One of the common situations where ear congestion is experienced is airplane travel. Blockage due to pressure changes can cause various problems during the journey. Prof. Dr. Murat Topak explained the precautions that can be taken for ear blockages that occur on the plane.
Üsküdar University NPISTANBUL Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Prof. Dr. Murat Topak gave important information about ear blockages that occur during air travel.
"Many events that cause hearing loss can cause congestion in the ear," said Prof. Dr. Murat Topak, "Any event that prevents the transmission of sound waves from the external environment to the eardrum and from there to the inner ear through the ossicles can lead to this situation."
To equalize the pressure; swallow, stretch and chew
Prof. Dr. Murat Topak stated that after the event causing hearing loss is detected and if treatment is possible, it should be treated appropriately and gave the following information:
"The pressure in the middle ear cavity is normally equal to the ambient pressure. When the ambient pressure changes (for example, during take-off and landing in airplane travel), the pressure change in the middle ear is regulated by the Eustachian tube. To equalize the pressure, the nasal opening of the Eustachian tube must be opened by swallowing, chewing and yawning. In the case of ascent, when the environmental pressure decreases, the air in the middle ear expands, and if there is no obstruction of the eustachian tube, the air with increased pressure in the middle ear passes into the nasal passage and the pressure is balanced. During descents, the opposite is the case, the environmental pressure increases, and if balancing cannot be done through the eustachian tube, negative pressure develops in the middle ear, resulting in hearing loss and pain."
If there is an upper respiratory tract infection, nasal decongestant spray should be used
Prof. Dr. Murat Topak noted that frequent swallowing and chewing movements will be useful for pressure balancing during ascents and descents and concluded his words as follows:
"In addition, some special movements (Valsalva maneuver, etc.) should be learned. This may be difficult in children. Especially if there is an upper respiratory tract infection, it may be useful to use nasal decongestant sprays before take-off and landing on the journey, as the pressure balancing system will be adversely affected due to nasal congestion. In severe cases, postponement of the journey may be considered."
