For many of us, summer means vacation. Your dream vacation could involve sitting on the beach and sipping a pina colada, or it could mean a week-long trek through the Appalachian Mountains. However you like to relax, there’s one thing everyone can agree on: hearing loss and ear pain don’t make for a good vacation.
Before you pack your bags and head to Huntsville International Airport to board your flight, take a moment to look at our tips for proper ear care on your vacation.
1. Watch Out for Airplane Ear
Airplane ear, also called Eustachian tube dysfunction, happens when the Eustachian tube in your middle ear can’t equalize pressure. When your ear has a pressure imbalance, you might notice one or more of the following:
- Discomfort or pain in the ear
- Feeling of fullness in the ear
- Popping sound in the ear
- Muffled hearing
- Vertigo
- Tinnitus
Severe cases of airplane ear may cause worsening pain or bleeding from the ear. While airplane ear is uncomfortable, there are a few ways you can prevent or manage it:
- Chew gum
- Suck on a lollipop
- Swallow repeatedly during takeoff and landing
- Close your mouth, pinch your nostrils shut and blow air into the nostrils
- Take a decongestant if you’re congested
Airplane ear usually resolves on its own after you land, but prolonged or severe cases require ENT attention.
2. Wear Earplugs
Whether your vacation includes a handful of parties and concerts or you simply want to shut out extra noise on a flight, earplugs will keep your vacation hearing-safe and comfortable.
3. Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can cause congestion, increase your likelihood of airplane ear and make you feel generally unwell. Unfortunately, the high altitude and dry cabin air on an airplane can make it even easier to get dehydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids will help thin congested mucus and lower pressure on your ears.[1] Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water a day, more if the weather is hot or if you feel thirsty on a flight.
4. Lower the Volume
You might feel tempted to blast music on your flight or during a long hike, but remember that excessive noise can damage your hearing.1 Set your phone’s volume to 80 dB or lower to protect your ears.
Vacation and ear damage don’t have to go hand-in-hand. If you notice signs of hearing loss or you have prolonged airplane ear symptoms following your vacation, contact North Alabama ENT Associates to schedule an exam with one of our trusted specialists.
Sources:
1 Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Nasal congestion. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17980-nasal-congestion