Flying with congested ears can be an unpleasant experience and, in certain situations, even a health hazard. Cold and allergy congestion or sinus infections may complicate your ears’ adaptation to changing pressure during a flight and cause you pain and further complications. Knowing how flying changes your ears and how to prevent it is the key to a safer and more comfortable flight.
How does flying affect your ears?
When you travel by air, the pressure in the cabin changes quickly, particularly at takeoff and landing. Your ears contain an inbuilt pressure regulation mechanism that involves the Eustachian tubes, which link the middle ear to the posterior part of the throat.
The tubes facilitate the balance of air pressure in your ear with the outside environment. But when you are stuffed up, mucus and swelling may obstruct the Eustachian tubes, which leads to inadequate pressure equalisation. This can lead to ear pain, transient hearing loss, or even more serious complications such as barotrauma.
Symptoms common to airplane ear
Airplane ear, or barotitis media, happens when there is an imbalance of pressure in the middle ear during a flight. Symptoms can include:
- Ear pain or discomfort, especially during takeoff and landing
- Feeling of fullness or blockage in the ear
- Muffled hearing or temporary loss of hearing
- Tinnitus or ringing in the ears
- Dizziness or slight vertigo
These symptoms usually clear up by themselves after landing, but in some instances, they may persist or get worse if the pressure imbalance is extreme.
Identifying the symptoms of ear barotrauma
Ear barotrauma is a more severe condition that happens when there is excessive pressure accumulation in the middle ear, causing harm or perforation in rare cases. It may be caused by extreme congestion, diving, or repeated air travel. Symptoms of ear barotrauma are:
- Severe pain in the ear that does not resolve after landing
- Recurrent hearing loss or feeling “underwater”
- Drainage from the ear, which can be a sign of eardrum rupture
- Recurrent dizziness or vertigo
If you have any of these symptoms following flying, it is important to seek medical care to avoid further complications.
How to avoid ear pain when flying
Dr Utpal Sarmah, MBBS, MS (ENT), Tezpur Medical College and Hospital, Assam, says, “Flying with congested ears or nasal congestion can be challenging. With proper precautions, we can minimise discomfort and ensure a safe journey. To reduce the risk of ear pain and barotrauma during flight, use the following techniques”:
Consult an Otorhinolaryngologist (ENT Specialist) before flying to assess the severity of the symptoms. If the symptoms are severe, the doctor may advise against flying or guide managing the condition.
In case a patient is suffering from an active bacterial or viral sinus infection, i.e. acute sinusitis, flying can increase the risk of transmission to fellow passengers.
In addition, flying with sinusitis can hurt the ears of the patient. Due to pressure changes within the middle ear while flying, it may lead to a condition called Barotrauma, and the patient may complain of severe pain in the ear. This happens because the Eustachian tube, i.e. the tube connecting the middle ear and the posterior-most part of the nose known as the nasopharynx, may get clogged with sinus discharge, which may impair its proper functioning.
Precautions before flying to prevent severe ear pain
Dr Sarmah recommends the use of nasal decongestant drops like xylometazoline, oxymetazoline, or saline drops before flying after a doctor’s consultation, which may help ease pain. Use oral decongestants. You may also use OTC Analgesics/ pain medications for relief.
Furthermore, chewing gum can help improve the function of the eustachian tube. You can also perform Valsalva by pinching the nose shut, closing the mouth, and blowing gently through the nose to equalise ear pressure.
Drink plenty of fluids during the flight to stay hydrated and thin out mucus. Stay awake during takeoff and landing. Swallowing or yawning during these times can help balance ear pressure.
Opt for a seat over the wing, as this area tends to experience less air pressure change. Avoid flying with severe symptoms. If you have severe sinus infection symptoms, such as facial pain, headaches, or difficulty breathing, consider postponing your flight.
Final thoughts
Flying when congested is not always unsafe, but it can be uncomfortable and cause issues such as barotrauma in bad situations. Preventive actions like the use of decongestants, hydration, and pressure-equalizing maneuvers can reduce ear pain and discomfort. If you are flying with congestion, talking to a doctor before traveling can make flying safer and more comfortable.
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