Why can't you fly with a ruptured eardrum?
Why can't you fly with a ruptured eardrum? Frequent flyers will be well aware of how the changes in air pressure can affect your ears, especially during take-off and whilst landing. For some people, this change can be uncomfortable or even mildly painful. However, when you have a perforated eardrum, the hole in the eardrum itself is a help, not a hindrance.
Can your ears bleed from flying?
A sudden pressure change, like when you land in a plane or go scuba diving, pulls your eardrum in and causes feelings of stuffiness and pain. It can lead to injuries that doctors call barotrauma. If the change in pressure is severe, your eardrum can tear. Fluid or blood can leak from the ear.
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.
Can flying make ear pain worse?
During sudden ascend or descend of an aeroplane, ear cavity pressure is often decreased complemented by an increase in the cabin compared to the outside air pressure. In such a scenario, the unusual stretching of the eardrum or tympanic membrane may precipitate pain in the ear.
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.
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.