Hearing health

Flying with an ear infection: what to know before boarding

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Author: EarPros team

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Flying with an ear infection isn’t always straightforward. Whether you’re dealing with a middle or inner ear infection, an outer ear infection like otitis externa, or even a mild case, the common concern remains: "Is it safe to fly with an ear infection?" The answer depends on several factors — including the type of infection, its severity, and your overall health. Let's break it down and help you fly smarter and with less pain.

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Can you fly with an ear infection?

In most cases, it’s possible to fly with an ear infection, but it depends on the type and severity of the infection. While flying with a mild ear infection might not cause significant discomfort, flying with a middle or inner ear infection can be challenging due to changes in air pressure. This pressure difference can make the pain worse and even lead to further complications, especially if the infection is untreated. In some cases, an ear infection can develop or worsen during a flight, particularly if you're dealing with congestion and cold or inflammation.

Can flying with an ear infection be dangerous?

Flying with an ear infection can be risky, especially if the infection affects the middle or inner ear. Changes in cabin pressure during a flight can exacerbate pain and discomfort, potentially leading to more serious complications, such as eardrum rupture or hearing loss.

In some cases, untreated ear infections can worsen due to the pressure changes, making it harder for your body to equalize the pressure between the middle ear and the environment.

Flying with an ear infection while on antibiotics

Flying with an ear infection while on antibiotics requires careful consideration. While antibiotics can help treat the infection, they don't always prevent the discomfort caused by changes in cabin pressure. During a flight, the pressure changes can still lead to increased pain, muffled hearing, or even worsening symptoms, especially if the infection is affecting the middle or inner ear. While the antibiotics may reduce the infection, it’s important to keep in mind that the Eustachian tubes may still be blocked, making it harder for your body to equalize pressure.

Adults

Flying with an ear infection while on antibiotics can still be uncomfortable for adults. Even though the antibiotics help treat the infection, the blocked Eustachian tubes may prevent the proper equalization of pressure during a flight. This can lead to severe discomfort, especially during descent, and may increase the risk of further complications such as barotrauma.

It’s essential for adults to monitor symptoms closely and speak to a doctor before flying to ensure it’s safe to travel.

Children

Flying with an ear infection while on antibiotics can be especially challenging for a child. Kids may have a harder time coping with ear pain during a flight, and the inability to equalize pressure in the ears can cause additional discomfort. Even if the infection is being treated with antibiotics, the blocked Eustachian tubes can still lead to issues such as muffled hearing or increased ear pain.

Parents should consult with a pediatrician before flying, and consider rescheduling the flight if the child is still experiencing symptoms. In some cases, it may be safer for the child to avoid flying until the infection has cleared up.

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Flying after an ear infection

Flying after an ear infection requires some careful consideration. Even if you have completed your course of treatment, such as antibiotics, the effects of the infection can still longer. The primary concern is the Eustachian tubes, which help equalize pressure in the ears during a flight. If these tubes are still blocked or functioning poorly, changes in air pressure during a flight could cause discomfort or even worsen symptoms. It's essential to wait until the infection is fully cleared and your ears have healed before flying to avoid complications such as ear pain, hearing loss, or barotrauma.

How long after an ear infection can you fly?

The general recommendation is to wait until the ear infection has fully resolved before flying. This typically means waiting at least 1-2 weeks after finishing antibiotics or any prescribed treatment, depending on the severity of the infection. If you've had a middle or inner ear infection, it may take longer for your eustachian tubes to fully recover and function normally.

If you're planning to fly while dealing with an ear infection, it’s important to consult a doctor first to ensure it’s safe for you to travel and to assess the potential risks.

What happens if you fly with an ear infection: risks

According to NHS advice, flying with an ear infection can lead to several uncomfortable and potentially harmful consequences. The most significant risk arises from the changes in air pressure that occur during a flight. When you have an ear infection, particularly one affecting the middle or inner ear, your Eustachian tubes may be blocked or unable to properly equalize pressure. This can result in severe ear pain, fluid in ear, muffled hearing, and even temporary hearing loss, especially during takeoff and descent.

In more severe cases, the pressure imbalance can lead to barotrauma, which is damage to the ear structures due to unequal pressure. This could result in a ruptured eardrum or long-term hearing problems. Additionally, the infection may worsen during the flight due to the inability of the body to regulate ear pressure effectively, making it more difficult for the infection to heal properly.

If you're experiencing symptoms like intense pain or persistent discomfort, it’s crucial to avoid flying until you've fully recovered.

How long do airplane ears last?

Airplane ear, or ear barotrauma, typically lasts from a few minutes to a few hours after a flight. In most cases, the discomfort should resolve once the pressure in your ears equalizes. However, if airplane ear won't go away after a few hours or days, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider, as it could indicate an underlying problem that needs medical attention.

Tips on how to prevent earache when flying

Going on a plane with an ear infection can be challenging, but there are several strategies to minimize discomfort, prevent and stop earache, avoid ears popping on plane, and reduce the risks associated with pressure changes during your flight. Here’s how to fly with an ear infection guide:

Consult a doctor: before booking your flight, speak to your healthcare provider. If your ear infection is severe, they might recommend delaying your flight or suggest specific treatments to help alleviate symptoms.
Use decongestants: taking a decongestant before your flight can help open up your Eustachian tubes, allowing your body to equalize pressure more effectively. Make sure to follow your doctor’s advice regarding dosage, especially if you're on other medications.
Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water during your flight. Staying hydrated helps maintain healthy mucous membranes, which can reduce pressure and discomfort in your ears.
Chewing gum or swallowing: during takeoff and landing, chewing gum or swallowing frequently to help your ears pop. This action helps open the Eustachian tubes and equalizes the pressure inside your ears.
Earplugs or pressure-regulating earplugs: use earplugs designed for air travel. These earplugs can help regulate the pressure changes in the cabin and reduce discomfort, especially if you have a middle ear infection.
Avoid flying during severe symptoms: if you’re in significant pain or your ear infection is severe, consider postponing your flight. Flying with a blocked Eustachian tube or an active infection can lead to more serious complications, such as a ruptured eardrum.
Take pain relief: over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help ease discomfort during the flight. However, consult your doctor if you are unsure about which medications are safe to use alongside your infection treatment.
Keep your head elevated: if you are able to sleep during the flight, try to keep your head elevated with a neck pillow to reduce pressure on your ears.

By following these steps and taking precautions, you can make flying with an ear infection more manageable and reduce the risk of complications. Always seek medical advice to ensure that flying is safe for your specific condition.

Earplugs for flying with an ear infection

Using earplugs during a flight when you have an ear infection can help to reduce discomfort and protect your ears from the pressure changes that occur during takeoff and landing. Special pressure-regulating earplugs are designed to help with this issue, especially for those suffering from conditions like a middle or inner ear infection. Here's how earplugs can help:

Pressure regulation: pressure-regulating earplugs work by slowing down the rate at which cabin pressure changes affect your ears. This gradual adjustment can make it easier for your eustachian tubes (which equalize ear pressure) to adapt, reducing discomfort, pain, and the risk of barotrauma.
Relieving pain: if you're dealing with a painful ear infection, these earplugs can reduce the intense pain that often occurs during altitude changes. The pressure relief they provide helps prevent additional strain on the sensitive tissues of the ear.
Reducing risk of complications: by controlling pressure changes, earplugs can help prevent more serious complications, such as a ruptured eardrum or permanent hearing loss, which can occur if the pressure is not properly balanced in the ear during flight.
Types of earplugs: there are various types of earplugs designed for air travel. Some are made from soft foam, while others are made from silicone or have a special filter that regulates pressure. The most effective ones for flying with an ear infection are those specifically designed to help with pressure regulation, like the EarPlanes brand, which is popular among travelers.
Use alongside other measures: while earplugs can significantly improve comfort, it's still important to combine them with other strategies, such as chewing gum, swallowing, or using decongestants (if approved by your doctor), to further facilitate pressure equalization during your flight.

Earplugs are a useful tool, but they should be used in conjunction with other preventive measures for the best results.

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When you can't fly with an ear infection

Flying with an ear infection is generally safe for many people, but there are certain situations where it’s best to delay your travel until you've recovered. Here are some circumstances when you should avoid flying with an ear infection:

Severe pain or intense discomfort: if your ear infection is causing severe pain, significant discomfort, or intense pressure, flying may worsen the situation. The changes in cabin pressure during takeoff and landing can increase pain and lead to complications, such as a ruptured eardrum.
Blocked Eustachian tubes: the Eustachian tubes in your ears help equalize pressure. If they are blocked due to the infection, flying can make it difficult for your ears to adjust to the changing air pressure. This can lead to increased pain, temporary hearing loss, or even damage to your ear.
Active or untreated middle or inner ear onfections: if you have an active infection in the middle or inner ear (such as otitis media or labyrinthitis), it’s best to postpone flying. The pressure changes in the cabin can worsen the infection, increase inflammation, and possibly lead to more severe issues like a ruptured eardrum.
Recent surgery or injury to the ear: if you've had recent ear surgery, such as a tympanoplasty or a mastoidectomy, or if you have an injury to your ear, it’s advisable not to fly until you’ve fully recovered. Flying under these conditions can put excessive stress on the ear, increasing the risk of complications.
High risk of barotrauma: barotrauma occurs when the pressure in the ear cannot equalize properly, leading to pain, hearing loss, or even damage. If your ear infection makes it difficult for your Eustachian tubes to function, the risk of barotrauma increases, and it’s better to avoid flying until your infection has healed.
Fever or severe systemic symptoms: if you have a fever, dizziness, or other severe symptoms of illness alongside your ear infection, flying can worsen your overall condition. It's crucial to prioritize your health and wait until you're stable enough to travel.

FAQs about flying with an ear infection

Can a 1-year-old kid fly with an ear infection?

A 1-year-old can fly with an ear infection, but it’s important to be cautious. Babies’ Eustachian tubes are smaller and more horizontal than in adults, which makes it harder for them to equalize ear pressure — especially during takeoff and landing. If your child has a middle or inner ear infection, flying can be painful and may worsen symptoms.

Can flying with a cold cause ear infection?

Yes, flying with a cold can increase the risk of developing an ear infection — especially a middle ear infection (otitis media). When you have a cold, your nasal passages and Eustachian tubes can become congested and inflamed, making it difficult for your ears to equalize pressure during the rapid changes in cabin pressure that occur during takeoff and landing. This imbalance can lead to fluid build-up and increased pressure in the middle ear, creating an environment conducive to bacterial growth and infection.

Additionally, the discomfort and pain associated with these pressure changes can be significantly heightened if you already have an underlying ear infection or congestion.

Does travel insurance cover an ear infection?

Yes, travel insurance can cover an ear infection, but it depends on the specific policy and its terms. Most comprehensive travel insurance plans include coverage for unexpected medical issues that arise during a trip, including ear infections, as long as the condition wasn't pre-existing or known before travel. This typically covers doctor visits, prescribed medications, and sometimes even follow-up care.

However, if the ear infection was a known issue before departure, or if it’s related to a chronic condition, coverage may be limited or excluded.

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