Unpleasant sensations at the time of takeoff and landing of the aircraft are faced by many people - the majority of passengers lay their ears. Why is this happening, and is it possible to deal with this problem on our own? Is it dangerous? Considering the structure of the ear and the processes that occur during take-off, you can understand in detail the specifics of what is happening and answer all questions. In practice, it will not be difficult at all, there are no special mysteries here.
The main reason for this is the pressure drops. And why they affect the passenger on board in this way - it is precisely his detailed consideration that will answer this question.
The structure of the human ear
The organ of hearing has a complex structure, it consists of the outer, middle and inner parts. The outer part is the auricle, while inside the ear is a system of chambers and auditory passages, where the eardrum and other miniature organs responsible for the perception of sound signals are located.
The system is very sensitive not only to sounds, but also to pressure. When pressure indicators change, various anomalies of auditory perception can occur, as well as unpleasant sensations. They are observed when diving to a depth of even a few meters - the pressure under water increases, which causes unpleasant sensations up to pain in the ears.
Environmental Changes in Flight
Congestion in the ears during take-off occurs due to the upcoming pressure difference within the human body and in the environment in which it has to be present. Normally, these indicators coincide, so no unpleasant sensations in everyday life do not arise, exceptions are rare. It is with pressure drops that this and when a difference arises between internal and external indicators, this symptom is recorded most often.
During takeoff, the aircraft accelerates and quickly gains altitude, falling into a space where the pressure is much lower. After all, the higher you manage to rise from the surface of the planet, the less pressure is applied. This is not dangerous for the human body, which can adapt to new circumstances, but this does not happen instantly.
Interesting fact: the ears can be pledged with any rapid movement up or down. This is noted even on high-speed elevators.
Why does the airplane change pressure during takeoff and landing?
To consider that the plane is completely tight is a mistake. The fuselages have openings that provide air exchange with the environment, which provides pressure regulation inside the body. If this were not the case, the hull could have been damaged due to severe drops during takeoff and landing. A special automated system controls the air exchange, adjusting the indicators in that balance, which allows people to feel comfortable and eliminates the risk of damage to the case.It is thanks to her work that the pressure indicators are changing - without this it was impossible to achieve flight safety.
The pressure inside the aircraft begins to change as it accelerates on the ground, and then, when taking off, it is also subject to fluctuations. However, everything happens within the specified safe parameters. The system is equipped with emergency air discharge mechanisms when pressure indicators are exceeded, it can also be manually adjusted, which eliminates risks. And therefore the maximum that unpleasant due to pressure drops can happen is to lay ears for a short time.
How to get rid of stuffiness in the ears?
Thus, congestion in the ears during take-off is a natural phenomenon that is not worth worrying about. It can present certain risks only for people who went flying, being very cold. In this case, the risk of otitis media increases. In all other cases, it does not deserve excitement. Moreover, getting rid of the sensation will not be difficult at all, for this there are proven, easy-to-use techniques.
There is a natural mechanism for balancing the pressure - there is an opening in the auditory tube that opens when the swallowing movement is made, yawning. Accordingly, you just need to yawn or swallow. And you can immediately take a lollipop with you to suck it at the time of take-off, and not even face ear-laying.
You can give a small child a bottle - this will also relieve unpleasant sensations and vagaries.Many people remember candies, caramel called “Takeoff” with the image of an airplane on a candy wrapper. These candies were created precisely with the aim of reducing the discomfort of passengers during takeoff and landing. Their or similar candies are often given out by the flight attendants before the plane takes off and lands. After all, landing is also associated with pressure drops, which must be adapted.
What if the usual methods do not help?
Some people have severe congestion in their ears, and for a long time they cannot get rid of it. If the usual methods do not help, you can blow off your ear by plugging your nose and trying to exhale through it. This is a safe method that allows you to create excess pressure in the larynx, push the cork, if any, has formed.
In addition, people prone to nasal congestion and experiencing excessively strong discomfort from this phenomenon can be advised not to sleep during take-off and landing. And you can pre-acquire earplugs created for flights, these products can eliminate the problem completely, eliminating the pressure drops in the inner ear.
People who have decided not to refuse to fly during a cold should recommend taking drops that provide the effect of a narrowing of blood vessels. After all, inflammatory processes impede the free circulation of air in the cavities, this is due to edema and other related phenomena.
Vasoconstrictor drugs reduce puffiness, minimizing unpleasant effects. In case of allergic manifestations, it is worth flying with anti-allergenic drugs.But overall, doctors strongly recommend delaying trips if you are not healthy.
Thus, congestion in the ears during takeoff or landing of an airplane is a normal phenomenon caused by the peculiarities of the physiology of a person, the structure of his hearing system and the effects of pressure drops. Normally, congestion quickly passes, but if it persists for a long time, or if pain occurs, you should consult a doctor.
