When a passenger complains of ear discomfort, what is the first action recommended by the flight attendant?

When a passenger complains of ear discomfort, what is the first action recommended by the flight attendant?

• A. Tell passenger to yawn, chew or swallow; then perform Valsalva maneuver
• B. Immediately perform Valsalva maneuver
• C. Administer decongestant spray
• D. Advise the passenger to sleep

Answer: (A)

When cabin pressure changes, the middle ear needs air to balance the pressure, so the first step is to have the passenger yawn, chew, or swallow. These actions activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tube, allowing air to flow into the middle ear and relieve the discomfort. If the pressure isn’t equalized after that, a Valsalva maneuver can be used to actively push air through the tube, but it should be done gently: keep the mouth closed, pinch the nose, and blow softly as if you’re trying to inflate your ears. Decongestant sprays aren’t the immediate first action, and telling someone to sleep won’t help with the rapid pressure change.

When cabin pressure changes, the middle ear needs air to balance the pressure, so the first step is to have the passenger yawn, chew, or swallow. These actions activate the muscles that open the Eustachian tube, allowing air to flow into the middle ear and relieve the discomfort. If the pressure isn’t equalized after that, a Valsalva maneuver can be used to actively push air through the tube, but it should be done gently: keep the mouth closed, pinch the nose, and blow softly as if you’re trying to inflate your ears. Decongestant sprays aren’t the immediate first action, and telling someone to sleep won’t help with the rapid pressure change.