A Kentucky mom, Shelby Heiskell, experienced excruciating ear pain during a flight descent while returning home from Thanksgiving. The pain, often called “airplane ear,” is caused by an imbalance in air pressure between the middle ear and the environment. This imbalance typically occurs during airplane ascents and descents, and Heiskell’s pre-existing viral congestion likely exacerbated the issue. Despite trying common remedies like chewing gum and yawning, the pain intensified to the point where she feared her eardrum would rupture. Desperate for relief, she buried her face in a pillow to avoid alarming her son and fellow passengers. A perceptive flight attendant noticed her distress and offered an unusual solution.
The flight attendant returned with a disposable coffee cup containing a steaming hot, damp washcloth. She instructed Heiskell to place the cup over her ear, a remedy unfamiliar to Heiskell. The effect was almost immediate, soothing the pain and relieving the intense pressure. While the hack didn’t resolve the temporary hearing loss she experienced, it provided significant comfort. Impressed by its effectiveness, Heiskell shared the experience on TikTok, where it quickly went viral, amassing millions of views. Many viewers, including other flight attendants, were surprised by the method, admitting they had never encountered it before.
On her subsequent flight, Heiskell’s ear was still plugged, prompting her to request the “hot cup” method again. This time, the flight attendants used napkins instead of a hot towel, but the remedy proved equally effective. Heiskell’s TikTok video sparked a flurry of comments, with many users sharing their own tips for managing ear pressure during flights. Common suggestions included taking decongestants before and after flying, using nasal sprays upon boarding, and trying specialized earplugs designed for air travel. Some flight attendants even chimed in, recommending the hot cup method for babies and toddlers, suggesting placing a cup over each ear.
The incident highlighted the prevalence of airplane ear and the need for effective remedies. Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist, explains that the pain arises from the Eustachian tube’s inability to equalize pressure due to blockages caused by allergies, infections, or other factors. Children are particularly susceptible due to their smaller Eustachian tubes. Dr. Parikh confirmed that the steam from the hot towel in the cup likely helped open Heiskell’s Eustachian tubes, providing relief. She compared it to inhaling steam through the nose, which achieves a similar effect.
While Dr. Parikh hadn’t encountered the specific “hot cup” method before, she regularly recommends steam as a decongestant for her patients. She also suggests traditional methods like swallowing, chewing gum, and opening and closing the jaw to help equalize ear pressure during flights. Dr. Parikh emphasizes the importance of addressing congestion before flying, particularly for those with colds, allergies, or other illnesses. Over-the-counter allergy medications and nasal sprays can help clear passages prior to boarding. Additionally, she recommends filtered earplugs as another tool to help equalize pressure, though they should be used in conjunction with yawning and swallowing.
In conclusion, Heiskell’s experience underscores the discomfort of airplane ear and the effectiveness of a simple, yet largely unknown, remedy. The viral TikTok video sparked a valuable conversation about managing ear pressure during flights, shedding light on various methods and highlighting the importance of proactive measures like addressing congestion before travel. While the “hot cup” method may not be a universally recognized solution, its effectiveness in Heiskell’s case, supported by Dr. Parikh’s explanation, suggests its potential as a valuable tool for alleviating airplane ear pain. The incident also emphasizes the role of observant and resourceful flight attendants in ensuring passenger comfort and well-being.
