What is the correct sequence when addressing ear discomfort as described by FA?

What is the correct sequence when addressing ear discomfort as described by FA?

• A. Tell passenger to yawn, chew or swallow; then perform Valsalva maneuver
• B. Perform Valsalva first
• C. Give medication
• D. Ignore and continue

Answer: (A)

When passengers experience ear discomfort from pressure changes, the goal is to equalize the middle-ear pressure with the ambient pressure. Start with the least invasive approach: have them yawn, chew gum, or swallow. These actions trigger the muscles that open the Eustachian tube, allowing air to flow and pressure to equalize, which often relieves the discomfort. If that doesn’t help, the next step is the Valsalva maneuver. With the mouth closed and the nostrils pinched shut, they gently blow to raise the pressure in the nasopharynx and push air through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear, achieving the needed equalization. Medication isn’t part of this immediate sequence, and ignoring the symptoms isn’t appropriate. If pain persists or there are signs of potential barotrauma, seek medical evaluation.

When passengers experience ear discomfort from pressure changes, the goal is to equalize the middle-ear pressure with the ambient pressure. Start with the least invasive approach: have them yawn, chew gum, or swallow. These actions trigger the muscles that open the Eustachian tube, allowing air to flow and pressure to equalize, which often relieves the discomfort.

If that doesn’t help, the next step is the Valsalva maneuver. With the mouth closed and the nostrils pinched shut, they gently blow to raise the pressure in the nasopharynx and push air through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear, achieving the needed equalization.

Medication isn’t part of this immediate sequence, and ignoring the symptoms isn’t appropriate. If pain persists or there are signs of potential barotrauma, seek medical evaluation.