help).
  • Try the Valsalva manoeuvre – don't worry, we’re not asking you to crack out your dance moves in the middle of the aisle! Instead, it involves taking a deep breath, and then slowly releasing the breath with your mouth closed and your nostrils pinched shut to encourage air flow. You can repeat this several times until you feel the pressure release.
  • Buy pressure-regulating ear plugs – you’ll find them in most airports, and they're specifically designed to help equalise pressure, making them useful during take-off and landing.

When to get your ears checked

Although mild ear discomfort when flying is common, if you experience any of the below symptoms during or after your flight, it’s safer to get an ear check:

  • Severe ear pain
  • Sudden hearing loss
  • Persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
  • Dizziness or vertigo
  • Bleeding from the ear

These symptoms could be signs of a more serious problem, so it’s important to get assessed by a healthcare professional.

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