What is a safe first aid technique to relieve ear block due to pressure?

What is a safe first aid technique to relieve ear block due to pressure?

• A. Swallow, yawn, or chew
• B. Plug the ear with cotton
• C. Blow into the ear
• D. Massage the ear

Answer: (A)

The main idea is to equalize pressure in the middle ear by opening the Eustachian tubes. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing stimulates the muscles around these tubes, helping them open briefly so air can flow and balance the pressure. This relieves the sensation of ear blockage safely. Other options aren’t good choices. Plugging the ear with cotton can trap moisture and debris or push wax and infection deeper. Blowing into the ear can force air the wrong way and risk damaging the eardrum or inner ear. Massaging the ear doesn’t effectively open the Eustachian tubes and may irritate the area. If pressure persists or pain is severe, seek medical advice after landing.

The main idea is to equalize pressure in the middle ear by opening the Eustachian tubes. Swallowing, yawning, or chewing stimulates the muscles around these tubes, helping them open briefly so air can flow and balance the pressure. This relieves the sensation of ear blockage safely.

Other options aren’t good choices. Plugging the ear with cotton can trap moisture and debris or push wax and infection deeper. Blowing into the ear can force air the wrong way and risk damaging the eardrum or inner ear. Massaging the ear doesn’t effectively open the Eustachian tubes and may irritate the area. If pressure persists or pain is severe, seek medical advice after landing.