Discover This Simple Hack To Alleviate “Airplane Ear” Discomfort

Discover how a simple, viral trick transformed a flight passenger’s ear pain into relief and comfort.

At a Glance

Airplane ear discomfort occurs due to pressure differences during flights.
Common remedies include chewing gum, yawning, and using decongestants.
The “hot cup” method uses steam to alleviate ear pain during flights.
The method is effective and has gained widespread attention on social media.

Understanding Airplane Ear

Airplane ear results from air pressure discrepancies between the middle ear and the external environment, typically during takeoff and landing. Such pressure changes can cause discomfort and even pain. Frequent flyers commonly turn to solutions like chewing gum, yawning, or swallowing. More innovative solutions involve decongestants and nasal sprays aimed at relieving discomfort.

Jeenie, a flight attendant, explains simple techniques such as pinching the nose, closing the mouth, and gently blowing to pop the ears. However, caution is advised to prevent potential damage.

How to pop your ears on a plane: 9 tricks for relieving ear pressure, according to medical experts. https://t.co/QbDx2uR97B

— Condé Nast Traveler (@CNTraveler) December 11, 2023

The Viral “Hot Cup” Method

The game-changing hack that is capturing attention involves using disposable coffee cups, hot water, and napkins. The hot cup method requires a damp washcloth, warmed with hot water and placed inside a cup, which is then held over the ear to generate steam. This reportedly enhances blood flow and relaxes muscles around the ear, providing rapid relief.

Shelby Heiskell’s experience highlights the effectiveness of this remedy. Encountering severe pain on a flight due to congestion from a virus, a flight attendant’s timely suggestion of the hot cup method brought immediate relief, although a slight hearing loss persisted. “I wasn’t a very experienced flyer, I wasn’t aware that it could be dangerous to fly in such [health] conditions,” Shelby said.

Traveling for the holidays? ✈️ Don’t let "airplane ear" ruin your experience. The pain is caused by changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing. #ColumbiaMed otolaryngologist Dr. Ana H. Kim shares expert tips to relieve ear discomfort. https://t.co/dGSFlmTul8

— Columbia Medicine (@ColumbiaMed) November 19, 2024

Medical Opinions and Recommendations

Although the hot cup hack is not medically endorsed, widespread anecdotes attest to its efficacy in relieving discomfort during flights. Dr. Purvi Parikh outlined that steam possibly helps unlock the Eustachian tubes, effectively reducing pressure and pain. Other suggested measures include chewing, swallowing, and employing filtered ear plugs.

Whether it’s the steam method or traditional recommendations like EarPlanes, the quest for effective airplane ear remedies continues. Those frequently in the air might also consult doctors to discuss long-term solutions such as ear tubes. Meanwhile, the sharing of viral life hacks exemplifies the power of community and collective innovation in addressing prevalent travel issues.