When in flight, changing altitudes and the pressurized aircraft cabin – both add to causing ear discomfort for the people on board. No matter if you fly with the premium travel services of Qatar Airways flights, or choose a buglet airline, ear pain happens. Sometimes it can be more while at other times it can be minimal depending upon the aircraft, i.e., type, configuration, flight route as well and seating.

So, how do flight attendants deal with ear pressure? Here’s everything you need to know.

Yawning and Swallowing:
Flight attendants actively engage themselves in actions like yawning, swallowing, or gently moving their jaw during the flight as these activities help open the Eustachian tubes. Therefore, equalizing air pressure on either side of the eardrum and easing the discomfort.

Chewing Gum or Candies:
You’ll also often see flight attendants chewing gum or sucking on candies, especially during take-off and landing. This is encouraged because frequent swallowing assists in equalizing ear pressure and, thus, minimizes ear pain when caused by changes in atmospheric pressure.

Pressure Equalization Devices:
Some flight attendants may also use specialized earplugs or devices designed to regulate ear pressure. These products help manage pressure changes within the ear, promoting comfort during altitude fluctuations.

Hydration:
Flight attendants know the importance of hydration in flight and that’s why they emphasize the same for the passengers on board. Consuming sufficient water helps prevent dehydration in your body and keeps your mucus membrane moist. Therefore, it can lessen the ear discomfort.

Nasal Sprays or Decongestants:
Sometimes nasal sprays or decongestants can also be used by flight attendants before a flight. It helps in;

• Manage sinus congestion.
• Encourage the equalization of ear pressure.

Professional Training:
Flight attendants receive intensive professional training in which managing ear discomfort during flights remains a prominent one. The training covers a range of in-flight challenges, such as alleviating ear pressure discomfort and also enabling them to assist passengers in this regard.

Nasal Inhalation Techniques:
Specific nasal inhalation methods, such as gently inhaling and exhaling the air while pinching the nostrils closed and then swallowing aid in equalizing ear pressure and reducing discomfort.

Valsalva Maneuver:
Flight attendants might employ the Valsalva manoeuvre to manage ear pain. It is a technique that involves gently pinching the nostrils closed and attempting to exhale gently (not forcefully as it can be damaging to your ear membrane) with a closed mouth.

Modified Valsalva:
Though a similar technique to the Valsalva maneuver, modified Valsalva involves a gentler application i.e., pinching the nostrils closed and swallowing several times to gradually regulate air pressure.

Ear Discomfort Awareness:
Flight attendants, in addition to helping the passengers minimise ear pain in flight with different tips and techniques, continuously monitor their ear discomfort as well to remain empathetic. By being aware of their own experiences, they not only better understand the passenger's needs but also assist every single one of them as per their special medical requirements.

Professional Support:
Flight attendants get their ear check-ups regularly to alleviate any persistent ear discomfort or underlying ear conditions.
So, that’s how flight attendants deal with ear pressure on board. If you want to efficiently minimize this problem for you as well, go to Qatar Airways manage my booking platform and get expert advice.