Ear infections are painful and disruptive, but what happens when you have one and need to travel? Should you postpone your trip? In this post, we’ll explore whether it’s safe to fly with an ear infection, and what to do if you can’t postpone your trip.
When you fly on an airplane, it’s not unusual to feel your ears blocked or clogged up. They may also continue to “pop” as the pressure inside the cabin changes during take-off and landing. Under normal circumstances, this is nothing to worry about. The discomfort quickly resolves when the pressure stabilizes, and your hearing returns to normal.
With an ear infection, the pressure on your ears can be much more problematic. They can lead to intense pain that could lead to an eardrum rupture.
Flying’s Effects on the Ears
Whether you love it or hate it, flying is something that most of us will do at some point in our lives. When you take to the skies, a lot happens inside the aircraft that affects your ears.
Pressure inside the cabin changes with the plane’s altitude. The most notable differences are during take-off and landing. When the plane departs, the pressure on the outside of your body drops, which means the pressure in your ears will be higher.
To release this pressure, air will pass through your ear’s Eustachian tubes. This results in the common ear popping many people report on aircrafts.
The pressure increases inside the plane’s cabin during landing. Air would have to be moved into the Eustachian tubes to restore balance, but this is harder to achieve because air would have to enter your ear rather than leave it. As a result, you might notice your ears feel clogged until you land and are on solid ground again.
The Risks
Flying with an ear infection can lead to intense pain and a ruptured eardrum. This is due to increased pressure from inflammation and fluid build-up within the middle ear. You might also have reduced hearing during the flight as your eardrum may be pushed inward by the pressure.
Flying with a clogged ear is uncomfortable, but it can also become painful for someone with an infection.
In the worst case, you could experience hearing damage from a rupture due to intense pressure exerted on the eardrum.
How to Prevent Problems When Flying With an Ear Infection
The best way to avoid any risks is to avoid flying until your symptoms resolve. With the right ear care, you can get personalized treatment that helps clear up your infection fast.
Most ear infections take between three to five days to heal, but some may last longer. After a course of antibiotics, you should be symptom-free within 10 to 14 days.
If you have to fly, one thing you can do is try sucking on a candy, holding your nose, and swallowing. Do not try to pop your ears yourself as this can cause severe pain and increase your risk of a ruptured eardrum.
Contact OAT Today!
At our Nashville ENT and allergy clinic, we help patients make the best choices for their health. If you’re experiencing any signs of an ear infection, reach out to us today! You can schedule an appointment online by completing this online form.
