Is it painful to fly with a ruptured eardrum?

When you have a perforated eardrum, the air pressure in your middle ear can balance out more easily with the pressure of the surrounding air, as the air is able to pass through the hole. This means flying with a perforated eardrum may actually cause less discomfort than usual.



People Also Ask

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. Whenever there is continual, increased pressure on the eardrum, it can rupture.

MORE DETAILS

Try filtered earplugs. These earplugs slowly equalize the pressure against your eardrum during ascents and descents. You can purchase these at drugstores, airport gift shops or a hearing clinic. However, you'll still need to yawn and swallow to relieve pressure.

MORE DETAILS

Since travelling by plane can be very uncomfortable when you have an ear infection, it is best to avoid flying whenever you are feeling ill. It is especially important if the ear infection is making it harder to clear your ears as this means you are more likely to experience problems.

MORE DETAILS

° Earplugs can be used to alleviate the pressure and ease the pain. So can special techniques such as the Valsalva maneuver, yawning frequently and sucking on hard candy.

MORE DETAILS