Can you fly with blocked Eustachian tubes?

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.



People Also Ask

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.

MORE DETAILS

They reduce pressure buildup in your ears and can ease your pain as the pilot takes the plane in for a landing. If you plan on travelling off for a sunny vacation this summer and suffer from ear pain on long flights, your hearing solutions experts in Calgary recommend you use airplane earplugs.

MORE DETAILS

Gently blow, as if blowing your nose, while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed. Repeat several times, especially during descent, to equalize the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin. Don't sleep during takeoffs and landings.

MORE DETAILS

Changes in air pressure during flying can cause ear-drum pain and perforation, vertigo, and hearing loss. It has been estimated that 10% of adults and 22% of children might have changes to the ear drum after a flight, although perforation is rare.

MORE DETAILS

If at all possible, it's best to avoid flying when you or your children have an ear infection or a sinus infection. These block the Eustachian tubes, placing additional pressure on the eardrum.

MORE DETAILS

The Best Decongestants for Eustachian Tube Dysfunction
  1. Saline Nasal Spray. Irrigating your nose and sinuses with saline spray is a great first line of defense against eustachian tube dysfunction. ...
  2. Topical Steroid Sprays. ...
  3. Topical Decongestant Sprays. ...
  4. Oral Decongestants. ...
  5. Antihistamines.


MORE DETAILS

Treat congestion before your trip
If you're congested from allergies or an upper respiratory infection, it's important to do what you can to resolve the congestion before you fly. Common treatments for congestion include antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal steroid sprays.

MORE DETAILS