There is pain in the ears while traveling in the mountains in winter, what is the reason? How to get rid of it!

Last Updated:November 27, 2025, 14:31 IST

Pain During Mountain Traveling: Winter season has arrived. The temperature goes down to 9 degrees at night. Even in the mountains, temperatures are recorded in minus. In such weather, as soon as the moment of leisure arrives, people start moving towards the mountains. At present, there is a rush of tourists to hilly places like Shimla-Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital. But when going to the mountains in cold weather, one problem is also felt, that is, there is severe pain in the ears while traveling in a car. Let us know the reason behind this…

Nainital: As soon as the winter season starts, the number of tourists visiting the mountains increases. But, as the temperature drops, travelers have to face a common problem. This is the problem of severe pain in the ears while traveling in a car.

Doctors say that this pain occurs due to sudden change in weather, severe cold and difference in air pressure at altitude. While climbing hilly roads, the air pressure changes rapidly, due to which there is pressure on the eardrum and pain starts. Cold air shrinks the tubes inside the ears, making this problem worse.

When we talked to Dr Monica Kandpal, ENT surgeon of BD Pandey District Hospital, Nainital, Uttarakhand, she told that there is a balancing tube in the ear which maintains the balance between atmospheric pressure and middle ear pressure. This tube is called Eustachian tube. He said that while traveling in the mountains, there is a change in air pressure as the altitude increases. Also, if you have cold, cough, sinus problem or middle ear infection, then this tube gets swollen, due to which this tube gets blocked. This causes pressure behind the curtain and the curtain gets pulled. As soon as all this happens, severe pain is experienced and the ear gets clogged.

Ignoring it can be fatal
Dr. Monica says that ignoring this ear pain can be fatal. He said that blockage of Eustachian tube due to swelling can lead to accumulation of fluid behind the eardrum. Which puts more pressure on the eardrum. The situation may even come to the point of the curtain bursting. Doctors advise that if you are having ear pain once or twice then it is natural, but if the same problem is occurring again and again then you should definitely consult an ENT surgeon. You should get your ears checked.

Avoid pain like this
Doctor Monica tells that by adopting some measures one can be saved while traveling in the mountains. He told that to get relief from this pain during travelling, measures like chewing gum, cardamom, yawning or hot fomentation should be adopted. Placing a warm, moist cloth over the affected area of the ear can help reduce pain and swelling. Apart from this, you can take steam before leaving the house. It can be helpful in opening the passages of the nose and throat and reducing ear pressure.