There's A Simple Trick That Could Stop Your Ears Hurting During Flights

A major pain many of us experience when flying revolves around our ears, which can't hack the change in air pressure that comes with soaring more than 30,000 feet into the air. Basically, there is a pocket of air in our inner ear that should be of the same pressure as the air around us. During a flight, the external pressure changes and it forces the air pocket against our ear drum, which causes the discomfort.

But a handy tip revealed by an Etihad 'flight nanny' could just spare you the ear ache.

She said: "When taking off, many children experience ear pain due to the increase in air pressure. Most parents think that ear plugs will solve the problem, but I recommend something else.

"Ask the flight attendant for some warm water (not too hot, not too cold), a tissue, and a cup. Place the wet tissue in the cup and then over the ear. The steam will relieve the pressure and soothe the pain. Happy children, happy flight!"

So there you have it, forget about the children and get yourself a warm tissue... though obviously if you have children on the flight with you, by all means get them one too.

It certainly seems worth a bash, given that if you're unfortunate your ears can be left popping annoyingly the day after you've landed; plus, you've got nothing better to do on board than watch Adam Sandler films.

If it works, you're welcome, if it doesn't, blame the 'flight nanny'... And if you're like me, and don't have children or money, then you've probably never heard of a flight nanny - they're basically employed on long-haul flights to offer parents a helping hand.

Other more well-known ways of easing ear pain on flights include sucking sweets during take off and landing, drinking water and yawning - which thankfully comes naturally when watching Adam Sandler films. Using a nasal spray pre-flight can also ease congestion and relieve symptoms.

Alternatively, you can just stay put and have a long, miserable ear ache-free year.