Fortunately, there are ways through which you can relieve this discomfort. Proper ear care, natural remedies, and non-prescription options can provide relief during travel. Let’s discuss more about these means of ear pain reliefin detail.
Why is Proper Ear Care Important Before Travelling?
Proper ear care before travelling is essential to ensure a comfortable journey. Here are a few reasons why-
- Preventing Ear Infections- Keeping the ears clean and dry helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of ear infections such as swimmer’s ear.
- Maintaining Ear Health During Changes in Air Pressure- Changes in air pressure during flights or when travelling to high altitudes can cause discomfort or even pain in the ears due to unequal pressure between the inner and outer ear.
- Preventing Earwax Build-up- Accumulation of earwax can lead to hearing difficulties, discomfort, and even ear infections. Regular cleaning of the ears before travelling helps prevent excessive earwax build-up, ensuring optimal hearing during the journey.
- Minimising the Risk of Ear Barotrauma- Ear barotrauma occurs when there’s a sudden change in air pressure, causing damage to the eardrum or surrounding tissues. Proper ear care reduces the risk of experiencing barotrauma-related issues such as pain, hearing loss, or dizziness.
- Preventing Motion Sickness- For some people, discomfort in the ears can worsen symptoms of motion sickness during travel. Proper ear care helps minimise factors that contribute to motion sickness, improving the overall travel experience.
4 Natural Ear Pain Relief for Travel
Travelling, whether by air, land, or sea, can sometimes take a toll on our ears. While over-the-counter medications can provide relief, many travellers prefer natural remedies to reduce ear pain. Try these 4 natural earache remedies for travelling–
- Chewing Gum- Chewing gum helps equalise pressure in the ears by promoting swallowing and opening the Eustachian tubes. Opt for sugar-free gum to avoid dental issues.
- Yawning or Swallowing- Engaging in activities that involve swallowing, such as yawning or sipping water, can help relieve ear pressure and discomfort.
- Warm Compress- Applying a warm compress or cloth over the affected ear can soothe pain and promote relaxation of the ear muscles.
- Ear Massage- Gently massaging the outer ear and around the earlobe can stimulate blood flow and relieve tension, providing relief from ear pain.
Non-prescription Ear Pain Relief for Trips
In addition to natural remedies, there are non-prescription options available for ear pain relief during travel that you can pack before travelling-
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce ear pain and reduce inflammation.
- Ear Drops- Over-the-counter ear drops containing ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or olive oil can help soften earwax and relieve discomfort caused by blockages.
- Earplugs- Wearing earplugsduring flights or in noisy environments can help reduce exposure to loud noises and minimise ear discomfort.
Consider Ear Microsuction for Ear Pain Relief
If you experience ear pain during your travel, try the natural ways or the non-prescription options for ear pain relief.
However, if your pain continues, the reason might be earwax accumulation. Once you return from your trip, consider visiting Village Pharmacy for earwax removal through ear microsuction. Book an appointment with us today.
