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Ear anatomy
Ear anatomy
Medical findings based on ear anatomy
Medical findings based on ear anatomy
External and internal ear
External and internal ear

Ear unclogging from high altitudes
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.
Review Date: 11/6/2001
Reviewed By: Victoria Kennedy, RN, A.D.A.M. editorial.
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