Flying at high altitudes brings a unique set of challenges, and one that affects almost everyone onboard is ear pressure. Cabin crew members, who are seasoned travellers, often have to handle this discomfort regularly as part of their job. So, how do they cope with changes in ear pressure on a daily basis? And what strategies can they share with passengers to make flying more comfortable? Let’s explore the answers.
1. Why does ear pressure happen?
Before diving into how flight attendants deal with ear pressure, it’s essential to understand the root cause. Ear pressure occurs because of the rapid changes in altitude during takeoff and landing. As the plane climbs or descends, the air pressure in the cabin changes, affecting the balance between the air pressure in your middle ear and the environment. This imbalance can lead to that familiar sensation of blocked ears or even mild pain.
Flight attendants are no strangers to this phenomenon since they experience these changes several times during every flight. However, they’ve learned techniques to minimize the discomfort.
- Key point: Ear pressure happens due to changes in altitude, affecting the balance of pressure in the middle ear.
2. Chewing gum or sucking on candy
One of the simplest and most effective ways flight attendants deal with ear pressure is by chewing gum or sucking on candy during takeoff and landing. Chewing encourages frequent swallowing, which helps equalize the pressure in the ears by opening the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow more freely.
This technique is also a common tip that flight attendants share with passengers, especially children, to prevent ear discomfort.
- Key point: Chewing gum or sucking on candy helps activate swallowing, which opens the Eustachian tubes and relieves ear pressure.
3. The Valsalva maneuver
Another trick flight attendants often use is the Valsalva maneuver, a method that involves gently blowing while keeping the nose pinched and the mouth closed. This helps regulate ear pressure by forcing air through the Eustachian tubes and balancing the pressure in the middle ear.
Flight attendants typically use this technique discreetly during landing, as it can provide quick relief if their ears don’t adjust naturally. They may also recommend this method to passengers struggling with ear discomfort.
- Key point: The Valsalva maneuver is a quick and effective way to equalise ear pressure during a flight.
4. Hydration and frequent swallowing
Flight attendants understand the importance of staying hydrated during flights. Dehydration can lead to drier airways, which makes it harder to regulate ear pressure naturally. By drinking plenty of water, flight attendants keep their bodies functioning well, which helps with everything from ear pressure to general well-being during long flights.
In addition, they encourage frequent swallowing, which can help regulate pressure in the ears. By simply sipping water or swallowing even without chewing, flight attendants can minimize discomfort.
- Key point: Staying hydrated and swallowing frequently are essential strategies for flight attendants to manage ear pressure.
5. Yawning and jaw movements
Yawning is another effective way to relieve ear pressure, which is why flight attendants will often advise passengers to yawn intentionally during takeoff and landing. Yawning forces the Eustachian tubes to open, allowing air to flow into the middle ear, which relieves pressure.
Additionally, flight attendants might use subtle jaw movements, like wiggling the jaw from side to side, to further ease the discomfort associated with ear pressure.
- Key point: Yawning and moving the jaw can help open the Eustachian tubes and relieve pressure buildup.
6. Earplugs and special devices
Many flight attendants use pressure-regulating earplugs designed for flying. These earplugs are specifically made to regulate the airflow into the ear, slowing down the changes in pressure and allowing the ears more time to adjust. They are particularly useful during descent, when ear pressure problems tend to be more common.
Flight attendants often recommend these earplugs to passengers who experience frequent or severe discomfort due to ear pressure changes during flights.
- Key point: Pressure-regulating earplugs can prevent ear discomfort by slowing the rate of pressure changes in the ears.
What’s your experience? Share your thoughts below!
Flying can be tough on the ears, but flight attendants have learned effective ways to handle ear pressure and help passengers manage it, too. Have you ever struggled with ear discomfort on a flight? Share your experience in the comments below or join our cabin crew forum for more tips. If you’re looking to become a flight attendant, don’t forget to check out our cabin crew jobs page for the latest openings!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does ear pressure occur during flights?
Ear pressure happens because of the changes in altitude during takeoff and landing. This causes an imbalance between the pressure in the middle ear and the cabin, leading to discomfort.
2. How does chewing gum help with ear pressure?
Chewing gum or sucking on candy encourages swallowing, which helps open the Eustachian tubes and equalise the pressure in the ears.
3. What is the Valsalva maneuver and how does it help?
The Valsalva maneuver involves gently blowing while pinching the nose and closing the mouth. This helps push air through the Eustachian tubes, balancing the pressure.
4. Why is staying hydrated important for ear pressure?
Hydration helps keep the airways moist, making it easier to regulate ear pressure naturally. Frequent swallowing, aided by drinking water, also helps balance the pressure.
5. Can yawning help with ear pressure?
Yes, yawning helps open the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow and relieve ear pressure. Jaw movements can also ease the discomfort.
6. Do flight attendants use any special devices for ear pressure?
Some flight attendants use pressure-regulating earplugs, which slow down pressure changes in the ear, making it easier to adjust and reducing discomfort.
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