December 16th 2024.
Have you ever experienced the discomfort of ear pressure on a plane? If so, you know how excruciating it can be. It doesn't matter how much you chew gum or try to clear your ears, sometimes they just won't unblock and the pain becomes unbearable. Well, there might just be a solution for you, thanks to a TikTok video that has gained almost 4 million views.
In the video, a mom named @babygriffin shared a hack that was recommended to her by a flight attendant. She had been struggling with intense ear pain during descent and this trick helped her ease the pain. It's a simple method that involves using a coffee cup, a washcloth, and some napkins. You place them in the bottom of the cup, add hot water to make the cloth and napkins damp, and then hold the cup over your ear and press it to the side of your head.
The TikToker credited the flight attendant for saving her from the pain and wanted to share the hack with others. She also mentioned that not many people are aware of this trick, as she encountered a flight attendant on her next flight who had never heard of it before. She encouraged others to give it a try and see if it works for them.
Although it's not a guaranteed solution to completely equalize your ears, the steam from the hot cup can help alleviate the pain. And the best part? It provides instant relief. So, if you're struggling with ear pressure on flights, it's definitely worth a try. Some airlines even offer this as a service, so you might be able to request it on your next flight.
The TikToker's caption sparked a conversation in the comments, with one user sharing that the hot cup hack had saved them on a flight to Cancun. This caught the attention of Metro, who decided to consult a doctor to get their expert opinion on the hack.
Dr Lawrence Cunningham from Help & Advice explained that the heat from the cup can help with ear pressure pain by relaxing the area around the ear and improving blood flow. It can also ease tension in the muscles and tissues, making it easier for the Eustachian tubes to open and balance the pressure. While it's not a medically proven method, it can provide soothing relief for some individuals.
However, Dr Cunningham also suggests some other methods that are tried and tested for easing ear pain on flights. These include swallowing, yawning, or chewing gum to open the Eustachian tubes, as well as the Valsalva manoeuvre, where you gently blow with your nose pinched shut to force air through the tubes. He also reminds people to consult a doctor if the ear pain persists, as it could be a sign of underlying issues.
It turns out that some people struggle more with equalizing their ears due to individual differences in Eustachian tube function. Factors such as age, allergies, and even minor anatomical differences can play a role. Children tend to be more susceptible to ear pressure on flights due to their narrower Eustachian tubes, while frequent flyers and individuals with sinus issues may also experience more problems.
If you have a story to share about your experience with ear pressure on flights, feel free to get in touch via email. We would love to hear from you and share your story.
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