From the Research
To treat ear pain after flying, the most effective method is to try the Valsalva maneuver, as it has been shown to be the most effective at opening the Eustachian tube 1. This can be done by pinching your nose shut, closing your mouth, and blowing gently through your nose to equalize the pressure in your ears. If pain persists after landing, other methods such as chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing can also be tried to help equalize the pressure. Additionally, taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen (Tylenol) 500-1000mg or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) 400-600mg every 6-8 hours as needed can help alleviate the pain. It's also important to note that a nasal decongestant spray like oxymetazoline (Afrin) can help, but should be used with caution and only for a short period of time to avoid rebound congestion. Some key points to consider when treating ear pain after flying include:
- Using the Valsalva maneuver to open the Eustachian tube 1
- Trying other methods such as chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing to equalize pressure
- Taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed
- Using nasal decongestant sprays with caution
- Seeking medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen over time. It's worth noting that the study from 2011 2 compared the efficiency of middle ear pressure equalization techniques, including the Valsalva maneuver, Toynbee maneuver, and Ear Popper, but found no significant difference in success rates among the techniques. However, the more recent study from 2017 1 provides more insight into the effectiveness of different maneuvers for opening the Eustachian tube, and recommends the use of Valsalva maneuvers for certain tests of ET function.