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Airplane ear is stress on the eardrum that happens when the air pressure in the middle ear and the air pressure outside the ear are out of balance. Airplane ear might happen on an airplane that’s climbing after takeoff or going lower for a landing.
Airplane ear also is called ear barotrauma, barotitis media and aerotitis media.
Self-care steps, such as yawning, swallowing or chewing gum, usually can improve airplane ear symptoms. But a severe case of airplane ear might need medical help.
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