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Experiencing "Airplane Ears" in my new A7

327 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  borasco18
Hi all, pretty new here, so I hope I'm explaining my challenge properly.. and thanks for your help.

I purchased a 2021 A7 TFSi 50 Hybrid Plugin two weeks ago.

I LOVE the car but since I started driving it I feel an unpleasant pressure in my ears (like the feeling you get when a plane you're on board is landing) once I shut the door and throughout the journey - to the point I end each drive with a slight headache.
When I open the windows and sunroof it's ok but it doesn't make sense to drive with open windows all the time.

Researching the topic I found a few possibilities to remediate the problem:
  • Switch the AC to circulation: tried that but it doesn't help.
  • Try cleaning/ replacing the AC filter: Did that - still didn't help.
  • Someone raised a possibility that the air-vents in the back of the vehicle may be blocked resulting in increased cabin pressure: Service center checked that and all openings are ok.

I'm thinking it may have to do with the soft-close mechanism of the doors creating some suction that reduces air pressure in the cabin.
Another option may be if an active noise canceling system is working in the car.

Did anybody else have this issue and can shed some light on possible solutions?

Much appreciated!
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if it were suction causing a problem on airplanes, that discomfort would occur on takeoff, not descent. The common denominator to me might be your Eustacean tubes... have you tried a valsalva maneuver? Google:
"What is a Valsalva maneuver? The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that can be used to unclog ears, restore heart rhythm or diagnose an autonomic nervous system (ANS). To perform the Valsalva maneuver, you should close your mouth, pinch your nose shut and press the air out like you are blowing up a balloon."

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if it were suction causing a problem on airplanes, that discomfort would occur on takeoff, not descent. The common denominator to me might be your Eustacean tubes... have you tried a valsalva maneuver? Google: "What is a Valsalva maneuver? The Valsalva maneuver is a breathing technique that can be used to unclog ears, restore heart rhythm or diagnose an autonomic nervous system (ANS). To perform the Valsalva maneuver, you should close your mouth, pinch your nose shut and press the air out like you are blowing up a balloon."
Thank you I tried that :) but didn’t help..
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