The short explanation
Ear pain during landing is common and is caused by pressure changes. The Eustachian tube, which connects the middle ear to the back of the nose, needs to open to balance pressure. If it does not open easily, the eardrum gets pushed inwards, causing pain and a blocked feeling that can last for hours. Swallowing, yawning, chewing gum, or gently blowing with your nose pinched and mouth closed during descent can help open the tubes. Staying awake during landing helps you do this. If you have a cold, blocked nose or allergies, ears are more likely to hurt, and it may be worth asking a doctor whether something can be used before flying.
What depends on your situation
The parts of this that change from woman to woman. Uncertainty is stated, not hidden.
- Flying with a heavy cold or sinus infection can cause severe ear pain and, rarely, damage the eardrum.
- Persistent hearing loss, ear pain or discharge after flying should be checked.
- Some people have narrower Eustachian tubes and are more prone to this.
- Pregnant women and people with nasal allergies may also experience more ear discomfort.
What this answer cannot determine
The boundary of online education. These need a clinician who can see you.
- This cannot tell you why your ears are affected so badly. A doctor can examine your ears and nose.
Questions for your clinician
Take these with you. You can add any of them to an appointment card.
- Why do my ears hurt so much when flying?
- Is there something I can use before flights?
- Could allergies or sinus problems be contributing?
- When should I avoid flying?
When to seek help
Clinician-approved guidance for this topic. When in doubt, being seen is never the wrong choice.
Get help the same day
- Get same-day care if you have severe ear pain, bleeding or sudden hearing loss after flying.
Book an appointment soon
- See a doctor within a few days if your ear stays blocked or hearing is reduced.
Raise it at a routine appointment
- Book a routine ENT check if this happens with every flight.
Sources
The evidence this explanation is built on.
- Ear infections NHS
- Hearing loss NHS
Who wrote and reviewed this
Every AskHer answer names its author. A clinically reviewed answer also names the clinician who signed it off — if no clinician is named below, it has not been clinically reviewed.
- Author
- AskHer Editorial (AI-assisted draft) AskHer's editorial team — not an individual clinician Works in English, தமிழ், हिन्दी
- Clinical reviewer
- Nobody yet No clinician has signed this answer off, and no person on the editorial team has read it yet. That is what the “Written with AI assistance” label means. It is queued for an editor to read, and then for a clinician who works in this area. The sources it was drafted against are listed above.
- Review status
- Written with AI assistance — not yet reviewed by a person
- Last reviewed
- Not yet reviewed by a person
- Version
- 1
Correction history
Substantive changes are listed, not quietly edited away.
No corrections have been made since this answer was first published.
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