Galley Gossip: Blocked ears - how to ease the pain in flight

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At my last aviation medical, my specialist told me to discontinue advising passengers to use the Valsalva. He said it is a LAST resort, and better suited to scuba diving where more force is needed due to water in the ears, not so much for alitiude-related pressure.

At one of the airlines I worked for, we were actually forbidden to even mention it. Ditto for the cups on ears and anything involving hot water. Best method is the decongestant and/or yawning as you mentioned.

I personally find that yawning while moving my jaw from side to side seems to have the best effect. Obviously everyone'sears and face shape are different so the 'magic spot' where you get the most effect will vary.

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