Why Children Cry on Flights: The Effect of Ear Pressure

Anyone who has boarded the plane has probably heard the sound of crying children. It is important to understand the causes of these tears, but they can be uncomfortable for parents and other passengers. The effects of ear pressure are one of the many factors that contribute to children's anxiety during flight. (Click for other factors) We will examine these topics in this article to make children cry and feel better when flying.

Pressure and Pain in the Ears

Discomfort caused by changes in air pressure is one of the main causes that cause children to cry during flight. The air pressure changes as the aircraft rises and descends, causing differences between the pressure inside the ear and the outside pressure. While the Eustachian tubes automatically equalize pressure in adults, they may have difficulty doing so in young children.

Children struggle to regulate pressures effectively because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and less developed. This can cause temporary hearing loss, earache, or a feeling of fullness. Since babies and young children are unable to verbally express their discomfort, they use crying as a means of communication.

Recommendations for Reducing Kids' Flight Discomfort

Ingestion: Encourage children to swallow, bite with a spoon, or suck on a pacifier or bottle during takeoff and landing. By triggering the Eustachian tubes, these actions help balance ear pressure.

Yawning: Encourage children to yawn, as it helps to open the Eustachian tubes, allowing the ear pressure to equalize.

Ear Protection: For older children, consider using ear protectors or special ear protectors designed for air travel to reduce the impact of noise and air pressure changes.

Offering a Drink or Snack: Providing a drink or snack can also promote swallowing, which can help relieve ear pressure and discomfort.

Understanding why children cry on flights is crucial for parents and caregivers to respond empathically and provide comfort to their children. Ear pressure changes and the restricted environment inside the aircraft are factors that contribute to children's discomfort during flight. By knowing these aspects and applying simple strategies to relieve ear pressure, parents can create a more enjoyable and comfortable flight experience for their children. With the right care and understanding, air travel can become a more enjoyable adventure for children and their families.

In addition, we must mention that it is useful for you to read our article Flight Guide with Children for Parents. Children's crying usually depends on a number of factors, such as it is caused by ear pressure. You can find out about these factors by reading in our article.