Why your ears pop on a plane, and what helps
How cabin pressure works, why your ears feel blocked on climb and descent, and the self-care steps Mayo Clinic recommends.
In this article · 5 sections
The cabin is pressurized, but not to sea level
At cruise height the air outside is much thinner than on the ground, so the cabin is pressurized. US certification rules require the cabin pressure altitude to be no higher than 8,000 feet at the airplane's maximum operating altitude under normal conditions, and the crew gets a warning if it ever goes above 10,000 feet.1
So during the climb, the cabin pressure gradually drops to the equivalent of a mountain town, and during descent it rises back to the pressure on the ground. Those changes are what your ears notice. A pop isn't a sign of anything wrong with the airplane.
Why your ears block
Mayo Clinic explains that a narrow passage called the eustachian tube connects your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat and keeps the pressure even. When the plane climbs or descends, the pressure changes quickly and the tube often can't keep up, which causes fullness, discomfort or muffled hearing. Swallowing or yawning opens the tube and equalizes the pressure: that's the "pop".2
Mayo Clinic lists a cold, a sinus infection, hay fever and ear infections as risk factors, along with sleeping while the plane climbs or descends, because you aren't swallowing or yawning.2
What helps (Mayo Clinic's self-care steps)
- Yawn and swallow during takeoff and landing. Chewing gum or sucking a sweet makes swallowing easier.2
- Try the Valsalva maneuver: pinch your nostrils, keep your mouth closed and gently blow as if blowing your nose. Repeat several times, especially during landing.2
- Stay awake for the descent, so you can keep doing these.2
- For babies and toddlers: a bottle or pacifier during takeoff and landing keeps them swallowing. Children older than 4 can chew gum or drink through a straw.2
Mayo Clinic also discusses nasal sprays, decongestants and filtered earplugs, with important cautions about who shouldn't use decongestants.2 We don't give medical advice, so please ask a pharmacist or doctor before taking anything, especially if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure or are pregnant.
When to get checked
Mayo Clinic says most airplane ear gets better with self-care, but to see a doctor if discomfort, fullness or muffled hearing lasts more than a few days, or for severe symptoms such as severe pain, ringing, dizziness or bleeding from the ear.2, 3
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Quick answers
Why do my ears pop on a plane?
Cabin air pressure changes during climb and descent. A small passage called the eustachian tube evens out the pressure in your middle ear, and when it can't keep up you feel fullness or muffled hearing until it opens and pops.
How do I stop my ears hurting when the plane lands?
Mayo Clinic suggests yawning and swallowing during takeoff and landing, chewing gum or sucking candy, gently doing the Valsalva maneuver, and staying awake for the descent.
What is the cabin pressure on a plane?
US certification rules require the cabin pressure altitude to be no higher than 8,000 feet at the airplane's maximum operating altitude in normal conditions, so the cabin is kept at much higher pressure than the air outside.
When should I see a doctor about airplane ear?
Mayo Clinic advises seeing a doctor if discomfort, fullness or muffled hearing lasts more than a few days, or for severe symptoms such as severe pain or bleeding from the ear.