From the Guidelines
To treat ear pain after flying, try chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing during descent to equalize pressure in your ears, and if pain persists, consider taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6 hours as needed, as recommended by recent guidelines 1. The provided evidence does not directly address ear pain after flying, but it does discuss pain management for acute otitis externa (AOE) and the effects of air travel on the ocular surface and sinuses. However, the principles of pain management can be applied to ear pain after flying. Some key points to consider when treating ear pain after flying include:
- Using oral analgesics like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to manage pain, as they are effective for mild to moderate pain 1
- Applying a warm compress against the ear for 15-20 minutes to help relieve pain
- Staying hydrated and considering taking a decongestant 30 minutes before the next flight to help prevent ear pain
- Avoiding oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine if you have high blood pressure
- Seeking medical attention if ear pain is severe, lasts more than a few days, includes hearing loss, dizziness, or drainage from the ear, as this could indicate an ear infection or ruptured eardrum requiring medical treatment. It's essential to note that the evidence provided does not specifically address ear pain after flying, but the general principles of pain management can be applied to this condition. The most effective treatment for ear pain after flying is to address the underlying cause of the pain, which is often related to air pressure changes during flight, and to use oral analgesics and other remedies as needed to manage pain 1.
From the Research
Ear Pain After Flying Treatment
Ear pain after flying is often caused by Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can be treated with various techniques to equalize middle ear pressure.
- The Valsalva maneuver, Toynbee maneuver, and the use of an Ear Popper device are common methods used to alleviate ear pain after flying 2.
- Studies have shown that the Valsalva maneuver is effective in opening the Eustachian tube and equalizing middle ear pressure 3, 4, 5.
- The Toynbee maneuver, which involves swallowing, can also be effective in equalizing middle ear pressure, especially when performed without water 3.
- The use of an Ear Popper device has been shown to be effective in some cases, especially in individuals with good Eustachian tube function 2.
Treatment Techniques
Different treatment techniques have been studied, including:
- Sonotubometry: a test that measures the opening of the Eustachian tube, which has been shown to be effective in detecting Eustachian tube dysfunction 3.
- Tubo-tympano-aerodynamic graphy: a method that examines the air flow dynamics of the Eustachian tube, which can provide important information on tubal function 4.
- Nine-step test inflation/deflation: a test that measures the ability of the Eustachian tube to open and close, which can be used to assess Eustachian tube function 2, 5.
Age and Treatment
Research has also explored the age at which children can perform Valsalva and Toynbee maneuvers, with findings suggesting that children as young as 4 years old can perform these maneuvers, and that age cut-offs for achieving adult norms are around 12.5 years for Valsalva and 8.5 years for Toynbee maneuvers 6.