Can You Reduce Airplane Pressure by Wearing Headphones?

Although flying can be enjoyable, many people find it uncomfortable due to the pressure in the aircraft, which can cause damage to one or both ears. A person may have discomfort in their ears during a flight due to a shift in air pressure. Many passengers find that this sensation is uncomfortable, even though it passes quickly, and are attempting to find solutions.

There is data that suggests headphones may not have a substantial impact on how much pressure you feel, despite the opinion of some experts who claim they can successfully lessen it.

Whether or not headphones are beneficial depends on the individual; some find them to be quite useful, while others report no change at all.

So let's talk about whether or not headphones relieve airplane pressure before you check in for your next flight.

Why Is It Important to Cover Your Ears When Flying?

One of the most valuable abilities that no one wants to lose is their sense of hearing. Therefore, it is crucial that we shield our ears from harm and injury.

Extended exposure to noisy situations can harm our ears permanently and increase the risk of developing hearing loss. Therefore, it is crucial that we shield our ears when in a noisy setting, such as an airplane.

Aircraft cabin noise levels can reach up to 85 decibels (dB) at cruising altitude; if the aircraft is older, the noise level may be significantly higher. This is due to the loud, disagreeable noises that old engines produce. Imagine spending hours seated in the aircraft cabin! Prolonged loud exposure can lead to severe pain and discomfort in your ears.

How Can Headphones Lessen the Pressure Inside an Airplane?

Experts are currently investigating how headphones lower aircraft pressure, but it's thought that the sound waves they produce facilitate the opening of the Eustachian tubes. Clogged Eustachian tubes can cause discomfort as they control the air pressure in the ears.

It has been over 50 years since researchers initially put forth this notion. However, it wasn't until recently that Canadian researchers from McGill University carried out an investigation to see whether it was worthwhile. The journal Ear & Hearing published their research.

Participants were instructed to wear headphones and listen to music during takeoff and landing. In this study, it was discovered that wearing headphones assisted in opening the Eustachian tubes, thereby lowering the participants' perceived pressure. But the effect was only temporary and dissipated after a short while.

Does this imply that you should bring active noise-canceling headphones for studying on your next trip, or that you should just use the headphones that airlines provide? Well, not exactly; further investigation is still required to ascertain whether or not headphones actually reduce cabin pressure on airplanes. But if you have discomfort from airplane pressure when flying, it's something to think about and give a shot.

Check out our shopping guide if you want to buy new over-ear headphones for your upcoming flight and you have the money to do so. Selecting headphones with noise cancellation will help filter and block cabin noise while easing strain on the eardrum. In addition to preventing tinnitus, noise-canceling headphones do not aid in its improvement.

Play some soothing music to reduce any tension you may feel during your travels. If you'd like, you may also watch a movie.

1.Yawning or swallowing anything

Swallowing or yawning opens the Eustachian tube, allowing air to pass through the middle ear.

By activating the muscles that restrict or impede airflow in the Eustachian tube during takeoff, this will help balance ear pressure by facilitating easy airflow through the ear tunnel.

2.Chewing gum

Chewing gum can help initiate the swallowing action and facilitate the adjustment of air pressure.

When descending with children, you can use a bottle to help them drink more, which will lessen the pain in their ears from the shift in air pressure.

3.Valsalva manoeuvre

In order to shield your ears during takeoff and landing, you can also use the Valsalva maneuver. The Valsalva maneuver involves methodically holding and releasing breaths to assist in altering breathing patterns.

By forcing air into the Eustachian tube, it brings the air pressure into balance with the surrounding air. Hence, the earache was relieved. To assist you in doing the Valsalva maneuver, follow these steps:

Take a deep breath in and hold it for ten seconds.

Breathe out slowly to begin the quick release of breath.

Begin your daily breathing routine.

4.Franzel manoeuvre

Another option is to do the Frenzel maneuver, which involves compressing the throat, closing the glottis, and drawing air into the throat. To achieve this, breathe gently into your pinched nostrils and take a few swallows.

5.Apply decongestants

Decongestants for the nose or mouth can clear mucus that may obstruct the Eustachian tube. When landing and after the flight, take a decongestant until your ears return to normal.

Visitors who are sick with the flu or cold should take decongestants. Remember that elderly people should not take decongestants and that you should always consult a doctor before using prescription medication.

6.Wearing noise-canceling headphones

Instead of using plug-in earbuds to filter out background noise while watching a movie or listening to relaxing music like pop, classical, or natural sounds, you can use over-ear headphones with active noise cancellation.

7.Waking up at least an hour before landing

Make sure you wake up at least an hour before landing if you have a lengthy fight. If you wake up right before landing, you won't have enough time to become used to the circumstances.

8.Be sure you are healthy before taking a flight

If you have health problems, the pressure of the flight can exacerbate the discomfort.

Prior to opting to fly, it is best to discuss any health concerns you may have with your physician or other qualified health provider. However, if you are in good health, you will be able to handle the pressure and the circumstances.

How Come My Ear Doesn't Pop After a Flight?

Your ears may pop following a plane trip for a few different reasons. For example, the Eustachian tubes may become obstructed or malfunction.

It's also possible that the flight was too short for the pressure to build up to uncomfortable levels.

There are several things you can attempt to help if, after a plane flight, your ears don't pop. Chewing gum, yawning, and swallowing can all be beneficial.

In Summary

In conclusion, while they can be a temporary fix, headphones can lessen the pressure in your ears during flights. You can try chewing gum or performing the Valsalva maneuver to see if you can stop the pressure from ever rising in the first place.

Decongestants and rising an hour before landing can be helpful if your ears are already hurting. If you have any health issues, don't forget to consult your physician before taking a flight.