Why are my ears still clogged after flying?


Why are my ears still clogged after flying? Fluid or mucus sometimes accumulates in the middle ear for a few days after the flight, which may make hearing rather dull for a while. This happens if the Eustachian tube is still blocked, and is more likely if you had a cold before flying.


Can you get permanent ear damage from flying?

Generally, airplane ear does not pose problems unless there is any structural damage in the middle ear. Rare complications may include permanent hearing loss and chronic tinnitus [6],[7].


How long do ears stay clogged after a flight?

Most of the time, the pressure should clear up a few hours after you're back on land, she says. If it lingers longer—into the following day, for example—you might have a buildup of fluid behind your ear that isn't ventilating properly. For that, you'll probably want to see a doctor.