The ‘Hot Cup’ method, a unique trick to provide relief from ear pain during airplane travel, is going viral these days. A female passenger told how this hack of an air hostess gave her relief?
Sudden closure or popping of ears is a common problem during air travel, but sometimes it can also be extremely painful. Recently, Shelby Heiskell, a content creator based in Kentucky, shared her experience of how a simple trick by an air hostess instantly cured her ear pain.
Painful experience: ‘Feeled like bursting ears’
Shelby and her family were returning from California to Kentucky after celebrating Thanksgiving. During that time Shelby had a cold due to a viral infection. He told that at the time of landing, he suddenly started having pain in his ear and felt as if his ear would burst. This pain was unbearable.
Flight attendant suggested ‘hot cup’ method
He tried many common remedies like chewing gum, yawning and blowing by holding his nose, but nothing worked. During the flight, an air hostess saw his problem and asked what the problem was. When Shelby’s boyfriend explained the situation, the attendant suggested trying the ‘hot cup’ trick.
Immediate relief from ear pain
The attendant brought a warm and wet cloth in a disposable coffee cup and asked Shelby to place it on her ear. As soon as Shelby placed it on her ear, she felt instant relief. Although this remedy did not completely cure the temporary hearing problem, it did provide relief from pain and pressure.
Why does the ‘Hot Cup’ method work?
According to New York-based allergist Dr. Purvi Parikh, when altitude changes during flight, there is an imbalance in external and internal pressure, due to which the Eustachian Tube gets closed. This pressure causes pain. The steam from the hot cup helps open the Eustachian tube, thereby reducing pressure and pain. Dr. Parikh told that this method of taking steam works as a natural decongestant (means to open the nose).
Tried the solution in the second flight also
Shelby tried this trick on the next flight as well. This time the flight attendant used a hot napkin instead of a hot towel, but Shelby still felt relieved. Shelby has also shared the video on social media narrating her experience. Various types of reactions have come from users on this.
Many users gave their reactions
Many people described this as new information and also shared their suggestions. Some recommend taking decongestants or Sudafed and using sprays like Flonas 24 hours before the flight. Many flight attendants also said it is useful for children and infants. He said that small children can get relief by placing one cup each on both the ears.
In this way, the ‘hot cup’ method can prove to be an easy and effective solution for passengers suffering from ear pain during flights. Shelby has made millions of people aware by sharing this.
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