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If you have ever been on a plane, you may have felt a strange pressure in your ears, especially during takeoff and landing. This happens because of rapid changes in air pressure. Your ears have a small passage called the Eustachian tube, which helps balance the pressure between your middle ear and the outside world. When the pressure changes too quickly, the Eustachian tube may not be able to equalise it quickly enough, making your ears feel blocked, muffled, or uncomfortable.
Chewing gum is one of the most common tricks people use to stop their ears from getting blocked on a plane. Here is how it works;
When you chew gum, you produce more saliva, which makes you swallow more often. Swallowing is key because it helps open up the Eustachian tubes. When these tubes open, air can flow in and out, helping to equalise the pressure inside your ears with the outside air pressure. If you don’t swallow enough, the tubes may stay closed, causing the feeling of fullness or blockage in your ears.
Your jaw is connected to the muscles that help open the Eustachian tubes. When you move your jaw up and down, as you do when chewing gum, it gently massages these tubes and encourages them to open. Even if it is just mimicking the action without food or gum, moving the jaws alone can help ease ear pressure.
Sometimes, chewing gum can make you yawn, and yawning is one of the best ways to pop your ears. Yawning stretches and contracts the muscles around the Eustachian tubes, helping them open up quickly. This allows trapped air to escape or enter, balancing the pressure and relieving discomfort. If you feel your ears getting blocked mid-flight, try exaggerating a yawn while continuing to chew gum. It might provide instant relief.
Some people unknowingly hold their breath or tighten their jaw when they feel discomfort, which can make ear blockage worse. Chewing gum keeps your mouth and jaw in motion, making it less likely that you will tense up or forget to breathe normally. This can help your body naturally adjust to the pressure changes without added stress.
If your ears feel blocked, you might focus on the discomfort, which can make the sensation seem worse. Chewing gum gives you something to do, keeping your mind occupied while your ears gradually adjust to the pressure. This may especially be helpful for children who may not understand what is happening and feel anxious during takeoff and landing.
Chewing gum is a simple and effective way to help prevent ear blockage on a plane. However, it is not the only solution. While it works for many people, it may not be 100% effective for everyone. Some people have naturally narrower Eustachian tubes, making it harder to equalise pressure.
If it works for you, great. If not, you can try other methods like swallowing, yawning, or special manoeuvres. Keeping your ears clear makes your flight more comfortable and enjoyable, so don’t forget to pack some gum and a bottle of water when you fly.
We are a family of 4 - mother, father and two children. Our aim is to travel the world and review all travel opportunities to help other families.
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