Do you suffer with painful ears when flying?

Why do my ears hurt whilst flying?
Our ear has three parts- the external ear, middle ear and inner ear. The external ear and middle ear are separated by the eardrum. Usually, the pressure on both sides of the drum is equal, helped by the opening and closing of the Eustachian tube. Pressure changes in the cabin of an aeroplane during climbing and landing. Middle ear pressure becomes negative, especially when landing. When negative pressure pulls on the eardrum, it can become painful.

What are other names of Barotrauma?
Barotrauma is also known as Barotitis media or aerotitis media.

What other symptoms can suggest Barotrauma?
The most common symptom is a painful ear. This can be associated with decreased hearing, tinnitus and mild vertigo. In some cases, if associated with severe dizziness, severe deafness and bleeding from the ear due to eardrum perforation, you need to see an Ear Nose Throat Consultant immediately.

Who are at increased risk of the painful ear when flying?
Babies and toddlers have a small and straight Eustachian tube, which can get blocked with the change of pressure. Children with glue ear can experience a painful ear. In adults, increased mucus or inflammation around the Eustachian tube can make you more susceptible to Barotrauma. If you have an ear infection, flu or hay fever, you should seek advice before air travel.

What can we do avoid painful ear while flying?
Giving something to drink to babies and toddlers when climbing and landing can help maintain pressure in the middle ear. In adults, try chewing sweets, talking, gently blowing air into the middle ear, using decongestants after discussing with a pharmacist or doctor is advisable, and avoid sleeping on an aeroplane when the plane is climbing or landing, as this can make your symptoms worse.

When should I seek help for painful ear due to Barotrauma?
If you notice mild symptoms which last more than a few weeks or severe painful ear associated with vertigo or deafness, you should seek review by an Ear Nose Throat surgeon.

If you are a frequent flyer, you can try Otovent balloon to help your symptoms.

In severe symptoms with deafness and vertigo, you may need emergency middle ear exploration to plug inner ear in order to prevent permanent deafness.

Will I need ear perforation repaired due to Barotrauma?
The good news is that most eardrum perforation will heal in approximately six to eight weeks.

What can be done to prevent painful ear and Barotrauma in frequent flyers?

After consultation with an ENT surgeon in some cases, ventilation tube (grommets) or Eustachian tube dilation may help.

Mr Gaurav Kumar

Consultant Ear Nose Throat Surgeon

To make an appointment

Call 07494914140

email info@entsurgeonclinic.co.uk

Website https://entsurgeonclinic.co.uk/

Book Your Appointment

Disclaimer: For general information only, always seek medical advice from your treating consultant

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