Can flying with a sinus infection damage your ears?

The pressure changes that occur during this time cause rapid changes in the air pressure and balance of your ear, which can cause the condition. The condition can be triggered by the common cold, sinus infections, and ear infections, and in rare cases could lead to hearing loss or chronic tinnitus.



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Your middle ear connects to the back of your nose via the eustachian tube, which can become blocked by congestion, preventing pressure equalization. When you fly and the air pressure around you changes, the pressure within your blocked sinuses or ears stays the same, causing a great deal of pain.

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If your ears feel full and blocked or you keep getting the sensation that they aren't able to pop properly, then flying is probably going to make this worse. It is especially important for children to avoid flying with an ear infection as they are at higher risk due to having narrower Eustachian tubes.

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To ease discomfort, you can take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), or an analgesic pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).

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If possible, don't fly when you have a cold, a sinus infection, nasal congestion or an ear infection. If you've recently had ear surgery, talk to your doctor about when it's safe to travel. Use an over-the-counter nasal spray.

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A Doctor Gives 4 Tips for Flying With a Sinus Infection
  1. Topical Decongestants. Topical decongestants such as nasal steroid sprays can help relieve congestion almost immediately, and are available over the counter at any pharmacy. ...
  2. Systemic Decongestants. ...
  3. Gum, Snacks, and Beverages. ...
  4. Antibiotics (Sometimes)


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Try taking a decongestant or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine before you get on the airplane, particularly if you are suffering from a head cold or swollen sinuses. If you have high blood pressure or heart problems, you should not take decongestants without approval of your healthcare provider.

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With the right preparation, your in-flight experience can be allergy-free and clear for landing before you leave the ground. So, to help keep the friendly skies friendly, be sure to use your favorite FLONASE allergy relief nasal spray the morning of your flight.

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With a doctor's approval, adults can take a decongestant. “If it's a short flight, take it [the decongestant] before leaving,” House says. If it's a long flight, eight hours or so, you might take it an hour or so before the scheduled landing.

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Two common recommendations: 12-hour or 24-hour Sudafed or Afrin nasal spray. If you opt for the nasal spray, give yourself a spray 30 minutes before takeoff and again about 30 minutes prior to descent.

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Spray Afrin nasal decongestant spray twice into each nostril one hour prior to flying. Begin taking a decongestant, like Sudafed, one hour before the flight. Both of these medications can be purchased over-the-counter in a drug store.

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Avoid flying when sick The common cold and other upper respiratory tract infections that cause congestion and ear infection are risk factors for airplane ear. If a person can avoid traveling during this time, it may help prevent ear pain.

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