If the plane is pressurized, why are our ears closed?

Almost all of us have experienced this unpleasant feeling. ear pain and congestion when the plane takes off or lands. This is what is known as barotrauma or aviation ear and, as we already know, this is due to sudden change in pressure occurs when the vehicle is raised or lowered very quickly. But how can this happen if aircraft cabins This is true under pressure?

Yes, it is true that they are. In fact, if this were not the case, flying on airplanes would be very uncomfortable, and even dangerous, since low pressure when reaching a considerable height make it difficult for passengers to get oxygen. But the pressure that is artificially created in the cabin cannot be constant. If this is the case, then there will be a very large difference between the inside and outside of the ship, and its design will not be able to withstand this.

For this reason, although the effects are not as sudden as if we were outside the plane, the pressure inside also changes and can hurt our ears. But how does he do it? And, above all, what can we do to avoid it?

Why is the plane under pressure?

We have already seen that the aircraft is under pressure, among other things, for avoid breathing problems in passengers. But why might these problems arise?

The key is up. As we rise the density and pressure of the atmosphere decrease. This is a problem for two reasons. On the one hand, if the density of the atmosphere decreases, we will have a smaller number of gas molecules that make up its composition, including oxygen. With regard to pressure, the process known as simple diffusion, in which gases pass from one medium to another due to a pressure difference, is difficult.

The air we breathe is gaseous, so it also enters our lungs. Usually at sea level or not very high altitudes partial pressure of oxygen, which is its contribution to the total air pressure, in the atmosphere is much greater than in the capillaries involved in oxygen exchange in the lungs. Therefore, this gas passes very quickly to them. However, when we are at high altitude and the pressure decreases, the difference is not so great, so diffusion is difficult. To avoid this, aircraft cabin is pressurizedbut always trying to compensate for the changes taking place outside the ship.

Causes of stuffy ears

The human ear is made up of three sections: inner, middle and outer. If we focus on the middle, then in it eardrum, the most important organ of hearing. But it is an organ that is very sensitive to changes in pressure between the inside of the ear and the outside environment. Therefore, there is a tubular structure called Eustachian tubewhich connects the middle ear to the throat and nose. Its function is to regulate the entry and exit of air to equalize the pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

Unfortunately, this effect is achieved only with slow and progressive changes in pressure. For example, yes we climbed the mountainside, the pressure will be less and less, as is usually the case with increasing altitude. However, as this happens little by little, the Eustachian tube has time to regulate this pressure. The problem is that in an airplane the speed is much higher. On takeoffs, the pressure drops rapidly, and on landings it increases. Thus, the tympanic membrane is exposed pressure change huge, which prevents it from vibrating normally. This makes it difficult to hear, so the sounds seem muffled. But, in addition, it is pressed inward or expands, causing severe pain. And we also experience a feeling of blockage due to blockage in the Eustachian tube. This is the famous barotrauma or airplane ear.

How can we avoid this?

On some flights, flight attendants usually hand out candy or gum to passengers just before boarding. If not, we can carry it ourselves. In general, chewing is a good option, as jaw movement helps the Eustachian tube bring in air to balance pressure changes. You can also yawn or chew without eating anything.

Another option is Walsava maneuver, named after Antonio Valsava, the Italian anatomist who gave the Eustachian tube its name. This technique consists of blowing lightly through the nose, as if we were blowing into it, but squeezing the nostrils with our fingers so that the air cannot escape. Thus, the opening of the Eustachian tube is facilitated and helps to equalize the pressure.

On the other hand, an important tip avoid sleep during takeoff and landing. This is because we minimize certain gestures during sleep, such as yawning or swallowing, which can help move the Eustachian tube and equalize pressure in the ear.

Now if we don’t do any of that, basically nothing serious. We just need to deal with ear pain that shouldn’t last long. In fact, if after we finish the flight it becomes too long, we should contact our doctor.

But this is just an exception. It is common that pressure drops only play a little trick on us. Regardless of the pressurization of the aircraft cabin.