29/07/2026
Why Do Ears Pop on a Plane? A Summer Holiday Guide for Families
Summer is here, which means thousands of families are packing their suitcases and heading off on well-earned holidays. While flying is exciting, one thing many people don't look forward to is that uncomfortable feeling in their ears during take-off and landing.
If you've ever wondered why your ears "pop" on a plane, you're not alone. The good news is that it's completely normal, and there are some simple things you can do to make your journey much more comfortable, especially if you're travelling with children.
Why do ears pop?
Inside your ear is a small air-filled space called the middle ear. This space is connected to the back of your nose and throat by a tiny passage called the Eustachian tube.
The Eustachian tube's job is to keep the air pressure on both sides of your eardrum equal.
When an aircraft climbs or descends, the air pressure around you changes quickly. If the pressure inside your middle ear can't equalise fast enough, your eardrum stretches slightly, causing that familiar feeling of:
Blocked ears
Pressure or fullness
Muffled hearing
Popping sensations
Occasionally mild discomfort or pain
The pressure usually settles within a few minutes once your Eustachian tube opens.
Why is it often worse during landing?
Most people notice the discomfort more during landing than take-off.
That's because it's generally harder for the Eustachian tube to let air back into the middle ear as the cabin pressure increases during descent. Children often find this particularly uncomfortable because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal than adults', making pressure equalisation less efficient.
Why children struggle more
Many parents notice their little one crying just before landing. This isn't because they're frightened, it's often because their ears hurt.
Young children's Eustachian tubes haven't fully developed yet, making them more likely to become blocked during changes in air pressure.
Top tips to help adults
There are several simple techniques that can help relieve pressure:
Swallow frequently.
Chew gum or suck on sweets (if appropriate).
Sip water regularly.
Yawn several times during take-off and landing.
Stay awake during descent so you can actively clear your ears.
What if my ears stay blocked?
It's normal for your ears to feel blocked for a short while after landing.
However, if the blockage, pain or reduced hearing lasts for more than a day or two, or you experience severe pain, dizziness or discharge from the ear, it's worth having your ears checked.
Sometimes persistent blockage isn't caused by pressure at all, it could simply be earwax that has become more noticeable after the flight.
Flying with earwax
If you already have a build-up of earwax, pressure changes during flying can sometimes make your hearing feel even more blocked.
Many people assume they've damaged their ears on holiday, when in reality it's simply impacted wax becoming more noticeable.
If you're planning to fly this summer and you've been experiencing blocked ears or reduced hearing beforehand, it's worth having your ears checked before you travel.
Enjoy your holiday!
For most people, ear popping is completely harmless and only lasts a few moments. Understanding why it happens and knowing a few simple tricks can make flying much more comfortable for both adults and children.
If you're concerned about blocked ears before or after your holiday, or would like your ears checked before you travel, the team at Hertford Hearing is always happy to help.
Have a fantastic summer, safe travels, and happy flying! 🥰
