• Definition of ear blockage at high altitude

When altitude changes the air pressure outside your body also changes. So this makes a difference in the air pressure on both sides of the eardrums and it results in a feeling of pressure and ultimately ear blockage takes place.

• Scientific reason for ear blockage at high altitude

Actually, ear blockage does not happen while reaching high altitudes but it takes place when you are descending. The reason behind this is that the Eustachian tube (which is a connection between the nose and the middle ear) gets blocked and is unable to balance the pressure that is put on the ear drum by the added air pressure occurring during descent.

• Another possible reason

The Eustachian tube is empty – that means there is nothing in it for most of the time. When you are ascending or descending the changed air pressure causes this tube to collapse or even engorge and it needs a little help in order to equalize. That help can be provided by pinching the nose and blowing out the breath thus the pressure outside and inside can be equalized.

• Easy methods to prevent ear blockage at high altitude

Generally, yawning as well as swallowing helps in opening the Eustachian tube. With these movements the pressure can be equalized within the ears. While ascending or descending from high altitudes, if you try this your ears will not be blocked. If you keep chewing gum all the time when you are about to change altitudes, it will be helpful, as you will keep swallowing frequently. This will keep your ears from getting blocking.

If someone often has a problem of blocked ears while flying, they can take decongestant medicines around one hour before they get onto the flight.

Avoid sleeping in the flight while descending as this will reduce the chances of ear blockage.

 

 

• Remedy for ear blockage at high altitude

When your ears get blocked you can try this; take the breath in and then gently try breathing out holding the nostrils and with mouth closed. You will get your ears open – then you need to open your mouth wide and wiggle the jaw from side to side, this will bring your ears back to normal.

Do this with extreme care and do not use too much of force as it can result in ear infection.

Remember that when you change altitude slowly, as in a car or while mountaineering, the pressure of air is automatically equalized and your ears will not  be blocked.