Can flying make a ruptured eardrum worse?

Can flying make a ruptured eardrum worse? So, can you fly with a perforated eardrum? You can indeed! While flying with a ruptured eardrum can cause some discomfort, there is no medical evidence to say that you would be likely to come to any serious harm. That being said, it is always best to consult a doctor and get the final go-ahead before flying.

How do you protect a ruptured eardrum on a plane?

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.

Can your eardrum burst on a plane with an ear infection?

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.

How bad is it to fly with an ear infection?

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.

Can flying make inner ear issues worse?

That said, many common ailments get worse when travelling at high altitudes. A headache, stomachache, or even an inner ear infection will likely feel worse up in the air due to changes in pressure, especially considering that an average flight is 10,000km up in the sky.

Can airplane ear damage your ear?

Introduction. 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 damage to the ear drum after a flight, although perforation is rare. Symptoms usually resolve spontaneously.

When should you not fly with ear problems?

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.