Hearing health

Ear infections and flying: Can it be dangerous?

Last updated on:

Reading time: 4 mins

Author: EarPros team

Flying with an ear infection isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be risky. Pressure changes during takeoff and landing can cause severe ear pain, dizziness, or even a ruptured eardrum, especially if the middle ear is inflamed. In this article, we’ll explore the risks, symptoms, and precautions to take if you must fly while dealing with an ear infection.

Can you fly with ear infection?

Flying with an ear infection is generally not recommended. The pressure changes during takeoff and landing can make it difficult for your ears to equalize, leading to intense pain, dizziness, or even a ruptured eardrum. This is especially risky if the Eustachian tubes are blocked due to inflammation or fluid buildup.
If flying is unavoidable, consult a healthcare provider beforehand. They may recommend decongestants, nasal sprays, or other strategies to reduce discomfort and minimize the risk of complications. Children are particularly vulnerable due to narrower Eustachian tubes.

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Flying with an ear infection

When you fly, altitude changes during takeoff and landing cause shifts in cabin pressure. Your ears rely on the Eustachian tubes to equalize this pressure. If these tubes are blocked—due to an ear infection, cold, or allergies—pressure builds up behind the eardrum, causing pain, muffled hearing, or even a ruptured eardrum.

Can flying with an ear infection be dangerous?

Yes, flying with an ear infection can be dangerous—especially if the infection affects the middle ear. The pressure changes during flight can significantly increase the risk of complications. If the Eustachian tubes are already inflamed or blocked, pressure cannot equalize properly, which may lead to:

Severe ear pain
Vertigo or dizziness
Temporary or permanent hearing loss
A ruptured eardrum, which may cause fluid or blood discharge.

Children are particularly vulnerable due to narrower Eustachian tubes. In some cases, even without an infection, up to 22% of children and 10% of adults may experience changes in their eardrum after flying.

If you or your child has an ear infection, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider before flying. In many cases, postponing travel until the infection clears is the safest option.

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The "airplane ear": What is a barotrauma?

Barotrauma is a condition caused by sudden or significant changes in air or water pressure that your body can't equalize quickly enough. The most common type is ear barotrauma, often experienced during air travel, especially during takeoff and landing.
In the ears, barotrauma occurs when the Eustachian tubes—which help balance pressure between your middle ear and the environment—are blocked or not functioning properly. This can lead to symptoms like:

A feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears
Ear pain
Muffled hearing
Dizziness or vertigo
In severe cases, a ruptured eardrum or fluid leakage

Barotrauma is more likely if you have a cold, sinus infection, allergies, or an existing ear infection, as these conditions can impair the Eustachian tubes' ability to regulate pressure.

Eardrum pain after flight

Eardrum pain after flying is typically caused by pressure imbalances that occur during takeoff and landing. The eardrum (tympanic membrane) is a delicate structure that vibrates in response to sound. It also plays a key role in equalizing pressure between the outer and middle ear via the Eustachian tube. When cabin pressure changes rapidly, especially if you're congested or have an ear infection, the Eustachian tube may not open properly. This prevents pressure from equalizing, causing the eardrum to stretch inward or outward. The result can be:

Sharp or throbbing pain
A sensation of fullness or blockage
Muffled hearing
In severe cases, a ruptured eardrum, which may cause fluid discharge or temporary hearing loss

If pain persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by hearing loss or discharge, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Vertigo after flying

Experiencing vertigo after a flight—a sensation of spinning, swaying, or imbalance—is not uncommon and can be particularly distressing, especially when complicated by an ear infection. During air travel, rapid changes in cabin pressure challenge the ear’s ability to equalize internal and external pressure. The Eustachian tubes, which help regulate this balance, may already be inflamed or blocked due to an infection. When this happens, pressure builds up and affects the vestibular system, the part of the inner ear responsible for balance. An ear infection can inflame or disrupt the fluid-filled structures of the inner ear, such as the labyrinth, leading to symptoms like:

Dizziness or spinning sensations
Nausea or vomiting
Difficulty maintaining balance
A feeling of disorientation or motion even after landing

In some cases, this may be linked to conditions like labyrinthitis or vestibular neuritis, which are inner ear infections that directly affect balance and spatial orientation.

Ear infection and flying: Adults and Infants

Flying with an ear infection can be uncomfortable and sometimes risky for both adults and infants. In adults, even with antibiotics, blocked Eustachian tubes can prevent pressure equalization, leading to pain, muffled hearing, or even eardrum rupture, especially during descent.. Infants are more vulnerable due to their narrower Eustachian tubes, which makes pressure regulation harder. This can result in intense ear pain, crying, and a higher risk of complications during flights.
If possible, delay flying until the infection clears. If travel is necessary, consult a doctor and consider:

Using decongestants (if age-appropriate)
Feeding infants during takeoff and landing
Using filtered earplugs for adults

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How to unclog ears after flying with a cold?

Flying with a cold can leave your ears feeling blocked or painful due to pressure buildup behind the eardrum. Here are safe and effective ways to relieve that clogged sensation:

Try the Valsalva Maneuver: Gently pinch your nose, close your mouth, and blow softly. This helps open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure. Avoid blowing too hard to prevent eardrum damage.
Use the Toynbee Maneuver: Pinch your nose and swallow or sip water. This activates throat muscles that help open the Eustachian tubes.
Apply a Warm Compress: Place a warm, damp cloth over the affected ear for 5–10 minutes. The heat can help loosen fluid and ease discomfort.
Inhale Steam: Lean over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head to trap steam. This can reduce nasal and ear congestion, making it easier for your ears to clear.
Use Decongestants: A nasal spray or oral decongestant may reduce swelling in the nasal passages and improve Eustachian tube function. Always consult a healthcare provider before use.
Check for Earwax Buildup: Sometimes clogged ears are due to excess wax. Over-the-counter ear drops or professional cleaning may help.

If your ears remain blocked for more than a few days or you experience pain, hearing loss, or discharge, consult a healthcare provider.

How to prevent ear pain on airplane

Ear pain during flights is a common issue, especially during takeoff and landing when cabin pressure changes rapidly. This pressure shift can affect the eardrum, causing discomfort or even sharp pain. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to help prevent this problem and make your flight more comfortable.

Consult a doctor before flying

If you have an ear infection, talk to your healthcare provider before flying to ensure it's safe. They may recommend taking medication or other measures to help manage your symptoms and prevent further complications.

Use the Valsalva Maneuver

Gently pinch your nose, close your mouth, and blow softly. This helps open the Eustachian tubes and equalize pressure in your ears. Do this during ascent and descent, but avoid forceful blowing, which can damage the eardrum.

Use Filtered Earplugs

Specialized earplugs are designed to slow the rate of pressure change in the ear, giving your body more time to adjust. They're especially helpful for frequent flyers or those prone to ear pain

Decongestant or nasal sprays before flying

Nasal sprays and decongestants can help alleviate the discomfort and pain caused by airplane ear. They work by opening up your Eustachian tube passages, which can equalize the pressure in your ears and prevent them from feeling blocked. Remember to consult your provider before choosing a decongestant or nasal spray to ensure it won't counteract with other medications you're taking.

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