Travelers Tricks for Airplane ears

You know the feeling. The plane takes off, and almost immediately your ears start hurting.What to do? Swallow, yawn, or chew gum from takeoffuntil the plane reaches cruising altitude or for more severe pain, pinch your nostrils closed and gently attempt to exhale through yur nose with your mouth closed. The pain of airplanes ears develops because aircraft cabins are presurized to the altitude equivalent of 8,000 ft.,where the air is considerably thinner than it is at sea level. This thinner air does not exert as much pressure on the eardrum outward, causing ear pain. All the techniques for dealing with airplane ears equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum by opening the tiny tube that allows the air into the area behind the eardrum.If airplane ears a real problem try taking an over the counter decongestant about a half hour before flying. Decongestant also help open the tube that equalizes air pressure in the ear.