During a recent flight home, Kentucky mom and content creator Shelby Heiskell experienced severe ear pain during descent. Congestion from a recent illness exacerbated the discomfort, making the familiar popping sensation unbearable. In a TikTok video that quickly went viral, Heiskell described the pain as feeling like her eardrum would burst.
Traditional remedies like chewing gum and yawning provided no relief. Distressed, Heiskell buried her face in a pillow to avoid alarming her son. Noticing her discomfort, a flight attendant offered an unusual solution: a disposable coffee cup containing a steaming hot, damp washcloth. Instructed to place the cup over her ear, Heiskell experienced almost immediate relief, although her hearing remained temporarily impaired.
The flight attendant's simple trick, later attempted again on a connecting flight with napkins instead of a washcloth, proved effective both times. Heiskell shared the hack on TikTok, sparking a conversation with followers, many of whom were unfamiliar with this remedy. The comments section flooded with additional tips, including taking decongestants before and after flying, using nasal sprays during boarding, and trying specialized earplugs.
Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist with the Allergy & Asthma Network, explained the science behind the hack. Changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing cause an imbalance between the outer and middle ear. The Eustachian tube, connecting the ear, nose, and throat, typically opens to equalize this pressure, resulting in a popping sound. However, congestion can block the Eustachian tube, leading to pain. Children are particularly susceptible due to their smaller Eustachian tubes. The steam from the hot washcloth likely helped open the Eustachian tube, relieving the pressure.
While unfamiliar with this specific method, Dr. Parikh frequently recommends steam for decongestion and suggests swallowing, chewing gum, or moving the jaw to alleviate ear pressure during flights. She also advises addressing congestion before flying with over-the-counter medications or nasal sprays and using filtered earplugs.
