
What Causes Severe Ear Pain When Plane Lands?

Question: Why do I have excruciating pain when the plane lands? I have a large scar on the right side of my head from surgery that I had when I was an infant (many years ago) does that have anything to do with it? The severe pain is almost always in my right ear.
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Brief answer....given below
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
It is very common for people to develop pain in ears while the plane is landing and is caused due to unequal pressure in the ear on either side of eardrum.Generally such type of pain goes away soon after plane lands.
Before answering further,I would like to know few things.
Since when are you having this problem?
Has it happened many times or it developed only recently?
Do you suffer from any nasal allergy or cold or sinusitis etc where you keep on producing lot of mucus?
Your early surgery has no relation to this problem
Waiting for your reply.
Best of luck
Thanks
Detailed answer...
Hello,
Thanks for the query.
It is very common for people to develop pain in ears while the plane is landing and is caused due to unequal pressure in the ear on either side of eardrum.Generally such type of pain goes away soon after plane lands.
Before answering further,I would like to know few things.
Since when are you having this problem?
Has it happened many times or it developed only recently?
Do you suffer from any nasal allergy or cold or sinusitis etc where you keep on producing lot of mucus?
Your early surgery has no relation to this problem
Waiting for your reply.
Best of luck
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


It happens almost always when I fly, sometimes worse than others. I don't have unusual sinus problems. I just recently learned about ear planes, but never used them yet
Hello,
Yes this condition is called as aeroplane ears.
If you don't have any sinus or phlegm problem,then it seems to be because of narrow eustachian tube.
Normally this eustachian tube opens whenever you yawn,swallow or chew.
In some people,this tube doesn't open that easily.
What to do...
Try sucking sweets while plane is landing.
Use xylometazoline nasal spray.Use it 1 hour before landing and keep using it every 15-20 minutes.
You can use air pressure regulating ear plugs.these are available at airports.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Thanks
Yes this condition is called as aeroplane ears.
If you don't have any sinus or phlegm problem,then it seems to be because of narrow eustachian tube.
Normally this eustachian tube opens whenever you yawn,swallow or chew.
In some people,this tube doesn't open that easily.
What to do...
Try sucking sweets while plane is landing.
Use xylometazoline nasal spray.Use it 1 hour before landing and keep using it every 15-20 minutes.
You can use air pressure regulating ear plugs.these are available at airports.
I hope it helps,however you may revert to me for any further query.
Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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