A simple solution for pain, by gum

Regarding “Is Flying a Pain in the Ears? These Suggestions May Help” (Healthy Traveler, Jan. 26): I have always experienced problems on descent. On my first flight, as a 10-year-old traveling solo, I had no way of coping aside from screaming in pain. Flight attendants suggested yawning, but it was ineffective.

A simple remedy, omitted from the article, works for me: I chew gum from shortly before descent until landing. I also use the Valsalva maneuver as needed.

Julie Bixby

Huntington Beach