Please welcome today's guest blogger, Anya Clowers, from EarPopper...
Colds and allergies may affect travelers long after the sneezing and runny nose are gone. Congestion during colds and allergies may prevent the Eustachian tube from doing its job as the middle ear pressure regulator. The little tube connecting the nose and the middle ear typically opens about 400 times per day to regulate pressure in the middle ear with changing outside air pressure. When there is congestion present from colds or allergies, the little tube may be blocked from opening. The negative pressure then builds in the middle ear, which may then cause fluid from the surrounding tissue to be pulled into the middle ear cavity. It is possible to have fluid in the ears and not even realize it.
However, travelers will quickly notice the presence of pressure or fluid in the middle ear when pain, hearing loss, or pressure is experienced. The pressure in the middle ear may build to the point of pain or even a ruptured eardrum. Hearing may also be affected when fluid in the middle ear cavity prevents normal transmission of sound waves between the vibrating eardrum and the inner ear.
Oftentimes, travelers are unaware of the Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) until they are traveling through areas of changing pressure (flying, scuba diving, or mountains). At that point, pain can be severe enough to bring adults to tears (just ask Flight Attendants who often witness passengers experience this ear pain!)
What can be done? Travelers can help their ears by assisting the Eustachian tube to open and instantly relieve built up pressure. Just as removing a bottle cap instantly restores pressure in an indented bottle, the same is true for ear pressure. When the Eustachian tube opens, instant relief may be felt. We often relate the “pop” we hear or feel to our “ears being clear”. That “pop” is the little tube popping open and releasing pressure from the middle ear.Travelers may know to chew gum or yawn when descending in an airplane to help “pop” the ears. Chewing gum actually causes increased salivation, which increases swallowing. It is this contraction of muscles that also opens the Eustachian Tube. When congestion or pressure prevent even these muscles from opening the tube, then we must try and force air into the Eustachian tube to help it open.
The Valsalva Maneuver may then be a suggested maneuver. By pinching the nose and mouth while gently blowing air, it may be possible to divert the air up the tube, opening it for relief.
When swallowing, yawning, and the Valsalva Maneuver no longer work, travelers can rely on the EarPopper (www.earpopper.com) to find relief. This clinically proven, battery operated device blows a regulated amount of air through the nose. When the traveler swallows, this air is diverted up the Eustachian Tube, quickly opening the tube for instant relief.
Preventing and eliminating ear issues when traveling not only increases quality of travel, it helps to eliminate fluid in the middle ear cavity. This fluid is a perfect place for bacteria to call home. Nobody wants to deal with ear infection symptoms when traveling!
When preparing for travel, consider the ears and any congestion issues associated with colds, allergies, flights, or scuba diving. Pack the EarPopper for peace of mind!
Anya Clowers, RN is a nurse consultant and travel expert specializing in “Products Worth Packing” for travelers of all ages. Recognizing “travel is only as good as you feel”, Anya dedicated her research to travel comfort. She first discovered the EarPopper for family travelers (www.JetWithKids.com) and her then 3-year-old son. Anya’s passion for the product led to professional representation of the EarPopper and her blog her blog for those who suffer with plugged ears.
