Peak travel season is fast approaching, and families across the country are planning to jet off on their summer getaways. And with this coinciding with hay fever season, travellers may find that a familiar in-flight nuisance is on the rise: blocked ears, also known as ‘aeroplane ear’ or ear barotrauma.

However, there is one item you can pack that may help reduce this problem. Hearing loss expert and audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, Hannah Samuels, suggests bringing some chewing gum or sweets with you on your flight. This is because chewing and swallowing will help activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tubes, which connect the back of the throat to the middle ear.

Explaining just why our ears become blocked during takeoff and landing, Hannah said: “This uncomfortable yet common sensation occurs due to a mismatch between the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure in the aeroplane cabin.

“External air pressure changes most rapidly during take off and landing, so if the Eustachian tubes cannot equalise the pressure effectively, then the eardrum becomes unable to move as it should.

“This is what leads to this blocked feeling that sometimes feels hard to shake.”

There are a number of factors that can increase your chances of experiencing aeroplane ear, such as congestion caused by the common cold or allergies, as well as existing ear infections.

Infants and toddlers are also more susceptible to blocked ears on planes due to having smaller Eustachian tubes, which is why they can be more restless or upset when flying.

There’s also one thing you may be doing on the flight that makes it much more likely that your ears will become blocked on takeoff and/or landing.

Hannah adds: “Not a lot of people realise this, but sleeping during takeoff or landing can make it more difficult for your ears to adjust because you are less likely to consciously swallow or yawn.

“So if you’re someone who likes to try to fall asleep before you take the air, perhaps this is something to reconsider.”

If your ears do become blocked during the flight, however, Hannah warns against ‘popping’ them as this could potentially lead to complications such as a severe ear infection, eardrum rupture, or, in serious cases, permanent ear damage.

Instead, she recommends swallowing and/or yawning, but if that doesn’t help, she finishes: “Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of uncaffeinated drinks or water can really help as it encourages frequent swallowing.

“If you are struggling with congestion and worry about blocked ears, using a decongestant or nasal spray shortly before boarding and again before landing can help reduce congestion and aid in Eustachian tube function.”