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Ency. home > SpecialTopic > E > Ear unclogging from high altitudes

Ear unclogging from high altitudes    See images

Overview

Alternative names:

High altitudes and ear unclogging

Information


Question:
How do you unclog blocked ears when descending from high altitudes?

Answer: 
Yawning and swallowing usually work fairly well. Chewing gum the entire time you are changing altitudes helps by causing you to swallow frequently and can prevent you from getting blocked ears in the first place.

People who consistently experience this problem when flying may consider taking a decongestant about an hour before the flight leaves.

You can try to inhale, then gently exhale while holding the nostrils closed and the mouth shut. However, if done to hard, this can cause ear infections by forcing bacteria into the ear canals. You can also blow your ear drums out if you blow too hard. See barotrauma.

Ency. home > SpecialTopic > E > Ear unclogging from high altitudes

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