The holidays are a time for reconnecting with loved ones, exploring new places, and making memories – but if you’ve ever stepped off a plane with painful ear pressure or noticed muffled hearing after a long drive, you know how travel can take a toll on your ear health.
Whether you are flying across the country or taking a road trip through Tennessee’s hills, protecting your ears during travel is essential for a comfortable and healthy holiday season. Keep reading to learn more about what an expert ENT doctor in Nashville would recommend to keep your ears in good shape while you’re on the go.
Understanding How Travel Affects Your Ears
Our ears play a crucial role in balance and hearing, but they are also sensitive to changes in air pressure. When you fly or travel through changing elevations, pressure differences between your middle ear and the environment can cause discomfort, known as “ear barotrauma”.
You might feel:
A popping or crackling sensation
Fullness or pressure in your ears
Temporary hearing loss
Dizziness or imbalance
These symptoms can occur because the eustachian tube, which connects your middle ear to your throat, can’t equalize pressure fast enough. For most people, the sensation is temporary, but for those with sinus infections, allergies, or congestion, it can be painful and long-lasting.
Tips from an ENT Doctor in Nashville for Flying Comfortably
If you are planning to fly this holiday season, preparation can make a world of difference. ENT specialists recommend these steps to reduce ear pressure and discomfort:
Stay Hydrated and Avoid Congestion
Dry cabin air and dehydration can irritate your sinuses. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight, and avoid caffeine or alcohol. If you have a cold or allergies, use a saline spray or take an antihistamine before boarding (as advised by your doctor).
Use the Valsalva Maneuver
When the plane takes off or lands, close your mouth, pinch your nose, and gently blow. This helps open the eustachian tube and equalize ear pressure. Chewing gum, swallowing, or yawning also helps.
Try Specialized Earplugs
Pressure-regulating earplugs, available at most pharmacies, can slow pressure changes during ascent and descent. These are especially helpful for children or anyone prone to ear pain when flying.
Don’t Fly with a Severe Cold or Ear Infection
If possible, postpone your flight. Flying with a blocked eustachian tube can make symptoms worse or lead to middle ear inflammation. Always consult your ENT doctor in Nashville before traveling when you’re experiencing ear pain or sinus issues.
Road Trips and Ear Health
Even if you’re staying on the ground, elevation changes during long drives – especially in mountainous regions – can trigger ear pressure or popping. Keep these tips in mind:
Open windows periodically to help your body adjust naturally to pressure changes.
Chew gum or suck on candy while driving through high altitudes.
Take breaks if you experience dizziness or ear discomfort.
Children are especially susceptible to ear pain during elevation changes, so make sure they have something to chew or drink to help equalize pressure.
OAT: Your Expert ENT Doctor in Nashville
Whether you need help managing sinus infections, tinnitus, or recurring ear pain, our team of board-certified specialists provides individualized treatment plans designed to help you hear, breathe, and live better.
Contact us at OAT to schedule an appointment with an experienced ENT doctor in Nashville who can help you find relief and enjoy a healthier holiday season.
