Is It Safe to Fly With an Ear Infection?

When flying with an ear infection, it may be challenging to balance the pressure in your ears with the pressure inside the aircraft. As a result, you can experience a bilateral ear infection or an eardrum infection.

Let us give you some helpful tips on avoiding ear pain during flight and if it is safe to fly with an eardrum infection. 

What is an Ear Infection?

An ear infection, also known as otitis media, is an inflammation or infection of the middle ear. It typically occurs when fluid builds up behind the eardrum due to factors such as a viral or bacterial infection, allergies, or a blocked Eustachian tube. Ear infections can be painful and may cause symptoms such as earache, ear pressure, fever, drainage from the ear, hearing loss, and difficulty sleeping. Children are more prone to ear infections than adults due to their smaller Eustachian tubes.

Treatment for ear infections may involve antibiotics (for bacterial infections), pain relief medication, ear drops, and in some cases, drainage of fluid from the middle ear. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment of ear infections to prevent complications.

How does flying impact the ears?

Suppose you have an ear infection or another medical condition like tinnitus or balance impairment. In that case, being on an aircraft can influence your ears in a few ways that could cause complications.

The pressure inside the cabin is slightly different from what we are accustomed to in our daily lives, which is one of the major problems with air travel. With the exception of smaller airplanes and helicopters, most passenger aircraft are pressurized, but the air pressure inside is a little lower than typical. The air pressure surrounding your body decreases as the flight takes off. Your ears may experience issues since the middle ear contains little air.

Your middle ear’s air will be pressurized more than the air in the surrounding chamber. The Eustachian tube will consequently need to be used to discharge some of the air. Hence, your ears can pop while this takes place.

The pressure will alter again in the other direction as the plane descends. As the flight progresses, the cabin’s air pressure will rise until it surpasses that of your middle ear. Air must be sucked in through the Eustachian tube to restore pressure equality. 

Flying with an ear infection can be an uncomfortable and painful experience. Air travel can cause changes in air pressure, leading to air bubbles in the ear and even affecting the eardrum. When flying with an ear infection, the risk of experiencing ear pain or discomfort increases significantly. 

Flying with an ear infection

Flying with an ear infection can pose a significant challenge for individuals, particularly those with chronic ear infections or experiencing symptoms during travel. 

Flying with a sinus infection can worsen the symptoms and lead to further complications. Sinus infections can cause nasal congestion, which can block the Eustachian tubes, leading to pressure changes in the ears. The changes in pressure can cause bubbles on the eardrum, leading to pain and discomfort. It is commonly advised to avoid flying with a sinus infection until it clears up.

If you have a bilateral ear infection affecting both ears, it is best to avoid air travel altogether. Bilateral ear infections can cause severe pain and discomfort during flight and may lead to complications such as hearing loss. However, if you must fly, it is best to consult a doctor beforehand, who can prescribe medications or suggest other preventive measures.

How to avoid ear pain during flight

Ear pain during a flight can be a frustrating and uncomfortable experience for anyone, but it is particularly challenging for those with an eardrum infection. There are several strategies that you can use to avoid ear pain during a flight:

  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated before and during the flight. This can help to prevent the mucous membranes in the ears from drying out, which can cause pain and discomfort. 
  • Consider using special earplugs or pressure-regulating earplugs designed to help equalize the air pressure in your ears. These devices work by opening up the Eustachian tubes, allowing air to flow freely and preventing pressure build-up in the ears. 
  • Practice swallowing or yawning frequently during takeoff and landing, as this can help to regulate the pressure in your ears. 
  • Consider using decongestant medication before the flight, as this can help to reduce inflammation and open up the Eustachian tubes. By following these strategies, you can minimize the risk of ear pain during a flight and make your travel experience much more comfortable.
  •  Consult with a healthcare professional before using over-the-counter ear drops containing ingredients like benzocaine or hydrogen peroxide, as they may help relieve ear pain associated with inflammation or excess wax buildup.
  •  If your ear infection is severe or causing significant pain, consider postponing your flight until your symptoms improve to prevent further discomfort or complications.

Risk of Flying with an Infection

Flying with an ear infection presents risks due to changes in air pressure during ascent and descent. These risks include heightened pain, potential barotrauma leading to damage or rupture of the eardrum, delayed healing, and increased likelihood of complications such as middle ear infections.

Dr. Peter Baptista, a prominent ENT specialist, advises caution when considering flying with an ear infection. Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional before flying is crucial to assess the severity of the infection and determine the safest course of action. Delaying the flight until the ear infection has resolved may prevent further discomfort and complications.

When Should You Avoid Flying?

You should avoid flying, especially when dealing with an ear infection, in certain circumstances to prevent potential complications. ENT specialists like Dr. Peter Baptista advise avoiding flying if:

  1. You have a severe ear infection with intense pain or drainage from the ear.
  2. You have recently undergone ear surgery or procedures.
  3. You have a history of eardrum perforation or barotrauma.
  4. You have an upper respiratory tract infection or sinus congestion, which can exacerbate ear pressure issues during flight.

 

In these situations, flying can increase the risk of pain, barotrauma, and delays in healing. It’s essential to consult with an ENT specialist like Dr. Peter Baptista before flying with any ear-related concerns to ensure your safety and well-being.

Consult Dr. Peter Baptista before flying with an ear infection.

If you are looking for an expert in treating eardrum infections, Dr. Peter Baptista Jardin is one of the tops in the field of ENT. 

He uses unconventional methods to treat various ear, nose, and throat conditions. Dr. Peter Baptista uses a holistic, specialized treatment approach to ensure the best outcomes and has helped several patients with ear, nose, and throat conditions.

Book your appointment today!

FAQ

Flying with an ear infection can indeed be potentially dangerous and uncomfortable due to changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing. The condition, known as barotrauma, can exacerbate ear pain, pressure, and discomfort associated with the infection. Additionally, flying with an ear infection may increase the risk of complications such as eardrum rupture. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before flying with an ear infection to assess the severity of the condition and receive appropriate guidance and treatment. If necessary, they may recommend delaying travel until the infection has resolved to avoid potential complications.

To alleviate blocked ears after flying, especially if you have an ear infection, try the following:

  1. Yawning or swallowing: Chewing gum, sucking on candy, or swallowing repeatedly can help equalize the pressure in your ears and relieve blockage.
  2. Valsalva maneuver: Pinch your nostrils shut, close your mouth, and gently blow air out through your nose to open up the Eustachian tube and equalize pressure.
  3. Warm compress: Applying a warm, moist washcloth to the affected ear can help soothe discomfort and promote drainage of fluid.
  4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water before, during, and after the flight can help keep your Eustachian tubes clear and prevent blockage.
  5. Over-the-counter decongestants: If congestion is contributing to ear blockage, consider using over-the-counter decongestants or nasal sprays to relieve congestion and facilitate drainage. However, consult with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
  6. Avoid further pressure changes: Try to avoid activities that involve rapid changes in altitude or pressure, such as scuba diving or traveling to high altitudes, until your ears have fully recovered.

 

If these measures do not provide relief or if you experience persistent symptoms, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have a pre-existing ear infection, for further evaluation and treatment.

To pop your ears without pain while flying with an ear infection, try gentle methods like yawning, swallowing, or the Valsalva maneuver (pinching nose, blowing gently). Stay hydrated and avoid rapid altitude changes. If discomfort persists, consult Dr. Peter or a healthcare professional.



The duration after an ear infection before flying can vary depending on the severity of the infection and individual recovery. Generally, it’s advisable to wait until symptoms such as ear pain, pressure, or fluid drainage have resolved completely before flying with an ear infection. This ensures that your ears can equalize pressure effectively during takeoff and landing, minimizing discomfort or complications. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare professional like Dr. Peter for personalized advice on when it’s safe to fly after an ear infection.

If you’re experiencing ear pain, especially after flying with an ear infection, it could be due to changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing exacerbating the infection. This can cause increased pressure in the ear and discomfort. Additionally, the infection itself may be causing inflammation and irritation in the ear canal or middle ear, leading to pain. The sensation of ear popping when swallowing can also indicate difficulty equalizing pressure, which can contribute to pain. It’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional like Dr. Peter Baptista for a proper evaluation and treatment of your ear pain, especially if it persists or worsens.



 Dr Peter Baptista Jardin

European Board Certified ENT Doctor In Dubai

Dr. Peter Baptista Jardin is an ENT specialist with a special interest in treating sleep apnea. He is a revered expert in Spain for performing the first ever robotic transoral surgery in 2011, and the only series of hypoglossal nerve stimulation proved revolutionary for obstructive sleep apnea treatment worldwide. He currently serves as an ENT doctor in Dubai’s Al Zahra Hospital.