Individuals with a eustachian tube problem may experience difficulty equalizing middle ear pressure when flying.

When an aircraft ascends, atmospheric pressure decreases resulting in a relative increase in the middle ear air pressure. When the aircraft descends, just the opposite occurs. Atmospheric pressure then increases and there is a relative decrease in the middle ear pressure. Either situation may result in discomfort in the ear due to abnormal middle ear pressure. Discomfort is experienced most commonly during aircraft descents.

To avoid middle ear problems associated with flying, you should not fly if you have an acute upper respiratory problem such as a common cold, allergy attack or sinus infection. Should you have such a problem and must fly or should you have a chronic eustachian tube problem, you may help to avoid ear difficulty by following these recommendations: