How to relieve the feeling of eardrums about to burst when flying
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Cheng
Introduction
During air travel, discomfort in the eardrum can generally be relieved by actively swallowing, chewing soft food, performing the Valsalva maneuver (pinching the nose and gently blowing), adjusting sitting posture, or gently massaging the ears. When experiencing a sensation of fullness or pain in the eardrum, frequent swallowing or sipping warm water multiple times can help; these actions promote opening of the Eustachian tube, facilitating rapid pressure equalization between the middle ear and the external environment.
When experiencing ear discomfort during a flight, symptoms can generally be relieved through active swallowing, chewing soft foods, the Valsalva maneuver (pinching the nose and gently blowing), adjusting sitting posture, or gentle ear massage. Specific methods are as follows:
1. Active swallowing: When you feel ear pressure or pain, frequently perform swallowing motions or sip warm water multiple times. Swallowing helps open the Eustachian tube, allowing middle ear pressure to quickly equalize with external air pressure, thereby reducing pressure on the eardrum and relieving discomfort.
2. Chewing soft foods: Prepare chewy items such as gum, gummy candies, or biscuits in advance. Continue chewing them during takeoff and landing phases. The chewing motion repeatedly opens the Eustachian tube, promoting airflow and preventing pressure buildup in the middle ear, thus avoiding worsening of ear discomfort.
3. Valsalva maneuver: Gently pinch both nostrils closed with your fingers, keep your mouth shut, and slowly blow air into your nasal passages until you feel a slight fullness in your ears, then stop. Repeat 2–3 times. This technique actively adjusts middle ear pressure and quickly relieves ear tightness and pain. Be careful not to blow too hard.
4. Adjusting sitting posture: If space permits, slightly lean your head forward or rest it against the headrest so that your head and body maintain a natural angle. Avoid tilting your head backward, as this posture reduces pressure accumulation in the ears and facilitates smoother airflow through the Eustachian tube, helping to relieve ear discomfort.
5. Gentle ear massage: Cover your ears with the palms of your hands, press gently for 3–5 seconds, then quickly release. Repeat several times. The slight pressure changes stimulate blood circulation around the ears, help relax ear muscles, and reduce ear pain caused by air pressure changes.
You can begin these preventive measures about 15 minutes before takeoff and landing. If ear discomfort persists after landing, or is accompanied by hearing loss or worsening ear pain, seek medical attention promptly.
