If ear discomfort makes a ride on an airplane feel like a torture chamber, you're not alone-and not without help! Airplane ear refers to the pain and temporary hearing loss many travelers experience during and after flying. The pain is caused by the force due to unequal pressure between your middle ear and the cabin of an airplane. To maintain comfort, the Eustacian tube-a tiny, membrane-lined tube, which connects the back of the nose with the middle ear-needs to remain open to relieve pressure. Swallowing repeatedly activates the muscles that open the Eustacian tube. Gum or hard candy can keep you busy swallowing. Yawning might even work better! Having trouble faking a yawn? Pinch your nostrils and send air gently to the back of your nose. Hear a pop? That's the sound of success. If you're flying with a cold or suffer from chronic airplane ear, take a decongestant a half hour before takeoff. Even after landing, continue these pressure-equalizing techniques until you feel at ease on the ground once again and if symptoms resume in 2 days, see a doctor.