Why do my ears hurt anytime I am on a airplane?

Why do my ears hurt when I fly in an airplane?

• Answer:

  Ear pain often occurs when an airplane changes altitude rapidly when taking off or descending for landing. An imbalance of pressure in the middle ear or eardrum is the reason your ears hurt when flying in an airplane.CauseCauses of ear pain when flying include stretching of the ear drum, fluid build-up in the middle ear or the rupturing of your ear drum, according to the Mayo Clinic.SymptomsSymptoms of airplane-caused ear pain include ringing, discomfort, pressure and experiencing temporary hearing loss, according to the Mayo Clinic.Solution/PreventionCommon ways to prevent or lessen the symptoms of ear pain associated with flying include yawning, chewing gum, inserting filtered ear plugs and blowing through your nose with your mouth closed.ConsiderationsAirplane passengers who have a cold, sinus infection or allergies can experience increased symptoms of imbalanced ear pressure, and they may want to rearrange travel plans until they are healthy.WarningPeople who have symptoms lasting more than a few hours--or who experience bleeding from the ear--should consult a physician, according to the Mayo Clinic.Source:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/airplane-ear/DS00472