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How To Protect Ears Of A Baby From Pressure Changes While Flying?

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Posted on Tue, 12 May 2015
Question: Hi doc
How to protect the ears of the baby while take off and landing of aircraft?

In case baby dont take feed, what ate the options?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (34 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Feeding the baby during take off and landing can help.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

During takeoff or during landings, the cabin pressure changes and the pressure in the outer ear canal changes with it, but the pressure in middle ear may not. In general we swallow to equalize this pressure. Try and feed your baby during take off and landing if possible, as this is likely to normalize the pressure difference between ear canal and middle ear and thus reduce ear pain from developing in your child. Not all babies get ear pain and it should not be a cause of major problem if the child does not feed during a short air journey. If the baby is sleeping, it anyway means the child does not have any difficulties. In such a case, it would not really be a problem if the child does not feed. Ear plugs for babies are available but it is optional and you can do without it if you want. Do not worry, if the child feels hungry, it will feed anyway.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3877 Questions

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How To Protect Ears Of A Baby From Pressure Changes While Flying?

Brief Answer: Feeding the baby during take off and landing can help. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. During takeoff or during landings, the cabin pressure changes and the pressure in the outer ear canal changes with it, but the pressure in middle ear may not. In general we swallow to equalize this pressure. Try and feed your baby during take off and landing if possible, as this is likely to normalize the pressure difference between ear canal and middle ear and thus reduce ear pain from developing in your child. Not all babies get ear pain and it should not be a cause of major problem if the child does not feed during a short air journey. If the baby is sleeping, it anyway means the child does not have any difficulties. In such a case, it would not really be a problem if the child does not feed. Ear plugs for babies are available but it is optional and you can do without it if you want. Do not worry, if the child feels hungry, it will feed anyway. Hope that helps. Regards Dr. Diptanshu