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$Title{Ears, Altitude and Airplane Travel}
$Subject{flying painful ear discomfort air travel travelers American Academy
of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery treating disorders ears nose throat
pressure resource resources}
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Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


A Resource About Ears, Altitude and Airplane Travel


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     For many people, flying can be a frustrating and even painful event.  You
may be able to avoid ear discomfort during air travel, the most common medical
complaint of airplane travelers, if you heed tips from the American Academy of
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, an organization of over 8,500 physicians
who specialize in treating disorders of the ears, nose and throat, and related
areas of the head and neck. "If you pop your ears during air travel, you can
equalize the pressure in your ears," recommends Dr. Robert Schindler of the
Academy.  "To do this pinch your nostrils shut, take a mouthful of air and
with your mouth closed, using your cheek and throat muscles, force the air
into the back of your nose as if you were trying to blow your fingers of your
nose."  This takes a bit of practice, but try it a few times, until you feel a
pop in your ears, and the pressure feeling disappears.  You probably will need
to go through this procedure as your plane climbs to flying altitude and once
again as it descends for landing.  It may also be necessary to repeat the
maneuver a time or two after landing, until everything returns to normal.  If
you would like more information on ear pain and air travel, you will find it
in the Academy's leaflet "Ears, Altitude and Airplane Travel".  Its free for
the asking, by sending your request and a stamped self addressed business
sized envelope DIRECTLY to "EARS ALTITUDE", American Academy of
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 1101 Vermont Avenue, Suite 302,
Washington, DC 20005.  Many of your questions will be answered by this
informative publication.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.