Dear Dr.
Ever since I went on a plane ride 18months ago. My ears hurt alot, they
pop alot and just ache!!
I have flown enough to realize that you must yawn and chew gum to relieve
the pressure in your ears when you are landing. Will it go away?
waiting on the ground
Reply: -----------------------
The symptoms you are describing are consistent with an obstruction or dysfunction of the eustachian tube. One of the functions of the eustachian tube is to ventilate the air chamber behind the ear drum known as the middle ear. When the eustachian tube becomes congested, an air pressure imbalance occurs between the air pressure in the middle ear versus the ambient air pressure. Typically this results in a plugged ear and in some cases pain and altered hearing. When the eustachian tube obstruction is partial, intermittent air exchange can result in popping or crackling.
Air plane flight or conversely scuba diving are situations in which relatively rapid changes in ambient pressure occurs. Even healthy eustachian tubes cannot always react to rapid pressure changes and can therefore the ears can become momentarily plugged. Usually yawning or swallowing is all that is required to restore a pressure balance since this activity involves movement of the palate muscles which open and close the eustachian tube. However, if there is an underlying upper respiratory condition, especially when associated with nasal or sinus symptoms, it can become increasingly difficult to maintain a pressure balance.
Eustachian tube symptoms that persist for the period of time that you have described suggest an underlying chronic inflammatory process perhaps related to a nasal or sinus problem. I would recommend a consultation with an ears, nose, and throat specialist for an examination.
--
Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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