Q Every time I fly or take a fast elevator, my ears will not pop and it is really uncomfortable. Is this normal?
A During takeoff, landing, or rapid altitude changes, outside pressure shifts quickly, and if the eustachian tube cannot keep up, the ear feels full and can even hurt. If swallowing or yawning does not help and it happens repeatedly, your eustachian tube function may be weaker than usual.
Detailed Answer
In situations with rapid pressure changes such as airplane takeoff and landing, fast elevators, or scuba diving, the eustachian tube must open quickly to equalize pressure. If you have a cold or your eustachian tube function is already weak, this adjustment lags, causing fullness or even pain (sometimes progressing to barotrauma of the middle ear). Chewing gum, swallowing frequently, and gently pinching your nose while blowing softly can help, but if this happens severely every time, it may point to an underlying weakness in eustachian tube function.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
We also see unusual sensitivity to pressure changes as a sign that the body's internal rise-and-fall of energy is not flowing smoothly. People who tend toward heavy digestion or swelling often react more strongly around the ears to outside pressure shifts, and some patients notice less fullness while traveling after treatment aimed at improving internal circulation.
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